Adventures in Domestic Waste Reduction: So Much Plastic

This past weekend, PiedmontCONNECT hosted an event called, "Rethinking Plastics".  The speaker, Stuart Moody of Green Sangha, discussed the history of plastic, many of its varied forms and uses, as well as its detrimental influence on the environment, wildlife and humans. 

We began the event by brainstorming all the various items in our daily lives that are made of plastic, something I doubt many of us have ever really given much thought. We soon realized how prolific, for better or for worse, plastic has become in our modern society.

I decided to do my own "inventory" and consiously take note every time I came across something made of plastic during a typical day.

Morning began with the toilet seat, running shoes, cell phone and charger, spatula used to make eggs for breakfast, knife used the cut the bread, tupperware for school lunches, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner bottles, razor, comb, hairbrush, hairdryer, and all containers for body lotion, face wash, face lotion, mascara, blush, concealer, etc. 

I hadn't even really started my day or left the house and the list was already lengthy. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. 

To think, all the toothbrushes that I'd ever used in my lifetime are still intact in a landfill somewhere. Imagine all the toothbrushes we've all thrown away since plastic was developed. Are they all still intact?

Getting into my car, I looked around and noticed the dashboard, the steering wheel, the seat belt "buckle", even the car key itself–all encased or made completely of plastic. And, that's without looking under the hood.

At the office, there were computers, printers, copy machines, pens, pen receptacles, staplers, staple removers, glue sticks, file holders, in and out trays, chairs, the coffee maker, etc. Again the list seemed endless.

Back at home, during homework time, I observed the school supplies: the calculator, laptop, pencil case, scissors, markers, binders, and spiral notebook covers, and even the globe.

I didn't even get to all the sports equipment, child and pet toys, baby gear, and food containers. The list could go on and on.

Many plastic items do in fact add tremendous value to our lives, like those used in the medical field. Yet it's time that we all take note of other types of plastic, the kinds we can live without.  There are many habits we can change so as not to unnecessarily and carelessly leave a legacy of waste behind.