Where does single-use plastic end up?

I’m guilty of snagging that last minute item in the check out line. That packet of gum or the two-for-one dollar candy bars or that iced vanilla latte. They’re so convenient. These items are made to be easily consumed and obtained by folks on the go. As you probably guessed, the majority of these items are non-recyclable, single-use plastics. There’s no arguing that plastic is an infinitely useful item. From hip replacements, to mobile phones to lifesaving equipment, it’s a pretty cool item but one we’ve taken for granted, or maybe taken too far?

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Plastic saw its birth in 1869, due in part to the declining ivory trade. Chemist John Wesley Hyatt created a synthetic polymer from cellulose treated with camphor. This early polymer was able to be crafted into a wondrous array of items that offset the need for animal products. Flash forward to 2019, and we’re wrapping bananas and cucumbers in plastic to extend their shelf life. Definitely not the best use for an item meant for greater aspirations.
So where does all of this non-recyclable, single-use plastic end up? Short answer and the best case scenario would be the local landfill. In the worst case, we see single-use plastics strewn along the roadsides and in our rivers as they’re easily discarded and can blow for miles before finding their final destination. 

There’s little to no demand for this class of plastic packaging, which includes candy and chewing gum wraps, plastic lined paper cups, plastic lids and plastic straws. Our local material recycling facility (MRF) reports they sort 75 to 80 tons of single-use plastics out of standard recyclables on a weekly basis. This process costs the recycling facility time, freight and landfill fees. Add that to an already declining recycling commodities market and it makes it hard for a MRF to stay in business.
What’s the solution to this problem?

1. Reuse single-use plastic as much as possible. Every bit helps.
2. Politely ask your favorite business to consider alternatives to single-use items.
3. Use your voice and write to large manufacturers requesting biodegradable or recyclable packaged goods.

I know that I’m making this sound easy, but it really is. Just use your dollars to push the market to sustainable solutions. I mean, we kinda have to!

Eric Bradford, GreenWorks Director of Operations