Ways to Prevent Plastic Pollution

Did you know that only 25% of the world�s plastic is recycled each year? Or that 100,000 sea mammals die each year due to ocean debris? Plastic pollution is an emerging issue that is affecting our planet day by day. Every single piece of plastic ever made still exists today. Numerous products from plastic bags to disposable razors are causing a negative impact on the environment. But luckily, there are things we can do to help reduce the amount of plastic pollution created in the world.

For starters, bring your own reusable bag when you go to the grocery store rather than using the plastic bags provided. Plastic bags slowly release toxic chemicals into the soil. When they break down into the soil, animals eat them, which sadly results in death in most cases. You can also start using a reusable water bottle which not only eliminates the need for 100 plastic bottles a year, but also can save you money. We use 500 million plastic straws each day, which means cutting back on our plastic straw use could have some major benefits for our planet and the creatures inhabiting it. Even smaller changes include using bar soap as an alternative to liquid, use razors with replaceable blades rather than disposable razors, or buying second-hand items instead of brand new items so there is less of a demand for all of these products. Although being more aware of the goods you are consuming will help to some extent, it is not as drastic of a change as taking action. Taking action can be represented in numerous ways ranging from supporting organizations that are addressing the issue, to participating in litter clean ups in your community.

This article was written not only to inform the public about plastic pollution, but also as part of a school project. We are a group of students from Central Junior High School: Caitlin D., Lucy C., Madison M., Libby G., Phoenix S., Drew W., and Augustus G. We are participating in the 2018-2019 Lexus Eco Challenge through Scholastic. The goal of the Lexus Eco Challenge is to pick an issue in your community and come up with ways to resolve it based on the topic they provide, which happens to be �Land and Water�. We chose the topic of plastic pollution because it is gradually becoming more apparent as each day passes. Just by making a few minor changes in your day to day life can positively impact the world surrounding you.