A New Year’s resolution for plastic pollution
A whole lot can happen in twelve months
A whole lot can happen in twelve months.
This time last year, Tide pods were merely detergents, not digestifs. Yodeling at Walmart was just a humble hobby. Black Panther was just a comic. My Philadelphia Eagles were playoff underdogs. And, outside of California, we had only begun taking steps to address the growing problem of plastic pollution.
Thanks in part to the hard work of our staff and the support of our members, I’m happy to report that things are changing.
Over the past year, bills have been passed throughout the country to reduce single-use plastic waste. Baltimore and New York City voted to ban foam containers. Boston is now free of single-use plastic bags. Seattle is now free of disposable plastic straws, and in many other places, you’ll need to request one.
Corporations have spoken out as well. McDonald’s pledged to eliminate foam cups from its stores by the end of this year. Dunkin’ Donuts followed suit in February with its own pledge. Starbucks and United, American, and Alaska Airlines all announced decisions to ditch single-use plastic straws. Meanwhile, Kroger Inc., the largest grocery chain in the United States, will be phasing out single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable versions over the next six years.
These combined victories amount to a whole lot less plastic waste. Is it enough? Of course not. But, we may look back and realize that 2018 was the year that reducing plastic became mainstream. As we look towards 2019, I’m encouraged by the possibilities.
Maryland may become the first state to ban foam containers. Washington may soon become the third state to ban single-use plastics bags. And if we’re willing to follow the example set by our European neighbors, getting rid of entire swaths of single-use plastics on a national level is a distinct future possibility.
We all have the to keep the pedal to the metal. Want to see legislation passed in your state to reduce plastic pollution? Call your elected official. Frustrated by non-recyclable plastics or excessive packaging? Let the producer know. In the new year, we can create the waste-free future we all want to see.
