Plastics emit greenhouse gases as they break down in the oceans, or toxins if they’re incinerated.
They require fossil fuels to make, and instead of slowing, our production and use is actually growing. Plastics could account for 20 percent of oil consumption by 2050, according to The Center for International Environmental Law. Fewer than 20percent of plastics enter the recycling system worldwide.
We know that packaging alone comprises about 40 percent of global plastic use.
Individual action on this issue has failed. Corporate interests, convience and inertia have made the problem worse.
The alternative is community action. Banding together to issue regulations and rules that will actually decrease the amount of plastic we use.
Last year, earthlings produced and consumed a trillion plastic bags.
Speak up.
Organize.
We shouldn’t settle for the status quo.
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