As Plastic Free July comes to a close, we're left pondering the pervasive presence of plastic in our everyday lives. While ditching single-use plastics like straws and bags is a great start, the journey towards a plastic-free existence is far from over. In fact, it often feels like an uphill battle against a mountain of hidden plastics lurking in unexpected places.
Hidden Culprits: The Sneaky Plastics We Overlook
It's easy to spot the obvious plastic offenders – water bottles, packaging, disposable cutlery – but what about the less visible culprits? Thanks to the legends at Trash Hero for putting together this list with a few surprising examples:
Tea Bags: A relaxing cup of tea might not seem like a plastic hazard, but many tea bags contain polypropylene, a plastic sealant.
Chewing Gum: The chewy base of your favourite gum is often a type of synthetic polymer – essentially plastic.
Clothing: Synthetic fabrics can contain plastic microfibers.
Canned Drinks: The lining of many cans includes a thin layer of plastic to prevent the metal from interacting with the beverage.
Wet Wipes: Marketed as convenient, these often contain non-biodegradable plastic fibres that contribute to pollution.
Glitter: Those sparkly decorations are usually tiny bits of PET plastic, the same material as water bottles.
Cigarette Butts: The filters contain cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that doesn't easily break down.
Receipts: Thermal paper used for receipts often contains BPA or BPS, both harmful chemicals associated with plastics.
Tampons & Pads: Many conventional feminine hygiene products contain plastic components, impacting both the environment and personal health.
Dental Floss: While somrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are plastic-based. Even "natural"e floss is made from silk or nylon, many brands contain Teflon or other plastics.
Paint: Some paints contain plastic polymers to enhance durability and performance.
Sponges: Often touted for their absorbency, many sponges are made from plastic polymers.
Aluminium Foil: While aluminium itself isn't plastic, many foil products have a plastic coating.
Parchment Paper: Often used for baking, most parchment paper is coated with silicone, a type of plastic.
Bandages: The backing of many bandages contains plastic.
Floor Wax: Many floor waxes contain acrylic polymers, a type of plastic.
Candles: Paraffin wax, used in many candles, is derived from petroleum and considered a type of plastic.
Bottle Caps: Most bottle caps are made from plastic, even those on glass bottles.
Plastic Straws: While many are aware of the problem with plastic straws, they continue to be a major source of pollution.
Produce Stickers: The sticky labels on fruits and vegetables are often made of plastic.
The list goes on, encompassing items we use and consume daily without a second thought. These hidden plastics pose a significant challenge to reducing our plastic footprint.
The Cocos Islands are not alone. Even the most isolated corners of our planet are inundated with plastic debris, serving as a stark reminder of the global scale of this crisis.
The Invisible Threat: Microplastics
While the visible plastic waste on beaches is alarming, it's the invisible microplastics that pose an even greater threat. These tiny fragments, often smaller than 5mm, result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. They infiltrate our waterways, soil, and even the air we breathe.
Microplastics have been found in marine life, drinking water, and even human blood and tissue. Their long-term effects on our health and the environment are still being studied, but the potential consequences are deeply concerning.
Taking the First Steps (and the Next Ones)
While the challenge may seem daunting, it's important to remember that every small step counts. Here are some ways we can all contribute to a less plastic-filled world:
Be Mindful: Pay attention to the products you buy and their packaging. Choose items with minimal plastic or opt for plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.
Research & Learn: Educate yourself about the hidden plastics in everyday items. There are numerous resources available online and in libraries.
Advocate & Support: Encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and support brands that prioritise eco-friendly packaging.
Reduce & Reuse: Minimise your consumption of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives like water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags.
Dispose Responsibly: Recycle properly and dispose of plastic waste responsibly to prevent it from ending up in landfills or the environment.
A Call to Action: Beyond Plastic Free July
The Cocos Islands study serves as a wake-up call. We must look beyond single-use plastics and address the pervasive issue of microplastics. This means demanding more sustainable materials, supporting businesses that prioritise eco-friendly practices, and advocating for policies that reduce plastic production and waste.
At HempCo, we're committed to reducing our plastic footprint by using sustainable packaging and avoiding harmful microplastics in our products. Let's join forces to tackle this global crisis and protect our planet for future generations.