Who’s responsible?

‘Planet or plastic?’ is a series of articles published by National Geographic in an effort to raise awareness about the global plastic waste crisis. Amanda Ogle, on August 14^th 2018, wrote for the publication that “about nine million tons of plastic get thrown into the ocean annually, which breaks down to one garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into the sea every minute”. We have the power to reduce our own dependence on single-use plastics; and to make a pledge. This week you will find links throughout. Feel free to follow them, and join the revolution.

You can make a difference
In her article Amanda suggests that we start by purchasing shampoos and conditioners in ‘block’ form, rather than in plastic bottles. These are readily available in Australia from stockists at shopping centres, and online.

• On the home front, consider a ‘Soda Stream’ machine for creating fizzy drinks, instead of bringing home plastic bottles by the dozens over a single year. One Soda Stream refillable gas cylinder makes up to 48 x 1.25 Litre plastic single use bottles. Soda Stream has some great statistics on their website.
• Consider buying dry goods at bulk stores. They are starting to spring up all over the place. In Australia, The Source Bulk Foods, have 43 stores. They promote Zero Waste, and can prove it. See if there is a store near you.
• Compost your food scraps. Have a backyard compost bin, and if you don’t have a yard, there are Closed Loop Composters to fit work places and even homes and apartments, with a new product called ‘Cloey’ about to launch.
• Use proven biological cleaning products in your home and your workplace to minimise the impact on your environment, and on your body.

An oldie, but a goody
There’s an old saying, and apologies in advance for those who may be offended.
Q: How do you eat an elephant?
A: One bite at a time!
In other words, the seemingly insurmountable task of recycling can be accomplished when tackled in manageable, achievable pieces.

Don’t be overwhelmed
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when confronted with the scale of day to day pollutants. These pollutants are damaging our environment as well as our own bodies. It’s not just plastics, but the largely unregulated use of chemicals, as we are tempted to put our trust in so called ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘green’ products.

The revolution has begun
We have the opportunity to stand up and be accountable. This includes taking responsibility for your own actions. Follow the links, and just one positive action on your part will impact our environment and your wellbeing.

Next week we’ll explore what’s really happening with recycling and waste; how ‘commingle recycling’ is not the answer.

Link: 4 Reasons to Ditch Your Shampoo Bottle for a Bar – National Geographic

Link: Planet or Plastic? – National Geographic