From extraction to disposal, plastic negatively impacts human health, wildlife and the environment. Made from chemicals sourced almost exclusively from fossil fuels, the increasing use of plastic is also a major driver of climate change.

Over 350 million metric tons of plastic are produced worldwide each year, up from only 2 million metric tons in 1950. The largest user of plastic is the packaging industry. Single-use bags, bottles and other food packaging account for over one third of all plastics manufactured. Other major end markets include the textile, building and automotive industries.

Disposal of plastic waste has a terrible record. Of all the plastic ever produced only 9% has been recycled while about 12% has been incinerated. The remaining 79% has ended up in landfills or the environment.

The most common plastics found in the environment are single-use products. Often used for less than 30 minutes, these disposable items almost never disappear, breaking down over time into microscopic particles that accumulate in oceans and on land. Plastic waste has been found in the deepest parts of the ocean, inside wildlife, in the air, and in the drinking water and food that humans consume.

Curtailing growth of single-use plastics is a huge challenge. Cheap and convenient, it is less expensive to make plastic from virgin materials than to use recycled plastic. As a result, fossil fuel and petrochemical companies are investing heavily to ramp up production, with plastics expected to drive nearly half of oil demand growth by midcentury.

Efforts to address plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastics, have made some progress. Over 300 local governments and several states have enacted bans and fees on plastic bags and other disposable items. Legislatures are proposing new container deposit and extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws. But much more needs to happen. A drastic reduction in plastic pollution will only occur with lower consumption, better packaging design, improved recycling and a switch to safer alternatives.

There are many ways you can help reduce plastic pollution. Some actions are listed below, with more found under the Resources section.

Use Fewer Single-Use Products:

• Choose reusable over disposable - shopping bags, produce bags, beverage containers
• When grocery shopping, opt for glass, metal or cardboard over plastic packaging and avoid produce wrapped in plastic
• Pack lunches in reusable containers and use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
• When ordering take-out, ask for no plastic utensils
• Bring your own containers to restaurants to pack up leftovers

Shop Conscientiously:

• Look for clothing made of natural fibers instead of synthetic materials
• Avoid personal care products containing plastic microbeads
• Buy in bulk or in large sizes; stay away from individual servings
• Support businesses that follow sustainable practices and use less packaging

Advocate for Legislative Change:
Several plastic pollution bills have been introduced in the MA legislature. You can help by contacting Weston's Sen. Barrett and Rep. Peisch and ask for their support.

• H.779/S.572 An Act to Save Recycling Costs in the Commonwealth (Producer Responsibility bill) sponsored by Rep. Day and Sen. Rush
• H.767/S.525 An Act to Reduce Single-Use Plastics from the Environment sponsored by Rep. Ciccolo and Sen. Lewis
• H.3690/S.2104 An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill sponsored by Rep. Decker and Sen. Creem

Support Organizations Fighting Plastic Pollution:

• 5Gyres
• Oceana
• Plastic Pollution Coalition
• Plastic Soup Foundation

Resources

• 100 Steps to a Plastic Free Life guide by Beth Terry Blog
• 15 Ways to Stop Microfiber Pollution Now by Plastic Pollution Coalition Article
• 28 Zero Waste Online Stores by Sustainable Jungle Article
• Zero Waste Shops with Eco-Friendly Essentials by Conscious Life & Style Article
• Live Without Plastic by Jay Sinha and Chantal Plamondon Book
• The Story of Plastic – Damage that occurs through the lifecycle of plastic – 2019 (4:15 min) Video
• The Story of Microfibers - Plastic pollution from our clothes - 2017 (2:47 min) Video
• Breathe This Air – Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act - 2021 (7:56 min) Video
• Can These Companies Solve The Plastic Waste Problem? – CNBC on problems and emerging solutions - 2020 (15:19 min) Documentary
• Plastic Wars – Frontline PBS on plastic recycling misperceptions - 2020 (53:15 min) Documentary
• The Plastic Problem – PBS NewsHour on plastic pollution - 2019 (54:09 min) Documentary
• A Plastic Ocean – Exploring our fragile oceans – 2016 (102 min) – Documentary
• Divide in Concord – Banning bottled water in Concord, MA – 2014 (82 min) – Documentary