On a global level, climate change is deeply rooted against marginalized and low income communities. The environmental impacts and lack of policy and regulation among those in positions of power emphasize the stark classist and racist divide that is an unintentional consequence of our collective struggle and actions. It’s no secret that the impacts of climate change involve immensely increasing poverty, suffering, and starvation. However, the gruesome implications of current governmental apathy across many influential political leaders is largely the driving force of this issue. Problematically, it is generally not the people of the nations that contribute most to global warming who bear the brute of its ramifications. When the United States pulls out the Paris Treaty while simultaneously disproportionately producing the most carbon emissions, it is largely not the American citizens who feel the effects of lack of climate cooperation. Rather, the world’s poorest who rely on many primitive agricultural processes are severely compromised by prospective droughts and low crop yields. The economic downturns correlated with such impacts have destructive aftermaths- negative coping mechanisms like pulling children (especially girls) out of school to save on fees link classist indifference with inadequate education and literacy. The failure of the Paris climate treaty is just one example of globally deteriorating unity. As countries fail to uphold their goals in emissions, we risk destroying the fragile equality we’ve worked so hard for-in race, socioeconomic status, and sex.

Radical change is defined by collective effort and consensus. It is imperative that we unite to prevent the destruction of our movements towards equal opportunity.

The Dark Narrative of International Climate Change Policy was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

So what sets Singapore apart?

The answer is pretty simple- the country has a long history of prioritizing hygiene and cleanliness, starting with the original prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who established the Keep Singapore clean campaign. The motivations for this idea were not purely hygienic- Lee Kuan Yew reasoned that reducing waste and litter would positively impact the economy as well.

How?

Littering and commercial waste creates havens for pests like rodents, cockroaches, and worst of all-mosquitos. By preventing the spread of diseases like malaria, the country has seen significant decreases in sickness rates and increases in life expectancy, simultaneously improving economic productivity. In line with these trends, Singapore has seen a tremendous increase in foreign direct investment and an influx of tourism.

All of these positive implications directly stem from a stricter stance on civilian pollution- and a reflection of the improvements our communities are capable of when we adhere to such policies. Singapore is known as the “fine city” for imposing such heavy punishments for littering, something with little consequence in many other countries. Despite this tough reputation, it is clear that these fines have worked- with a minimum payout of $217 dollars per littering offense, it is evident that the method involves using a hefty ramification to dissuade the behavior at its root.

Beyond littering, Singapore also bans durian (an incredibly sticky tropical fruit) on public metros, and fines behaviors like spitting and chewing gum in certain areas. All of this might seem a bit too harsh- but the effects are clear.

In Sentosa Island (about a half hour drive from the city center) lies a tourist haven- complete with gift shops, cable car rides and picturesque photo opportunities. Unlike the downtown and the central business district, Sentosa is ruled by tourists- and specifically during the Christmas season, it is even more pronounced.

Sentosa was the only place in Singapore I saw any littering at all.

This marks a crucial distinction between the Singaporean citizen and an international tourist- many of us are not accustomed to the fines, the consequences, and the attitude towards littering that Singaporeans have. They are taught from a young age to refrain from such activities, unlike the average westerner.

Obviously, advocating for huge fines and banning certain goods in public spaces may seem a little ridiculous- but it’s been incredibly effective in the cleanest city in the world. Fines aren’t the only takeaway from these observations, however- what is more important is early education of the impacts of behaviors like littering. When we foster a better understanding of conservation and resource protection from a young age, we build a brighter future.

Singapore’s Cleanliness at a Glance was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Habitat Loss and Deforestation:

Deforestation has become a major problem in Southeast Asia, which currently has the highest rate of deforestation in the world. Between 2000 and 2014, roughly 113,000 sq. miles of forest were lost. As the demand for timber increases, the lack of laws enforcing legal and sustainable logging practices poses an even greater threat to the orangutans. Since orangutans are dependent on trees the lack of them has forced the orangutans to move outside the forest. More than 50% of orangutans are found in areas under management by timber, palm oil, and mining industries. These areas are not protected.

