It is estimated that between 1950-2015 9 billion tons of plastic were produced. A bit on plastic production from Wikipedia:
Production of plastics from crude oil requires 62 to 108 MJ/Kg (taking into account the average efficiency of US utility stations >of 35%). Producing silicon and semiconductors for modern electronic equipment is even more energy consuming: 230 to 235 >MJ/Kg of silicon, and about 3,000 MJ/Kg of semiconductors. This is much higher than the energy needed to produce many >other materials, e.g. iron (from iron ore) requires 20-25 MJ/Kg of energy, glass (from sand, etc.) 18-35 MJ/Kg, steel (from iron) >20-50 MJ/Kg, paper (from timber) 25-50 MJ/Kg.[66]
Most plastics are petroleum products, so there is a big carbon foot print left before production as well. It is estimated that 500 million plastic straws are used in the US everyday! Most people could not fit all of those in their home, even if the garage was stuffed to the brim as well. This is an easy thing to step away from, I bought my metal straws 3 years ago from amazon for 5$, and they came with a cleaning brush! It can be awkward to order things sans straw, but think of how many straws were thrown away last time you and your mates went out for cocktails! Reusable cups serve the same purpose in reducing waste, and often times bring a discount for your beverage! At a local gas station a 24 oz coffee is 1.37, however you can fill any size mug for a dollar. I have a 40 oz coffee mug- I don't mess around- and fill it for a dollar every time! Over the course of a month or two I'd say I paid off the cost of the mug and some!
In addition to moving away from big oil, biofuel opens an opportunity to deal with some of our industrial waste. I see very little point in using millions of gallons of water to build pipelines, and frack when a viable supply of energy exists right under our noses! The contamination to our planet has already brought an unacceptable amount of damage, and it's our job to demand a better option as consumers. With so many countries amping up waste management and moving away from oil, it's time for US citizens in particular to vote for a better future with their purchases. By purchasing oil we are breathing life into a dangerous industry with an ever tallying body count globally. Biofuels and bio-plastics are safer, cleaner, and cost effective! From your couch you can call or write State Representatives to let them know you want your state to move away from oil. If you live in North America there is a very good chance that a pipeline is being built within a few hundred miles of you, and there are activists opposing it. Anyone can help these lovely folks out by expressing their displeasure to a representative!
When I began recycling I noticed I hardly had any trash, and it became a game to me- how little could I throw away? Sadly, I've never lived somewhere where this was an easy task. I hope it will be a widely available service in the near future, however. If you can recycle and do not already, I implore you to start! The problems of plastic that I listed in #1 only continue in the dump, where plastic sheds carbon into the environment during it's 450-1000 year decomposition. Similarly picking plastic bags, bottles, ect. from the ground and water makes a huge difference as well.
Composting helps keep our contribution to the dump small, when combined with recycling. Between the two it is possible to have nothing but recyclables when trash day comes! Compost is vital to organic farming, and gives nutrition back to the soil. Every banana peel and apple core you toss in the garbage was designed to go back to the earth, why bag it in plastic and send it to a dump? What you are truly throwing away is an opportunity to grow a garden. Not a farmer? Perhaps in a few years when your compost is ready, you can plant a few rows and give it a shot! If not, offer it up locally online and watch it disappear.
If you live in a climate that can grow green peppers, why buy them at the grocery store where they arrived from another state? You could grow your own for a fraction of the price, or spend the same amount instead investing in local farmers! Local meats will always be a few dollars more, but you are paying for a better quality and more eco-friendly meal. Often you can find free ranged, organically fed beef, chicken, and pork for this slightly higher price. I would say this is an all around win/win situation!
Third party money handling is out dated, and against the interest of the people. If you have a bank account, look into what your bank has invested in since you've been a customer- I'm certain that you will find something that goes against your principles. Consider using credit unions, and encourage your peers to look into cryptos! The flow of money shouldn't damage our Earth, so a few can profit.
Taking public transit or carpooling not only helps the environment, it saves you money! When possible, cut short drives and walk or bike and you will have significantly reduced your carbon footprint!
What are some things you do to have a positive environmental impact? Did I miss something that you feel should have made this list? Comment, and let me know! Thanks for reading :)
