Back in elementary school (BC, Canada) our class learned about how to recycle. I very fondly remember that we had to do a rap performance on the subject of environmental awareness. We rapped in front of the school, "Re-re-recycle!" was one of the bars. We had some fun, though kids in the audience weren't all that excited. Recently, I went to Texas for the first time. I got invited to a gun range just to play, and at the end of it, one of my friends asked if there were any recycling bins to throw his bottle away. The lady said, "Welcome to America!". We laughed, though it felt unfortunate that we couldn't dispose of it. I wasn't sure what happened to it later as it likely went into the garbage. I think back to that day often.
I think A2B2 is a up to the challenge of creating a better future.
I've decided to split this up into what I know, what solutions there are currently, and what scientists and others believe the future needs.
Things that I know:
-Plastic is difficult to get rid of naturally, it stays in the environment for a long time.
-The production of plastic causes carbon emissions, air pollution comes along with it.
-Wildlife are very susceptible to getting caught in plastics, such as plastic containers or straps.
-Wildlife in general is harmed as a result.
-Plastic was simply made to make things convenient, while also used to keep food fresh and away from bacteria, and protect humans, such as in gloves or helmets.
Some examples of solutions I've seen:
Plastic Interceptors (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDCUYXkNPEI&t=105s)
Simply Cleaning the area of plastic and garbage, shore cleanup, neighborhood cleanup, etc.
https://theoceancleanup.com/
Aspergillus tubingensis: fungi that can biodegrade polyester polyurethane, which is found in tires, gaskets, bumpers, jackets, sponges, cushions, automobiles etc. and lacks degradability.
Vancouver BC, switching to paper bags and grocery stores not carrying plastic bags at all: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021ENV0046-001455
One idea that I had:
Make everything that is plastic biodegradable (e.g. caps and bottles made of recyclable materials + very little plastic) (Though this is difficult as bacteria may get in or things may get easily damaged).
Analysis of the video, focuses for the future:
In the "Why TeamSeas Doesn't Work: Their Interceptors" video, Simon Clark, the presenter, gives suggestions on how to effectively start action against plastic from entering rivers and bodies of waters in the first place: It's to get to the source first. The reason why plastic interceptors do not work is that scientists argue that there are more effective ways to clean plastic/garbage.
I think the recent law added locally for us has been pretty effective in preventing garbage and plastic from going out. I have to always buy what I can carry and only limit myself to reusable bags.
There will be many fun solutions to be made during this process that I'll come up with other people and share.
I think the main goal for me right now is to just prevent plastic from coming outdoors to the landfill, preventing it from reaching other places from the source. Basically using only plastics that I need, containers/food wrap, and lessening the amount of plastic bags I throw away.
One idea I will research first is how the production of plastics started. I'm interested in looking into the ways it started/current solutions.
If anyone has any solutions, experiences, or problems they've faced, please share! Thank you + have fun!!
I think A2B2 is a up to the challenge of creating a better future.
I've decided to split this up into what I know, what solutions there are currently, and what scientists and others believe the future needs.
Things that I know:
-Plastic is difficult to get rid of naturally, it stays in the environment for a long time.
-The production of plastic causes carbon emissions, air pollution comes along with it.
-Wildlife are very susceptible to getting caught in plastics, such as plastic containers or straps.
-Wildlife in general is harmed as a result.
-Plastic was simply made to make things convenient, while also used to keep food fresh and away from bacteria, and protect humans, such as in gloves or helmets.
Some examples of solutions I've seen:
Plastic Interceptors (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDCUYXkNPEI&t=105s)
Simply Cleaning the area of plastic and garbage, shore cleanup, neighborhood cleanup, etc.
https://theoceancleanup.com/
Aspergillus tubingensis: fungi that can biodegrade polyester polyurethane, which is found in tires, gaskets, bumpers, jackets, sponges, cushions, automobiles etc. and lacks degradability.
Vancouver BC, switching to paper bags and grocery stores not carrying plastic bags at all: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021ENV0046-001455
One idea that I had:
Make everything that is plastic biodegradable (e.g. caps and bottles made of recyclable materials + very little plastic) (Though this is difficult as bacteria may get in or things may get easily damaged).
Analysis of the video, focuses for the future:
In the "Why TeamSeas Doesn't Work: Their Interceptors" video, Simon Clark, the presenter, gives suggestions on how to effectively start action against plastic from entering rivers and bodies of waters in the first place: It's to get to the source first. The reason why plastic interceptors do not work is that scientists argue that there are more effective ways to clean plastic/garbage.
I think the recent law added locally for us has been pretty effective in preventing garbage and plastic from going out. I have to always buy what I can carry and only limit myself to reusable bags.
There will be many fun solutions to be made during this process that I'll come up with other people and share.
I think the main goal for me right now is to just prevent plastic from coming outdoors to the landfill, preventing it from reaching other places from the source. Basically using only plastics that I need, containers/food wrap, and lessening the amount of plastic bags I throw away.
One idea I will research first is how the production of plastics started. I'm interested in looking into the ways it started/current solutions.
If anyone has any solutions, experiences, or problems they've faced, please share! Thank you + have fun!!