Hunting and the Illegal Pet Trade:

Orangutans sometimes wander into agricultural areas, usually in search of food, when the forest can no longer provide the food they need. The orangutans are then killed by hunters in revenge for wrecking crops. Orangutans are large and slow animals, making them easy prey, to hunt down for food, too. Females are a popular target because the offspring can be kept as illegal pets. It was found, that for every orangutan imported to Taiwan, 3–5 additional animals died during the course of the importation. Though Taiwan is taking steps to combat the illegal pet trade, it still remains a significant problem in Indonesia. Unfortunately, orangutans are coveted “pets” around the world. In a study done by the UN Environment Program, about 6,000 great apes are killed each year with the intent of trading or keeping them as pets. It was also found that up to 70% of these apes were orangutans. There is a larger number of orangutans because they are forced closer to humans, as a result of deforestation. Thankfully there are some organizations working to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans, such as the International Animal Rescue.

Palm Oil Plantations:

Palm oil is in high demand by consumers across the globe. As a result, rain forests are cleared for the ever-growing palm oil plantations. Palm oil is a common vegetable oil, that can be found in a variety of products. 80% of palm oil comes from Indonesia, the home of the orangutan. After the forest is cleared, it is often burnt, leading to forest fires. The smoke from the fires confuses the orangutans and makes them vulnerable to death by starvation.

Why Orangutans Matter:

Orangutans are an umbrella species, which means that protecting orangutans indirectly protects other species. They also play an important role in seed dispersal, because of their fruit-dominating diet. Orangutans only produce one baby every 3–5 years. This makes them even more susceptible to population declines. Overall, orangutans are innocent animals, they do not deserve to be persecuted because of human actions.

GREEN ZINE contributors are volunteers amplifying their voices on environmental and social justice issues. Views expressed may or may not represent the voice, opinions, or policy stances of Greenpeace. Instead, writing on GREEN ZINE reflects the creative brains of individuals.

Orangutans: The Fight Against Extinction was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A Waste of Water:

The fashion industry is responsible for about 20% of global wastewater. The majority of this wastewater ends up back in the environment without being treated. This contributes to people using a source for drinking water tainted with harmful chemicals. Some of these chemicals include arsenic, lead, and mercury, which are used in the dyeing, printing, and finishing of textiles. Besides polluting drinking water, these fast fashion brands use more than 5,000 gallons of water to manufacture one low-quality t-shirt and a pair of jeans. To realize how much water is being used you also need to take into account that the fast fashion industry produces 1 billion garments a year. That’s math my smartphone calculator can’t even do.

Textiles to the Trash:

Water isn’t the only thing going to waste because of the fast fashion industry. According to the NPR ,15.1 million tons of textile waste was generated in 2013, and of that already gargantuan number, 12.8 million tons were discarded. A significant amount of this waste was made out of petrochemical-based materials, which are not biodegradable. They will sit in the landfill, slowly breaking down into tiny pieces called microfibers. These microfibers are actually minuscule bits of plastic. According to a report from the UK’s Environmental Audit Committee, at least 9.4 trillion of these microfibers could be released per week in the UK. They then end up in our oceans, where they are consumed by fish and other marine life. The scary thing is that the full effects of micro-plastics on our health and the environment are, for the most part, unknown.

Recycling is a Start:

Remember that 12.8 million tons of textile that ended up in the landfill? Well, according to SMART, up to 95% of that waste could have been recycled. Recycling the textiles helps eliminate some of the waste, but also saves water. 20,000 liters of water per kilogram of cotton could be saved by using recycled cotton. Though recycling is a step in the right direction, it is not the end-all, be-all solution to fast fashion. In fact, it would take us twelve years to recycle the amount of clothing that the fast fashion industry produces in a 48 hour period.

What We Can Do:

The fast fashion industry has many more problems than the ones I have highlighted. Never mind their giant-sized carbon footprint, they also participate in and enforce unethical practices. The only people who have the power to stop these fast fashion companies, is us, the consumers. Let’s face it, these companies are making 3 trillion dollars a year in profit. Unless they are suddenly feeling a guilty conscience, they are going to keep at it. That’s why as the consumer, it is our job to boycott these brands. It is up to us to demand fair wages, ethical practices, transparency, and sustainability. Otherwise, the fast fashion industry is going to destroy our planet.

