The Curse of Plastic

Plastics have been both a blessing and a curse.  Practically nonexistent a century ago, plastics are now part of a large number of man-made items, devices and packages.  And while its durability and versatility are great assets, they are also notable liabilities.  The very thing that makes plastic attractive for so many uses, its indestructibility under normal usage, is also the thing that makes it an environmental nightmare.  Plastics simply do not go away. 

At first glance, an outright ban of all plastics might seem like a good idea, but there are a dozen reasons why that is simply not feasible.  Among them, plastics have some very good qualities and doing away with them would be akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.  Like many man-made objects and inventions, we would be better served, though, if we recognized and addressed the shortcomings of plastics.

• Dealing with plastic toxins.  Though strides have been made in reducing the emission of toxic chemicals during the production of plastics, this journey is far from complete.  It's not just the plastic (vinyl, styrene, BPA and formaldehyde resins) but the plasticizers (used to soften the plastic), toxic heavy metals and flame retardants that are still of great concern.  What should the industry do?  Beyond improved controls in manufacturing plants, we should reduce the use of the worst ones.  Many plastics have lower amounts or none of these hazardous constituents and there should be an effort to minimize those that do contain them.  What can you do?  Look for options to the worst plastics.  Vinyl and BPA may be the worst of the worst and there are options to both.  Look for products that are "PVC Free" or "BPA Free."
• Burning plastics.  Much plastic is still burned and some gives off very toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.  Even in high-tech waste-to-energy incinerators, the by-products of plastic combustion are a concern.  The levels of pollutants are much higher in the low temperature fires typical of burn barrels.  Vinyl is again the most notable offender.  When the chloride in Polyvinyl Chloride reacts with the lignin in wood or paper, it produces potent cancer-causing Dioxins.  What should the industry do?  Stop making the worst offenders and place warnings on other plastics noting that burning them releases toxic air pollutants.  What can you do?  Don't burn and encourage your friends and neighbors to get rid of their burn barrels and pick up a recycling bin.
• Dumping and littering of plastic.  One only need look at roadsides in the region to understand the scope of plastic litter.  Not surprisingly, it is also a major component of the illegal dumps scattered throughout the community.  What can the industry do?  Encourage and provide the support for widespread recycling of all plastic products.  Plastic packaging and product manufacturers have a mediocre record on this, related to both recycling program support and design for recyclability.  It's time for them to take responsibility for the trash they make.  What can you do?  Besides recycling with enthusiasm, let your local government officials know recycling is a worthwhile endeavor and that you appreciate their support of recycling programs.  Just as importantly, pick up plastic litter in your community (or anywhere) when you come across it.