Did you know that more than 9 billion tons of plastic has been produced since 1950—and the vast majority of it is still around? Only about 10% of it is recycled and, for the most part, recycling only delays plastics’ inevitable trip to a landfill or ocean.
We also must remember that plastic is a petroleum product. According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion shopping bags every year. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.
We must reduce our collective footprint, but the good news is that we all can take simple steps to minimize our plastic waste. For example: carry reusable water bottles, take reusable bags when shopping, ask that plastic cutlery and straws be left out of takeout, consider packaging when purchasing, and buy in bulk when possible.
At ELPC, committees and groups are now using dishes instead of disposable items. Many thanks to all of our volunteer dishwashers!