This post was created by an amazing GREEN ZINE volunteer contributor, and opinions expressed may not represent the views of Greenpeace. If you are interested in volunteering as a GREEN ZINE contributor, visit this link.

Fast Fashion: Cheap Clothing with Expensive Consequences was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It seems fitting that icon and activist Jane Fonda would be the individual to start a new wave of protests, this time to combat the harsh realities of global climate change. Fonda is inspired by Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg, who’s name, at a young age, has become renowned for all the right reasons. Fonda tackled her self-proclaimed depression because of the state of the environment in the way that has always seemed to combat issues needing immediate attention: by mobilizing the people in civil disobedience.

So on January 3, 2020, my 33rd birthday, I decided to make the trip to Washington D.C. with a friend and colleague to stand with so many others under the unification of protest at Fire Drill Friday. I had been to a Friday protest earlier in December and was so moved that I knew that I needed to make my way back. As a high school teacher, I know that there is a great need to instill in students the desire to be engaged in the world around them and the issues facing our global society. So, what better opportunity to practice what I teach.

What became so clear over the past 4 months of listening to speakers via live-stream and in-person each Friday, and the preceding Thursday Teach-Ins, is that the climate issue is complex. Each week, a different aspect of the climate crisis was discussed, complete with experts in the field, ranging from public health and jobs to deforestation and food justice.

The January 3rd edition focused on the holding fossil fuel companies accountable, which is akin to the underdog eliminating the giant. The politics are steeped in connections between policy makers and the fossil fuel industry. However, Fonda opened the demonstration by stating, “When it comes to tackling climate change, US politicians have rarely talked about keeping fossil fuels in the ground. Until now.” As if on cue, the crowd erupted. Each speaker who followed shared personal and moving accounts of how the climate crisis has affected them and the groups whom they represent. Director and activist Josh Fox reiterated the message that was woven through each speech: “we must mobilize.”

The scientists from these very fossil fuel companies knew more than 30 years ago that the burning fossil fuels, drilling, and fracking placed the global atmosphere on a collision course for destruction. However, they remained silent. So now the global community has been forced to shout. Week in and out, Fonda and other speakers, including lawyers, teachers, bus drivers, actors, and leaders of indigenous people, pulled off what seems impossible in today’s world: hope for progress.

Even as I type this Australia is burning; millions of acres have been destroyed along with half a billion wildlife and the displacement of countless Australians. The United States alone has been rocked by record setting hurricanes. Typhoons have ripped through Asian island nations. The continent of Africa has been ravaged by drought and the climate refugee crisis is just beginning. The evidence is everywhere. This is not an issue that can be divided because of politics, gender, culture, or religion. Unity is the only way to give the planet and its inhabitants a chance.

As the ball dropped on January 1 to mark a new decade, the magnitude of the progress that has to be made in the next 10 years is daunting. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a report two years ago that stated carbon dioxide emissions need to be drastically reduced in order to keep global warming from reaching above 1.5 degrees Celsius. There is no longer time for moderation. Measures have to be taken to stop all new fossil fuel drilling and move toward renewable energy sources, while supporting current coal and other fossil fuel workers as they transition into clean energy jobs. Simply put, we need to support the Green New Deal.

The mantra of Fire Drill Fridays is clear: Vote. Speak. Act. As the rally cry goes, the oceans are rising and so are we!

GREEN ZINE contributors are volunteers amplifying their voices on environmental and social justice issues. Views expressed may or may not represent the voice, opinions, or policy stances of Greenpeace. Instead, writing on GREEN ZINE reflects the creative brains of individuals.

Jane Fonda & Fire Drill Fridays: Engaging in Peaceful Protest was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Fortunately, the proposition is closer to reality than it may seem. Harbour Air, a regional Canadian Airline based in Vancouver, recently embarked on the first ever all-electric flight of a commercial aircraft (Irfan 19). Innovations like these are increasingly important in the global community- as emissions increase worldwide, cutting back on combustible engines can in many ways limit the impact of transportation on climate change.

