The Problem
Micro/nano-plastics have infiltrated and found a home in virtually all animals. One of the major problems is the lack of plastic accountability and mitigation. The majority of our plastics are not properly labeled or recycled. Over 90% end up in our environment, inadvertently becoming hazards to all life. Every single plastic erodes into microplastics and even nano-plastics. Plastic particles are pervasive and have been detected in fruits and vegetables, plastic water bottles, the air, cosmetics, and household dust. Now, researchers are finding them in almost every part of the human body, including in breast milk, the placenta, testicles, hearts, livers, and kidneys - [aamc.org; Microplastics are inside us all. What does that mean for our health?]
Our Plan
Here is the plan: Collect everyday plastics. Log them in Google Docs. We logged in 66 plastics so far, and it's not looking good. You can help, too, by copying the template. Follow the link https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/127A0WHon8dRLegbatFenk7Q5aEEYV7WmAc1px0AGwfM/edit?usp=sharing and enter your plastic information, or email admin@unitedgreencore.org to request a plastic log template. If you are outside of the USA, we would like to know where your plastics are from. Thank you. What can you do with the data you collected? -Inform your local leaders about the harmful effects of micro/nano plastics -Spread the word via flyers -Team up with local businesses -Get everyone involved via policies -Change the rules in government -Come up with new ideas: Find stuff that works like plastic but does not trash the planet. Figure out how to deal with the plastic we are already drowning in. -Think global: Connect with others fighting plastic worldwide. The time is now to roll up our sleeves and start walking, talking, and writing.
