America's plastic waste

Traveling in Europe this summer, I have noticed many cultural differences. Many of these differences I find very intriguing. I think the United States is falling short with recycling and being more environmental friendly. After being in England for one month, I have concluded we are wasting too much plastic.
The environmental decline and the production/disposal of plastic contributes to an array of problems. Environmentalhealthnews.org shares some evidence on the toll plastic is having on our environment:

Evidence is mounting that the chemical building blocks that make plastics so versatile are the same components that might harm people and the environment. And its production and disposal contribute to an array of environmental problems, too. For example:

• Chemicals added to plastics are absorbed by human bodies. Some of these compounds have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects. 
• Plastic debris, laced with chemicals and often ingested by marine animals, can injure or poison wildlife.
• Floating plastic waste, which can survive for thousands of years in water, serves as mini transportation devices for invasive species, disrupting habitats.
• Plastic buried deep in landfills can leach harmful chemicals that spread into groundwater. 
• Around 4 percent of world oil production is used as a feedstock to make plastics, and a similar amount is consumed as energy in the process.

My mind has been blown by the way England has decreased its consumption of plastic. In December 2015, England passed a law which requires the purchase of any plastic bags. If you need a plastic bag at the grocery stores or after making a purchase shopping, each bag costs 5 pence. This has decreased the number of plastic bags each person uses.

Mascara in Europe, left, is sold directly in its tube with a seal. American packaging
for the same mascara, right, includes a paper back and a plastic-wrapped case.

I’ve also noticed a packaging difference with food and products. The mascara I buy from CVS in America is packaged differently at Boots in England. In England, L’Oréal Telescopic is sold directly in its tube with a seal. At CVS, it is packaged in a paper back with a plastic-wrapped case.
England’s food packaging also uses less plastic. Tortilla shells sold in America are sealed in a zip-top bag which uses extra plastic. Tortilla shells in England are packaged in a bag that seals with sticky tape instead of additional plastic. I’ve noticed the same for shredded cheese.
I think America, in whole, needs to adapt and become more environmental friendly. Larger cities in America have passed laws banning single-use bags, but this hasn’t been enforced nationwide. We should take more precaution to lower our nations footprint.

— Brittany Sowell

Four Crossed Logs intern

professional communication intern