Among many developed countries like the United States and Canada, transportation remains a large contributor to total emissions. This is harrowing evidence, as growing demands for air travel and airlines’ dependency on non-renewables makes for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s frightening forecast- by 2050 airline emissions could grow by a further 300–700%.

Electrical air travel, problematically, remains a stark logistical challenge. While Harbour Air’s four-minute flight is an exciting representation of what the future of air travel could be, it is not a reflection of what current technologies can do for commercial air travel. Furthermore, aviation regulations which mandate the sky are specifically fit for conventional aircraft running on fossil fuels (Irfan 19). There’s also the problem of battery capacity- all of Harbour Air’s routes are within 30 minutes in length.

Climate change is a crisis- and our constant reliance on dirty energies to travel isn’t making anything better. Although controversial, many environmental advocates suggest cutting out air travel altogether. For example, 16-year-old Greta Thunberg put us all to shame after taking a 2-week, zero-emission boat ride across the Atlantic for her New-York conferences.

Obviously, removing air travel from our globalized world is practically impossible- but role models like Thunberg exemplify what we can do for our planet. If air travel is too important, try carpooling, taking public transport, or riding a bike- simple measures to cut emissions on a local level have clear implications as well.

Global emissions are still growing, and current international climate policy is far off course from meeting the goals set up by the Paris agreement. While removing emissions in things like agriculture and infrastructure require more governmental intervention and have greater effects on the economy, transportation is something that everyone plays a role in, and that everyone is responsible for.

Sources:

European Union. “Reducing Emissions from Aviation.” Climate Action — European Commission, 16 Feb. 2017, ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/aviation_en.

Irfan, Umair. “Aircraft Fuel Is Notoriously Dirty. This Airline Is Betting on Clean Electricity.” Vox, Vox, 18 Dec. 2019, www.vox.com/2019/5/14/18535971/electric-airplane-aircraft-aviation-clean-energy.

Image Rights: Business Insider

GREEN ZINE contributors are volunteers amplifying their voices on environmental and social justice issues. Views expressed may or may not represent the voice, opinions, or policy stances of Greenpeace. Instead, writing on GREEN ZINE reflects the creative brains of individuals.

Clean Energy in the Air was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Single Use Plastics are Altering the Fate of Our Planet

A miraculous product — versatile, durable, and commonplace — plastic is a new plague on Earth. Not all plastic is bad. Various things composed of plastic including medical supplies, car airbags, and bike helmets, assist in saving lives. Most of the plastic we use is single use: grocery bags, straws, bottles, packaging, and wrappers. The acceleration in plastic production has created 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic- consisting of 40 percent single use plastic. Single-use plastics create a problem for animals, human health, and the environment, so people need to take action to reduce their use of plastic.

Plastics are made to last forever

Plastic forms through “chemically bonding oil and gas molecules to create monomers which bond into large polymer chains” to manufacture millions of pellets. The pellets are melted and reformed to create objects with this resilient material known as plastic. After using single use plastic items, we discard them. The plastic can end up in numerous places, including in landfills, and in the ocean. When rainwater flows through landfill waste, the water absorbs the water soluble contents from the plastic, which is highly toxic. Known as leachate, “toxic water can move into groundwater, soil, and streams, poisoning water sources, harming wildlife.”

The Impact on Marine Life

Scientists predict that approximately 8.8 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean every year. Littered plastic blown into sources of water like rivers and creeks, eventually make their way to the ocean. “Eighteen billion pounds of plastic-waste flows into oceans every year from coastal regions; that’s about 5 grocery bags of plastic trash sitting on every foot of coastline around the world.” Vast vortexes in the ocean collect massive amounts of plastic: The Great Pacific gyre, The North Atlantic gyre, The South Pacific gyre, The Indian Ocean gyre. Plastic, unlike other types of trash, cannot decompose; it remains in the ocean entangling animals and many species often mistake it for food. Without action to minimize plastic usage, oceans will contain more plastic than fish in tonnes by mid century. Marine animals like whales, dolphins, and seals get strangled with deadly fishing nets, and plastic packaging. “Forty percent of plastic produced is used for packaging- a single use plastic.”

