Protecting the environment starts from using one l

Protecting the environment starts from using one less plastic bag

June 5, 2024 is the 52nd World Environment Day, and the theme for 2023 is "Building a Modernization in Harmony with Nature". Today, we would like to talk about reducing the use of plastic bags, and urge everyone to take care of the environment and build a modernization in which people live in harmony with nature. The following video is from: United Nations Environment Program

Plastics are everywhere in people's daily lives. Drinking bottles, straws, food packaging and all kinds of plastic products, especially plastic bags, and using plastic bags for shopping can be said to be the choice of the vast majority of people. When shopping, we are accustomed to bring a plastic bag, or use the plastic food bags provided by merchants. People enjoy the convenience of plastic products at the same time, few people will think about his harm. But unbeknownst to us, such long-term behavior, will increase the waste, non-biodegradable plastic bags, and the possibility of bringing white pollution.

The world produces more than 400 million tons of plastic every year, and half of them are only for one-time use. Of this, less than 10% is recycled. It is estimated that between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic end up in lakes, rivers and oceans every year. Worldwide, at least 276 species of marine life have been killed by accidental ingestion of plastic waste.

Microplastics are found almost everywhere on the planet. It can be found in the air, soil and water on which we depend. Microplastics (tiny plastic particles up to 5 millimeters in diameter) find their way into food, water and air. It is estimated that every person on earth swallows more than 50,000 plastic particles per year - even more if inhalation is considered. Microplastics tend to attract toxic pollutants such as metals and organics and carry them into the body, causing oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as disturbances in energy balance and metabolism.

The incineration of plastics poses a serious health risk, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leads to excessive dioxin emissions. This persistent bioaccumulative poison can spread into the air and soil, affecting nearby plants and animals.

Smoke and particles emitted from burning plastics and other wastes can trigger respiratory health problems, especially in children, the elderly, asthmatics and people with chronic heart or lung disease, while polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known carcinogens, and the metals released are known neurotoxins.

What should we do after recognizing the harm of plastics to the environment?

1. Separate garbage for recycling. In our daily life, about 30% of the garbage is recyclable. We separate the garbage and use it to the best of our ability.

2. Avoid using disposable items such as cutlery and cups; learn more about plastic alternatives and choose alternatives that are kinder to the environment and better for you;

3. Avoid buying over-packaged products;

4. Minimize all resources consumed, wasted or used. Bring your family and friends to use environmentally friendly cloth bags and use less disposable plastic bags. We encourage everyone to shop at the store with their own environmentally friendly bags. In this way, not only to achieve savings, but also because the environmental protection bag for canvas, cotton and other natural materials, strong wear-resistant and thus can be reused. Carrying environmental protection bags for shopping has become more and more popular and fashionable among people who respect environmental protection consciousness.