Plastic-Free July is a nationwide motion that encourages people, companies and communities to scale back their reliance on single-use plastics and undertake reusable alternate options.
Mockingly, plastic was initially invented to guard wildlife — as an alternative to ivory, thereby stopping elephant poaching. However at this time, whenever you Google “plastic,” you’ll discover heartbreaking pictures of animals entangled in plastic, ravenous with stomachs filled with artificial waste.
We at the moment are discovering microplastics in our meals, air and water — and, subsequently, in our our bodies. Scientists are linking plastic publicity to hormonal disruptions, beginning defects, diabetes and studying disabilities. Some specialists warn it could take generations to purge plastics from our DNA.
Historical past of plastic
- 1869 – John Wesley Hyatt invented the primary artificial polymer as an alternative to ivory.
- World Conflict II (Nineteen Forties) – Plastic manufacturing within the U.S. will increase by 300%.
- Sixties – Plastics are first documented within the ocean.
- Nineteen Eighties – Public concern for plastic air pollution surges; the plastic business introduces “recycling” to calm backlash.
- 2025 – Lower than 7% of plastic water bottles make it into the recycling bin in Monroe County.
Plastic disaster within the Florida Keys
- Plastic recycling is at an all-time low.
- Plastics are seen alongside roadsides, seashores, mangroves and waterways all through the Keys.
- Wildlife and marine ecosystems are struggling day by day from plastic ingestion and entanglement.
Small shifts, large impression
- Change to reusable luggage as an alternative of plastic procuring luggage.
- Carry your espresso mug to cafés — Starbucks provides 10% off whenever you do.
- Use a refillable water bottle — your water stays colder and tastes higher.
- Purchase in bulk and keep away from individually packaged merchandise (e.g., purchase a quart of yogurt as an alternative of 4 packs).
- Encourage your favourite restaurant to hitch the Skip the Stuff Summer time Initiative, the place:
- Utensils, straws, plastic luggage, condiment packets, and napkins are offered upon request solely.
- Companies profit from decrease waste, lowered prices and promotional assist from: Monroe County, Islamorada and Key West, Monroe County Vacationer Growth Council, NOAA, Scouts and 20-plus Florida Keys environmental organizations
Each motion counts
The plastic downside is overwhelming, however each single motion issues. Decreasing your plastic use this July (and past) helps defend our distinctive Florida Keys surroundings, our wildlife, and our well being.
Let’s skip the plastic and go for reuse as an alternative. Study extra in regards to the Skip the Stuff Summer time marketing campaign by scanning the QR code.