Today marks the 54th Earth Day, highlighting a critical focus on the planet's health and safety, particularly regarding the surge in plastic use. Earth Day 2024's primary goal is succinctly captured by the slogan "60×40": aiming for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
The scale of this challenge is staggering. Consider these numbers:
- In 1950, global plastic production was just two million tons. Today, it exceeds 450 million tons.
- Half of all plastics ever made were produced in the last 15 years, with projections doubling by 2050.
- A staggering one million plastic water bottles are sold every minute, contributing to about 11 million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean annually.
- Shockingly, only 9% of all plastics ever produced have been recycled.
Plastic has permeated every aspect of our lives, even infiltrating our food and water with microplastics. These tiny synthetic particles, ranging from half an inch to microscopic, persist indefinitely. Stephen Jamieson, in a recent podcast, highlighted the concerning fact that humans ingest a credit card's worth of plastic every week, with uncertain health impacts.
Addressing this challenge requires:
1. Recognizing health risks: Excessive plastic production fuels climate pollution and poses significant environmental threats. The release of toxic chemicals from decomposed plastic also endangers human health.
2. Demanding change: Shifting away from single-use plastics requires market demand transformation. EARTHDAY.ORG advocates ending single-use plastic production by 2030 through the Global Plastic Treaty.
3. Embracing innovation: Investing in innovative solutions is paramount to achieving a plastic-free world.
What can you do?
Well, feel free to borrow ideas from our small office of 25!
We’ve eliminated bottled water; filtered water is available, and we have a large collection of glasses and mugs, no plastic cups!
We insist food deliveries come without utensils and paper products.
We make conscious choices daily to reduce single-use plastics. For instance, designate separate recycling bins for film plastics, which cannot be recycled with other plastics. Bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, air-pillows, package wrapping – all can be repurposed!
We hold monthly "Green Lunch" office gatherings to share eco-friendly practices and solutions, fostering a culture of sustainability both professionally and personally. Some of the resources shared include:
2030 Palette – A database of sustainable design strategies and resources
Home | Plastic Pollution Coalition
Take on the #plasticdetox challenge personally, at home, and in your workplace.
REFUSE single-use plastic whenever and wherever possible. Choose items that are not packaged in plastic, and carry your own reusable bags, containers, and utensils. Say ‘No plastic straw, please.’
REUSE durable, non-toxic straws, utensils, to-go containers, bottles, bags, and other everyday items. Choose glass, paper, stainless steel, wood, ceramic, and bamboo over plastic.
REDUCE your plastic footprint. Cut down on your consumption of goods that contain excessive plastic packaging and parts. If it will leave behind plastic trash, don't buy it.
RETHINK what you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse. Pay attention to the entire life cycle of items you bring into your life, from source to manufacturing to distribution to disposal.
Earth Day must be every day!