Over 100 species of aquatic animals consume microplastics. Plastic ingested by animals gives them a false feeling of being full, prompting death by starvation. In some cases, small pieces of plastic cannot pass through the digestive system of aquatic animals, blocking digestive tracts, piercing organs, and causing fatal injuries that may lead to death. Damage to the liver and reproduction system leads to a decline in the species population.

Microplastics and Health

Most plastics are not biodegradable; they break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics. Similar to the toxic water known as leachate, microplastics are detrimental to human and wildlife health. Microplastics and toxic chemicals are often consumed indirectly. Fish consume microplastics, and humans consume fish, likely transferring the toxic microplastic ingested by the fish into the human body. Scientists have found toxic chemicals from plastic in our blood and tissue, causing a plethora of health issues including cancer, birth defects, impaired immunity, and other medical ailments.

Recycling

You might think why don’t we just recycle it? It’s not so simple. Plastic production has rapidly increased; the recycling system is unprepared for the large amount of plastic. “Difficult to recycle and biodegrade, plastic takes longer than 400 years to decompose.” Limitations to recycling prevents many types of plastic from being recycled. As a result, many plastic objects end up in landfills. The types of plastic that can be recycled are limited, and not all products can be made using recycled plastic. Often, already recycled plastic cannot, or does not get recycled again. “Less than a fifth of all plastic is recycled globally, and the United States only recycles nine percent of its plastic trash.” We are responsible for the plastic on the planet: take action and reduce plastic use.

What Can You Do?

• Here are some ways to reduce single use plastic pollution:
• Avoid and Eliminate The Use of Straws.
• Use a Water Fountain, and Reusable Bottles Instead of Plastic Ones.
• Shop with Recyclable Bags.
• Pack Your Lunch and Snacks in Reusable Containers.
• Eat Fruit as a Snack (it’s already pre-packaged in its skin, and its compostable)
• Don’t use products with microbeads like hand-sanitizers, toothpastes, and face washes.
• Don’t Litter and Pick Up Trash.

Sources, and Further Reading

01, November. “Why Is Plastic Harmful?” Plastic Pollution Coalition. Accessed October 31, 2019. https://plasticpollutioncoalition.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/222813127-Why-is-plastic-harmful-.

Carey, Rich. “Plastic Pollution.” Kids’ Games, Animals, Photos, Stories, and More, July 16, 2019. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/kids-vs-plastic/pollution/.

Dufour, Fred. “A Whopping 91% of Plastic Isn’t Recycled.” National Geographic, December 20, 2018. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/.

Parker, Laura, and Jason Treat. “Fast Facts about Plastic Pollution.” National Geographic, December 20, 2018. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/05/plastics-facts-infographics-ocean-pollution/#close.

Parker, Laura. “The World’s Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained.” Plastic pollution facts and information, June 7, 2019. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/plastic-pollution/.

“What Really Happens to the Plastic You Throw Away — Emma Bryce.” TED. TED-Ed. Accessed October 31, 2019. https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-really-happens-to-the-plastic-you-throw-away-emma-bryce#review.

GREEN ZINE contributors are volunteers amplifying their voices on environmental and social justice issues. Views expressed may or may not represent the voice, opinions, or policy stances of Greenpeace. Instead, writing on GREEN ZINE reflects the creative brains of individuals.

Life Saving Substance or Devastating Debacle? was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Is it laziness? Apathy? Ignorance? Disorganization? Maybe it’s a combination of it all.

Recycling non-recyclables seems to be counterintuitive. However, looking into our daily throw-aways may lead to damning evidence of our intrinsic cluelessness of what is meant to be thrown into the sacred blue bin. A disposable coffee cup? A take out container? Plastic straws and bags? Many of these items seem recyclable- yet tossing these one-use items into a recycling bin can cause nightmares for sorting facilities.

