The Eco-Ministry Team brings you  “Plastic Facts and Re-usable Ideas”.

The Fact: The average American throws away approximately 185 lbs. of plastic per year. This plastic will outlive all of us.

The Idea: Many stores use plastic packaging on fresh produce that grows with its own packaging (think bananas, oranges). Buy from venders that do not over-package their produce. Then send a note to your local supermarket telling them that you have made this decision and encourage them to change their supply practices. Do you think you might try this?  Do you already do this? Do you have a different suggestion?

The Fact: 63% of clothes are made with plastic, such as polar fleece, polyester, or a mix of cotton and polyester. In our washing machines tiny fibers from these synthetic materials break off and end up as microplastic in sewage outflows into rivers and seas, where, eventually, sea life and birds ingest it.

The Idea: Try not to buy clothing containing polyester; Shop re-sale for longer life of already manufactured clothing;  Don’t over-wash your clothes; and use cold water. Do you think you might try this? Do you already do this? Do you have a different suggestion?

The Fact: Phthlates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and stronger. Animal  research has associated phthalates with harmful impacts, in particular reproductive development. Human research has linked small amounts of exposure to adverse outcomes. Concerns center on known toxicity and pervasive, cumulative impacts.

The Idea: Use dishes, glasses, and metal silverware. Make a plan to replace other plastic items in your house, over time. Avoid heating food in plastic containers. Remove food packaged in plastic from its packaging and place in glass. Do you think you might try this?  Do you already do this? Do you have a different suggestion?

The Fact: Plastic pollution and climate change don’t exist in isolation. The plastic industry creates billions and billions of tons of carbon pollution. 

The Idea: We need to be examining our relationship with plastics and fossil fuels and assessing where or if they are needed anymore.  

(from 1 Million Women-Why Quitting Plastic Will Help Stop Climate Change)

More about Eco-Ministry