PROBLEMATIC PLASTIC               

Learn how to kick your plastic addiction

 You probably use much more plastic than you think. A coffee cup in the morning, a take-out container for lunch, a water   bottle after a workout, seven or eight plastic bags at the market for produce, plus three or four more bags to carry it into   the kitchen. It all adds up to about one pound of plastic per day. The average person living in North America uses   220 pounds of plastic each year, mostly in the form of packaging. Recent studies show us recycling is not enough   because less than 10% of all plastic has ever been recycled. So how do we break this cycle of dependence on plastics?

 In the most current issue, Bon Appetite Magazine is highlighting how to break your   plastic habits in everyday life. The article details many practical tips for beginning your   journey towards a “greener” life. This article might be of particular interest to those   considering the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program here at   Wilmington University. However, this topic is important to anyone who is concerned   about protecting the environment and those who want to work toward avoiding the   depletion of natural resources in an effort to maintain an ecological balance.​

 Here are some small ways to overcome your plastic problem:        

• Shop for grains and nuts in bulk by bringing a container
• Skip the coffee shop, make a “cuppa” at home.
• Give DIY a try! (homemade condiments, yogurt, breads)
• Pack your lunch- try a tasty meal prep program.
• Ask for paper and pass on the plastic.
• Become a member of a food co-op or shop at a local farmers market.

Did you know 17 million barrels of oil are used in the production of plastic bottles each year? Ditch the plastic and get a glass or stainless steel one.