The Affects of Unrecycled Plastic

Disturbing pictures of dead seabirds with lighters, bottle caps, and plastic bags in their stomachs are among the images that have contributed to plastic”s bad reputation. Plastic is a great tool, when used and disposed of properly. Unfortunately, plastic’s potential is often unfulfilled as plastic products are frequently used only briefly and thrown away. Once thrown away they sit in landfills to be consumed by wildlife whom mistake it for food. The “great garbage patch,” as it is mostly known as, is an accumulation of plastic debris that floats in the Pacific. It about 1% of the size of Texas but greatly affects the lives of wildlife. If plastic is allowed to escape into the environment, it is a hazard, as it mostly doesn”t biodegrade.

This is just one of the affects of one item that isn’t recycled. Plastic is a very common household item that can easily be recycled. Some plastics can be recycled through curbside recycling, grocery store drop bins or drop-off centers. Call your county”s Department of Public Works or recycling center to determine what type of plastic to recycle and where to take it. How do you help the environment? What items do you recycle?

Written by: Craila Nixon