Earth Day 2024 – Welcome to the Plasticene Era

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day started in 1970 and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Planet vs Plastics” and is focused on advocating for awareness on the health risk of plastics, phasing out single use plastics, working on legislation against plastic pollution and ending fast fashion.

The proliferation of plastics and microplastics led to the renaming of our current era as The Plasticene. We are all consuming microplastics daily, and research is continuing to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of plastics on both our health and the health of our planet. Plastics are used in manufacturing clothing, food containers, technology and more.

What are microplastics? They are the tiny bits of plastic that accumulate in the environment from plastic degradation or deliberately manufactured (such as for use in beauty products).

What are some of the major concerns? Plastics can disrupt natural processes and even damage DNA. They act as endocrine disrupters, causing hormonal health issues. Plastics are also pollutant-attractants – they hold onto pollutants in a way that many non-plastic materials do not. Consuming plastics means that you are consuming more pollutants and even antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

If plastics are everywhere – the air, the water, your food, your clothing – how can you reduce the impact of plastics on you and on the environment?

I’m buying lots of new clothes! Fast fashion relies heavily on plastic-based polyester fibers and introduces disposable plastics continually to the environment.

Instead, try: Repairing existing clothing by visiting your local dry cleaner or tailor (or doing it yourself!) can reduce the amount of fast fashion clothing generated. Purchasing pre-owned clothing from thrift or consignment stores, or from your local Buy Nothing group also reduces the demand and production of plastic-based clothing.

I love eating leftovers and storing them in plastic Tupperware! This plastic can leach chemicals into your food over time, especially if you are microwaving the plastic.

Instead, try: Using Tupperware for storing non-edibles such as craft supplies and transition to using either reusable non-plastic (such as glass) or even keeping your food on the plate and covering it with a cloth or tinfoil (which is recyclable).

Plastic toys are the best for kids. They are super indestructible and colorful. The creation of plastic toys generates a lot of waste – including the toys! There are also new concerns regarding health issues caused by plastic toys, especially those mouthed/chewed on by very young children.

Instead, try: Pick up used toys for your kids from Buy Nothing, Facebook Marketplace, or local thrift stores if they have to have plastic toys. For very young children, limit plastic toy access to prevent consumption. Silicone, wood, natural rubber, and even stainless steel are great options, depending on the toy.

These are just a few easy changes you can make to reduce your plastics generation and consumption! Happy Earth Day!