Today’s topic is all about single-use plastics. The nonprofit organization, Container Recycling Institute, has mentioned the growing trend in plastic production and waste. The EPA’s most recent figures (2018) found that 35.68 million tons of plastics were generated, while only 3.09 million tons were recycled. Humans need to do better.

Unless drastic changes are made, single-use plastics aren’t going away soon. Regarding non-medical types of single-use plastics, such as cutlery sets, how can we create recycling methods that people will partake in? What should those methods be? Pela is creating a countertop composting machine that will also compost plastics…bioplastics, that is (which will be another discussion), but not typical single-use plastics. It is also quite expensive, which limits the number of people who would be able to use it, assuming they only use bioplastics. They also haven’t said where in the world they will ship to. Bioplastics aside, if we can find a way to get plastic that was/is, produced, single-use plastics will get the most out of their life rather than be used only once.

Now, I do believe that single-use plastics have their place– anything medical is always exempt. Also, certain disabilities do not allow people to use, for instance, reusable straws. Those with certain disabilities may find that opening a container of pre-chopped veggies is their only option, especially if, for instance, s/he cannot hold a knife. So, there are always going to be exceptions to the rule.

Here are a few questions:

1. What are your thoughts on single-use plastics?
2. In your utopia, what would happen to the single-use plastics that have been generated, and how would you control their production going forward (being mindful of their use in medical practices and for those with disabilities)?
3. Since people have allergies, alternatives would have to accommodate that. Does creating alternatives generate more waste and use up vital resources?
4. What is an aspect that people, and articles, tend to miss/overlook that you want to see addressed regarding single-use plastics?

Peace & Love, always!