Plastic? Of course, I know Plastic!
We all encounter plastic daily, but what is it? Simply put, it's a man-made material made of building blocks called polymers, derived mostly from oil and gas. Its light weight, strength, and ability to take any shape revolutionized the world. But now, this "miracle" has become our greatest environmental challenge, and the solution starts with sustainable packaging. Let’s dive in!
A Little History Lesson
Back in 1907, Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic. What drove its creation? A need for affordable substitutes for scarce materials like ivory. This invention marked the beginning of the plastic revolution.
The Plastic Explosion
Following World War II, plastic use exploded due to its affordability and adaptability. A shocking 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced worldwide, with almost half of that made between 2004 and 2017 as per the Science Advances, 2017.
The Plastics You See Every Day
Not all plastics are created equal. Understanding the different types and their recyclability is crucial:
| Code | Type | Common Uses | Recyclability |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | PET | Water bottles, clothing fibers | ♻️ Widely accepted, High value |
| #2 | HDPE | Milk jugs, shampoo bottles | ♻️ Easy to recycle |
| #3 | PVC | Pipes, cling films | 🚫 Rarely recycled, Toxic when burned |
| #4 | LDPE | Grocery bags, squeezable bottles | ♻️ Special drop-off needed |
| #5 | PP | Yogurt containers, straws | ♻️ Moderate acceptance |
| #6 | PS | Foam packaging, disposable cutlery | 🚫 Almost never recycled |
When Did We Realize This “Miracle” Was a Problem?
The alarm was sounded early, with Rachel Carson's 1962 book "Silent Spring," but here we are in 2024. We’ve found plastic bits in 83% of tap water globally as per Orb Media, 2017.
Why Plastic Became a Curse
Plastic pollution presents significant challenges:
- Annually, 8 million tons of plastic ends up in the oceans.
- Microplastics have made their way inside human organs.
- The recycling rate for plastic sits at around 9%.
What Can You Do?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but every action helps.
- Reduce: Avoid single-use items.
- Reuse: Always opt for reusable items.
- Recycle: Responsibly check the recycling codes on the products
The World Is Starting to Act
Over 130 countries have bans on certain single-use plastics. Major brands are now pledging for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
Looking Ahead
The UN plastic treaty indicates global change, and with a shift toward a circular economy, the future looks bright. Make the change in your life today! In our next blog, you will learn more about the UN SDG goals. 
Final Thoughts
Plastic has shaped the modern world, and now, we can shape our future with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Sustainability Sparked Your Curiosity?
Has sustainability been on your mind? Want to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you reduce your plastic footprint? We're here to chat! Fill out our contact form to reach out to us and let's create a greener future together.
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