What are single use plastics?

Single use plastics are any plastic products that are intended to be thrown away after one use. Some examples are plastic grocery bags, straws, water bottles, packaging, containers, cups, cutlery, and so much more. After being used, these products end up in landfills, the oceans, parks, and pretty much anywhere else you can think of. Over many years, plastics are broken into smaller and smaller pieces until they become microplastics. Microplastics are too small for us to see, but they are everywhere. Even inside you!

Plastic pollution by the numbers

Every year, Americans use a total of

-50 billion plastic bottles

-100 billion plastic bags

-182 billion plastic straws

-25 billion styrofoam cups

*Source- earthday.org

Each year, the average American uses

-156 plastic bottles

-307 plastic bags

-554 plastic straws

-76 plastic or styrofoam cups

How long does it take for single use plastics to break down?*

-Plastic bags take 20 years

-Plastic straws take 200 years

-Plastic bottles and cups take 450 years

-Plastic coffee pods take 500 years

-Plastic toothbrushes take 500 years

-Styrofoam NEVER breaks down

*It is important to note that plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are just as, if not more, harmful. All of these products still endanger our planet and the life upon it even after they have broken down.

What are microplastics and why are they harmful?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of broken down plastic. They are too small for the human eye to see, but they are incredibly harmful. There is so much plastic waste in our oceans, it is no surprise that the water is full of microplastics. Naturally, marine animals ingest tons of these plastic particles, which quickly accumulate in their body. This can cause all sorts of health issues including punctured organs and deadly intestinal blockages. Not only do these awful bits of trash end up inside wildlife, but they also end up in you. In fact, studies show that each human inadvertently consumes more than a half pound of plastic every year!