Plastics are incredibly useful in all aspects of life. Problem is, not every use was well thought through. Take plastic shopping bags, for instance. Did anyone ask back in 1965, "Where are they all going to go when we're done with them? Apparently they don't stay where they're discarded. They've mastered the art of the escape, flying off to destinations unknown.
On a recent trip to Dubai, scientist Dr. Marcus Eriksen documented over 300 camels since 2008 that died in the open desert with up to 80 pound masses of plastic bags in their guts. Plastic bags that blew some 60 miles into the desert on the wind. Local vets say the lucky ones die suddenly from an acute intestinal blockage but most die a slow death.
But this is actually a success story, because it led to the government of The United Arab Emirates banning single use plastic shopping bags effective January 2024. The ban will extend to plastic cups, plates, and cutlery in 2026. We can find other materials for these uses that don't take decades to decompose. Too much plastic isn't good for anyone. Man or beast.
Just this morning I was in my local Sprouts Farmer's Market, a natural grocery chain and noticed they stopped providing single use plastic grocery bags. They don't even offer paper anymore. You can buy a thicker, reusable plastic bag that is 40% recycled for 10 cents. That's progress, but just find yourself some cloth bags and keep some in each of your cars.
These are examples of governments and businesses responding to your voice. It works. Let's help them get smart!
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