The Plastic Problem: Every Day Actions for Earth Day

Earth Day turns 54 this year, and the planet needs our action more than ever. The plastic pollution crisis is reaching a breaking point. Over the past 60 years, we’ve produced a staggering eight billion tons of plastic; shockingly, only 9% of it is recycled.

This year’s Earth Day theme, “Planet vs. Plastic,” is more than just a slogan – it’s a call to action. Experts are calling for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. But just how big of a challenge is this? Let’s break it down…

• In 1950, the world produced just two million tons of plastic. Today, we produce more than 450 million tons. 
• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years. 
• Production is expected to double by 2050. 
• By 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight) 
• Many animals at the base of the food chain eat microplastics. These animals are then consumed by others than humans eat.
• More than one million plastic water bottles are sold every minute.
• Plastics often contain additives that can extend the life of products, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

The billions upon billions of pieces of plastic waste choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers and piling up on land are more than unsightly and harmful to plants and wildlife. Plastic pollution is very real, and single-use plastics are small but have a large impact.

So What Can We Do About It?

Small shifts have a big impact. Making just one simple swap can spare the environment hundreds of plastic water bottles a year. Here are a few simple tips to reduce your plastic use and show the planet some love. 

1. Avoid disposable plastic. Single-use plastic takes more than 500 years to decompose. In the meantime, straws, plastic bags, and six-pack rings continue to pollute the environment and hurt marine life. Ditch those disposable water bottles and show Mother Earth some love! Pack a reusable bottle for the gym or beach (obviously, we like the Peaker Water Bottle). How about giving the office coffee station a makeover? Trade those flimsy plastic cups for a snazzy set of mugs.
2. Shop with reusable bags. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable bag, and remember to take them with you each time you visit the grocery store.
3. Use metal or bamboo reusable straws. Plastic straws are among the top 10 contributors of plastic marine debris across the globe. During a five-year cleanup research project, nearly 7.5 million plastic straws were found on U.S. shorelines. Because of their size, most machines aren’t capable of recycling straws, so either forgo the straw, or if you absolutely want to use them, metal or bamboo straws are an eco-friendly option. 
4. Cook more often to reduce your use of plastic-heavy takeout containers. Or, if you have time, dine in. If you want to take leftovers home, consider bringing your own reusable container. 
5. Recycle correctly. Put the right stuff in the recycling bin, and don’t try to recycle items your private or municipal recycling program doesn’t accept. 

These simple changes might seem small, but they’re some of the best ways to live a greener life.