Plastics

Plastics

Ways You Can Help Save The Planet

Here are a few actions you can take to reduce plastic in our environment:

  1. ADVOCATE for sane plastics legislation.  Support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act by
  2. Commit to REUSABLES by choosing 3-10 things on this Reusables List YOU can do now.
  3. REFUSE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS – especially bottles and bags.

Plastics Team

Plastic waste disposal in the US in 2008 was 86% (29.2 million tons) landfilled, 8% (2.7 million tons) incinerated and 6% (2 million tons) recycled.  Only 9% of all plastic ever discarded in the US since 1950 has been recycled.  Although recycling plastics is increasing around the world, the rates vary by country.

Japan is by far the most successful with nearly 80% of its plastic waste recycled every year, while the U.S. recycles just 9%.  Plastic bag bans are spreading in the US.

As part of the UUCC Climate Crisis Team, we have formed the Plastics sub-team.  If you would like to participate, please contact Robin Hessey, climateaction@uucolumbia.net.

Single-Use Plastics 101

Here’s everything you need to know about the most ubiquitous (and avoidable) kind of plastic waste: the kind made to be tossed in mere minutes.

Recent Changes in Howard County Recycling Guidelines

Howard County recently updated its list of recyclable items to exclude many items that were previously recyclable.  You might be surprised what is no longer recyclable, but keep in mind that keeping loads “clean” increases the probability that they will be actually recycled instead of put in a landfill.

 

Resources and Information