A quarter of all recycling is contaminated-and even more incriminating- the fact that those who consider themselves “environmentally conscious” mistake their recycling up to 44% of the time (National Waste and Recycling Association). It is daunting to think that our diligence to sort out our waste, our aspirations to be earth-friendly, and our hope and concern for our lifestyle’s impact can be entirely counterproductive.

The core of this issue comes from misinformation, and ultimately, vague policy and legislation. In some counties, you can recycle a pizza box. In neighboring ones, pizza boxes contaminate the entire load. It’s easy to blame the government for recycling failures- we are inherently uneducated. In grade school, you knew the three items you could recycle- paper, plastic, and glass. Were we expected to know that straws from our water cups and plastic wrapping from the grocery store didn’t apply to this seemingly simple rule?

It’s important not to take the easy way out. For us to truly create an impact through our recycling, we shouldn’t put policymakers in sole accountability. Get educated- make recycling a family activity. Check your local recycling rules. Work hard to uphold these requirements.

Maybe in the future, the Mobius Loop so synonymous with recycling will stand for more than just the cliché “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Something more representative of the potential of our efforts.

Responsibility. Policy. Impact.

Recycling Bins was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s possible to reduce your environmental impact without doing a whole lifestyle overhaul. Here, in no particular order, are 19 simple ways to do your part:

1. Carry a reusable water bottle and/or coffee mug — extra points if it’s made from something other than plastic. Avoid buying beverages in single-use containers, especially plastic ones. Mug options here, bottles here.

2. Take the stairs if you are able — elevators and escalators use a lot of energy, and if we stop using them, maybe developers will stop installing so many of them. Let’s not forget the stairs are better for you, too!

3. Take public transit and/or carpool — sacrifice a little bit of convenience to save the planet.

4. Ride your bike, walk, skate, etc.; less automobile use is better for your body, your wallet, and Mother Earth.

5. Subscribe to paperless billing, and opt for the digital receipt when offered.

6. Unsubscribe from that magazine or newspaper you rarely end up reading.

7. Be mindful of your phantom electrical load — unplug electronics when they aren’t in use; electricity is drawn from the outlets even when electronics are switched off.

8. Next time you go toothbrush shopping, buy one made from bamboo or another sustainable material. For more information on sustainable toothbrush options, check this out.

9. Turn the lights, TVs, radios, etc., off when you leave the room.

10. When your light bulbs need replacing, buy more efficient ones.

11. Don’t run the water the whole time you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth; turn it on and off as needed.

12. Don’t use provided dog poop bags; if possible, bring an already-once-used plastic bag from home instead (as many of us have a stockpile of these). Using the provided doggy bags only encourages the production of more single-use plastic.

13. Shop with reusable bags — and petition your local government to ban single-use plastic bags.

14. Refuse single-use plastic straws — carry a reusable one made from a sustainable material, or ditch straws altogether. For some sustainable straw options click here.

15. Refuse plastic utensils — keep regular reusable utensils in your desk, purse, or glove box.

16. When your server offers you a to-go box at the end of your meal, ask “What’s it made from?” — refuse to take styrofoam containers, and ask your server to bring you some aluminum foil to wrap your food; recycle the foil after use.

17. Opt for purchasing items in sustainable packaging when possible. Better yet, shop in bulk and at farmers’ markets, using canvas totes and mason jars or other reusable containers, avoiding single-use packaging entirely.

18. Stop supporting fast fashion — shop at thrift stores, buying used goods, and opt for purchasing durable, sustainably produced items over cheap, poorly constructed items made in sweatshops by underpaid laborers.

19. Eat less meat, especially beef. The beef industry uses ten times more resources than poultry, dairy, eggs or pork, according to this article by Smithsonian Magazine.

Starting with small steps like these, we can each make a difference in the fate of this planet — she’s the only one we’ve got, after all.

This post was created by an amazing GREEN ZINE volunteer contributor, and opinions expressed may not represent the views of Greenpeace. If you are interested in volunteering as a GREEN ZINE contributor, visit this link.

