Life Without Plastic Blog

Our Everyday Plastic Consumption is Like an Ongoing Giant BP Oil Leak

Think about it... all of the oil that is spewing out of BP's open underwater well can be compared to all the plastic we throw out in the environment every single day...  Go to a take out restaurant and take a look at the garbage cans. The amount of disposable plastic in there multiplied by millions corresponds to the amount of plastic that is discarded every day in the world. It is estimated that there are at least 200 billion pounds of plastic in the ocean.  We look in horror at the gushing oil well, but we contribute to just as much pollution collectively every day by consuming and throwing out so much throw-away plastic.

(Photo: seacat.wordpress.com)

An article by Daniella Russo, executive director of the Plastic Pollution Coalition entitled "The other, bigger 'oil spill': Your use of disposable plastic" made me reflect on the fact that we contribute every single day to the pollution of our environment through petroleum-derived objects we throw out.

"We are simply using too much disposable plastic for the small percentage that gets recycled to even make a dent. And, unlike paper, glass, or stainless steel, most plastic can only be "down-cycled," or used for increasingly fewer purposes. All the recycling, like using a teaspoon to empty the ocean, simply can't stem the tide of plastic engulfing us." (...)

"The most powerful thing people can do to clean up the oceans is to refuse to use "disposable" plastics in the first place. Let's add "Refuse" to the list of R's: Refuse-Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. Until we reduce our use of plastics wherever possible, real change will not happen. Recycling or cleanup projects alone won't cut it."

It takes a lot of will power to plug that gushing well of disposable plastic production. Just as every small plastic-use gesture contributes to creating it, every small gesture can also help plug it.

Chantal Plamondon, Co-Owner
LifeWithoutPlastic.com

TOXIC AMERICA on CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: The chemicals that surround us...

CNN is about to premiere a feature special called Toxic America focusing on the toxic chemicals that surround us in everyday life, whether we realize it or not. The show will be hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta over two nights (June 2 and 3, at 8pm EST and PST) and will in large part focus on the health and environmental effects of toxins found in plastics. Here's a little video promo of the series.

As explained on the website of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, Night #1 (Wednesday) will be an "hour-long investigative story into the environmental health and justice problems plaguing the community of Mossville, Louisiana. Nestled amidst an alarming cluster of chemical plants, Mossville is home to more PVC chemical plants than anywhere else in the entire country, and has been dubbed the Vinyl Manufacturing Capital of America."

Night #2 (Thursday) will deal with the effects of "hidden toxins" in all of us, particularly expectant mothers and their babies. It will also feature a profile on Jeanne Heagle, who has been living plastic-free for over 2 and 1/2 years. This investigative series links well with the stunning book we have talked about often in the past: Slow Death by Rubber Duck.

Here are some other pieces of info CNN is highlighting in relation to the Toxic America series:

The Produce "Dirty Dozen"
If you're eating non-organic celery today, you may be ingesting 67 pesticides with it, according to a new report from the Environmental Working Group - Sanjay Gupta explains how to avoid these chemical residues.

Five Toxics That Are Everywhere: Protect Yourself
A growing body of research is linking five chemicals -- among the most common in the world -- to a host of ailments, including cancer, sexual problems and behavioral issues.  The chemicals, many of which are found in plastics, are: bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8), formaldehyde, polybrominated diethyl ethers.

Toxic Releases, State-by-State
Check out this interactive map indicating where U.S. states rank in toxic releases. As you will see, the chemicals are in the air all over the United States - and it's not difficult to extrapolate these findings to Canada and the rest of the world, where such chemicals are also produced and used:  benzene, dioxin, lead and lead compounds, mercury and mercury compounds, trichloroethylene.

It is encouraging to see that the mainstream media is finally picking up this story. It is so important that everyone understand that for decades the chemical industry has been producing and releasing dangerous chemicals for use in everyday products, without really knowing the potential health and environmental effects of these toxins. It is a global experiment that has been happening with all living beings as the test subjects. Of course, informed consent has never been an option. It is time for corporations (and the government bodies that regulate them) to take full responsibility for their actions - or inaction.

Jay Sinha, Co-Owner
LifeWithoutPlastic.com