It’s hard to believe that so many of the environmental issues we are dealing with today are largely the result of the modern convenience products that have been developed over the past 100 years. But it’s true; more damage has been done to the environment over the last 100 years than since the beginning of time.

Plastics in particular have earned a special place in the list of man’s most environmentally damaging products. It is estimated that 86% of all debris in our oceans is plastic. This statistic takes on even more significance when you realize that this has occurred in less than 50 years. The first commercial plastic bag was developed in 1950 and for 10 years was a product used exclusively by commercial enterprises. It was not until 1960 that the first household bag was not introduced. Since then plastics have infiltrated all aspects of our everyday life with their versatility and convenience. (For an interesting outline of the history of plastic development refer to The History of Plastics article by Mary Bellis).

But is not the versatility or convenience of plastics that is the problem, it is the fact that plastics, like many manmade products, are created without consideration for their long term effects or impact. It’s like what Robin Williams said about nuclear waste in his role as Mork in the TV show Mork and Mindy, Mork says “you mean they create this stuff without also creating a way to dispose of it!” The unfortunate truth is yes – we create things like plastic without have a disposal plan. While not nuclear waste, plastic is an environmentally damaging product that has reached a point where it needs our action to stop. It is time for each of us to take the environment seriously and the impact each of us has on it. Turning the damage of the last 100 years and in the case of plastics the last 60 years requires each of us to take responsibility to do our part to seek out and use plastic replacement products that are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. And if you would like some really tangible evidence as to the seriousness of the plastics problem and why our commitment to doing something is important check out the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority website.