Why plastic really is that bad

We’ve heard it on the news, in our science classes, and Leonardo Dicaprio’s Instagram page relatively often. Ditch plastic, use paper. We’ve been learning to reduce, reuse, and recycle since elementary school and it feels like the obvious thing to do, but is it really that bad to stick to plastic?

First off let’s start with how plastic is actually made. The ingredient list is comprised of organic materials such as coal, natural gases, salt, and crude oil. They then add chemicals to these materials to create reactions that give plastic its shape and form. Some of these include  bisphenol A (BPA), which 93% of people had detectable amounts of in their system, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are flame-retardants added to furniture cushions, mattresses, and carpet pads.

These chemicals are often absorbed by humans and lead to hormone imbalances and health effects. We are often exposed to plastic debris through air, dust, water and food. However, humans aren’t the only ones who are affected. Sea turtles often confuse plastic on beaches for food, which is considered a factor in the species’ declining population. Birds that swoop down on oceans in search of fish, specifically the Laysan albatross, also are found to mistakenly consume plastic pieces. Once it is ingested, the plastic causes an obstruction of the digestive tracts and punctures internal organs. The shocking results of a recent study show that 98% of albatross were found to have debris of plastic in their bodies.

So what can we do to help? Well the easiest way to answer that is, ditch plastic! Some of the best ways to limit your plastic use is to take cloth bags with you to the grocery store (paper isn’t all that better for the environment, but I’ll save that for another post), avoid bottled water, and say ‘no’ to plastic utensils and straws. Although these all seem like simple and easy gestures, they make a huge difference.