Plastics

WHY ARE PLASTICS BAD?

Plastics negatively affect our ecosystems and they can also impact human health.

WHY SHOULD WE LEARN ABOUT PLASTICS?

We should learn about plastics to help our planet and our health.

Ecosystem Impact: Plastic pollution harms marine life and livestock, releases chemicals in to the air when burned and contaminates water and soil.

Human Impact: Plastics contain many additives to make them flexible, colorful, or durable. Over time, these chemicals can leach out harming your health — especially when plastics are heated, scratched, or exposed to sunlight. Some common concerning chemicals include BPA and phthalate. Plastics also break down into microscopic pieces — microplastics and nanoplastics which are now found everywhere: in food, tap and bottled water, salt, and even the air.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE PLASTIC IN OUR ENVIRONMENT AND IN OUR BODIES?

Avoid microwaving or heating food in plastic containers. Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives.  Limit use of single-use plastics (bottled water, plastic-wrapped foods). Choose products labeled “BPA-free” and phthalate-free. Support policies that reduce plastic production and improve recycling.