19 Simple Ways to Live Greener was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Humans are intertwined with plastic. Our food is packaged in plastic, we rely on plastic as a means to keep items fresh and contained, plastic runs in our clothes and necessities. Plastic even runs in our food system — taking on the form of microplastics. One walk around a grocery store and you will find yourself surrounded by plastic. We have only begun to rely on plastic in the past few years as the economy has pushed us into a corner of ‘constant consuming’ as a means of greater profit. The truth is: plastic is far from a necessity as food, water, and shelter are. Plastics were only created as a material to “protect our natural world from the destructive forces of human need” as stated in The History and Future of Plastics. We have created a material that has only done more harm than the good it was supposed to do. Science has constantly pointed to our reliance on plastic severely damaging our environment through carbon emissions and the swarming of plastic in our oceans that will not decompose for hundreds of years. Now, you may be wondering, how can we break from this systemic control plastic has on our lives?

Breaking from something we have relied on for years will not be easy, especially with many big corporations and government’s not taking the necessary actions. However, humans are able to adapt and change, as it has been conveyed time and time again in our history. In the 1900’s, milk used to be put in glass bottles, but nowadays they are sold in plastic jugs. We once did not rely on plastics, and it is not too late to return to that ideal. For example, instead of buying olive oil in a plastic jug that is very hard to recycle, swap it out for olive oil that comes in glass bottles that can be recycled endlessly. The fact of the matter is that refusing single use plastics is up to how far humans are willing to go for their environment — all in order to spark change in our manufatcuraing and packaging.

Single use plastics are defined as “disposable plastics used only once before they are thrown away or recycled.” Think of plastic straws, water bottles, produce bags. Many of those things, as one would think, could be recycable. However, almost none of our recycling ever gets recycled and is instead dumped into landfills where it will spend hundreds of years. Likewise, some plastics cannot even be recycled meaning that, in all, we are flooding our lands with materials that could be used again, right? No, because whereas glass and aluminum can be recycled endlessly (mostly because of the profit made off of those materials), plastic can only be recycled a few times before it is deemed worthless. This may seem disheartening to many, but I will provide some tips to lessen your plastic waste — especially single use plastic waste.

Try to lean towards materials packaged in cardboard, glass, and aluminum instead of plastic:

As stated previously, those materials are more likely to be recycled than plastic. Switching to cardboard, glass, and aluminum will lead to less trash in our environment and a more sustainable recycling regime.

Use something reusable instead of a plastic:

This could be anything from using your own cup and straw, bringing your own containers to put leftovers in when out to eat, or using reusable shopping and produce bags. These plastics do not leave our earth for years and they only continue to contaminate our planet and the animals on it. By switching to reusables, one can guarantee they will be keeping single use plastics out of our landfills.

If possible, try making DIY beauty and cleaning products instead of buying ones in plastic:

Making beauty products and cleaning products homemade is great because not only are you not using plastic, but it also guarantees you know exactly what is going into your products. There’s also shampoo/conditoner bars and soap bars which can be package free or packaged in cardboard.

If possible, switch out those paper towels, plates, and tissues:

These are often only used once and never thought of again. Buying more cloth napkins, dishes, and reusable hankies are an environmentally friendly option that will result in a more single use plastic free environment.

For women, think about switching to reusable feminine products or a menstrual cup:

Feminine products are single use and end up in landfills. Switching to something that can be reused for a prolonged period of time is ideal as it will lead to less waste in your lives.

I understand some of these may not be attainable for some, but it is all about what one can do to strike a systemic change. By refusing single use plastics in any way we are stating that we want to lean away from plastics and move in a more sustainable direction.

For more information on single use plastics and the beginning and future of plastics, I recommend watching Rebecca Altman’s “The Legacy of Plastic.” This is a very empowering TED Talk on our reliance on plastics, but our ability to change and create a better future for the generations to come.

This post was created by an amazing GREEN ZINE volunteer contributor, and opinions expressed may not represent the views of Greenpeace. If you are interested in volunteering as a GREEN ZINE contributor, visit this link.

Eliminating Single Use Plastics was originally published in GREEN ZINE on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.