Plastic Free July

By Den Fusso, with help from Katherine Tressider and Jenna Tressider ... dedicated volunteers all!

Welcome to Plastic Free July! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the impacts of plastic, and how you can reduce your personal use of unnecessary plastics in your life.

This blogpost is a collection of facts and tips plastic, one for each day of the month. Some will surprise you, many will be quite sobering, a handful will be inspiring. The overarching message is: Plastic creates extremely bad environmental and health problems. Many of the things we were told would help -- DON’T. Our goal is to pique your curiosity, arm you with knowledge, and inspire you to seek solutions. Some of these facts will anger or sadden you. We hope you transform those feelings into ACTION.

This is not intended to be overwhelming, but an opportunity to try new things. Start with what you can manage, then move on to more challenging changes. Here are some suggested commitments:

Novice: Pick 1-2 activities per week. Continue throughout July.
Experienced: Pick 3-5 activities per a week.Continue forever (any order.)
Expert: Complete all of the challenges, and get 2 friends to join you in the Challenge.

(Plastic Free July is just a clever name for a public-relations campaign. Please put these ideas to use the rest of the year as well.)

Here's a single page printable Plastic Free July calendar you can print out and take some of these good ideas with you.

1. How long does it take plastic to decompose? When you read things like “It takes your plastic water bottle X years to decompose,” understand, it NEVER decomposes (organic material decomposes; plastic is NOT an organic material.) What is meant is that it takes “X” numbers of years for the plastic to break down into microplastic, but it’s still on the planet, and will be forever. 9% is recycled; 12% is burned; 79% ends up in landfills, in the environment, or in the ocean. Learn more here. Today’s challenge: Notice how much plastic you use … in produce bags, packing from that online delivery, or that single-use cup holding your cool drink. How many of these are necessary? How many can you replace with something reusable?
2. Unsure if an item is recyclable? DO NOT throw it into your recycling container anyway. “Wish-cycling” refers to throwing items into the recycle bin, “wishing” they would be recycled. This can contaminate the load, which significantly increases costs (sorting must happen by hand) and increases the chances the entire batch will be thrown away instead of recycled. Many cities across the US have ceased recycling because of the costs of recycling contamination and low demand for what ends up being saved. China stopped taking our recyclables because too much non-recyclable plastic was mixed in with the recycled loads. Watch this 5 min YouTube video by PBS about recycling. And this link provides a basic guide of what NOT to put in recycling.
3. If I buy a product that’s “natural” or “biodegradable,” isn’t that better for the environment? "Green-washing” refers to an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing a company's products are environmentally friendly. Marketers have learned consumers want products that are less damaging to the environment, so they have started to use terms that “sound” better, but may not be. The sad truth: there are no legal and practical definitions of either “natural” or “biodegradable.” Learn more here to get a better understanding of what to look for and examples of greenwashing.
4. Each of us reducing our use of plastic straws, grocery bags, and other wasteful plastics is an important start. But the faster path to widespread evolution beyond plastic is systemic change by changing the laws to prevent these toxic and wasteful products from being produced in the first place. Take a few minutes today to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act (S.984; HR.2238). This bill would require plastic-manufacturing companies to be accountable for the plastic they generate in the following ways: it would require them to finance and insure recyclability for the containers they create; waste would no longer be shipped to poor countries that cannot handle it; deposit/refund fees would be required, as well as fees for plastic carry out bags; non-recyclable plastic would be phased out; plastic fabrication would be required to include more post consumer recycled plastic; the EPA would be required to develop consistent, easy to understand recycling symbols. Take a few minutes to sign the petition, then share the link on your social media, and encourage others to get involved. Your voice makes a difference and the need is urgent! Thank you.
5. Are those bins at the grocery store claiming to recycle plastic film legitimate or just a “marketing campaign?” Are they just for THAT store’s plastic grocery bags? A lot of plastic film (bags, overwrap, flimsy plastic) can be returned to your grocery store, Wal-mart, Target, etc. (there are bins usually at the exits to recycle plastic film) to be recycled. This plastic film really is collected and processed by companies (like Novolex Bag-2-Bag), which use the post-consumer plastic to create new plastic bags, plastic food containers, cutlery and Trex products (lumber created with both wood pulp and post-consumer plastics). To avoid contaminating the load, your donation must be clean and dry—no food crumbs nor receipts. Watch this video to learn the many types of plastic bags and film that can be recycled in these bins. They include air pouches, cereal liners, produce bags, ziplock bags (remove the zipper), electronic and appliance packaging, overwrap, and more!
6. Whenever possible, isn’t it best to purchase “biodegradable” products, so they can break down in the landfill? Unfortunately, the dry, dark, and oxygen-poor conditions found in modern landfills cause organic matter to mummify rather than decompose. Learn more here. Landfills are designed so nothing degrades, because uncontrolled biodegradation can pollute groundwater, release methane gas (a power greenhouse gas), and create unstable sub-soil conditions. Some communities can properly manage biodegradable products, but don’t assume … ask. Reno does not have a system to handle biodegradable products. For those in other communities, contact your waste management company to find out if your community can handle biodegradable products. 
7. If I see the chasing arrows triangle with a number inside, is THAT how I know the item is recyclable? On the bottom of most plastic containers you will find the “chasing arrows” symbol (triangle formed by three arrows pointing in clockwise direction) with a number (1-7) inside. The number is a code to describe from what type of resin that plastic is made. The public is largely confused thinking the chasing arrows symbol means the plastic is recyclable. It DEFINITELY DOES NOT! Generally only #1 and #2 plastic are recyclable (Reno, NV only recycles Plastics #1 & #2. Reno does NOT recycle plastic #3, #4, #5, #6, or #7.) Non-Reno residents, contact your local waste management company to determine what’s recyclable in your community. Learn more here.
8. About a third (28%) of the oxygen you breathe comes from the rainforest; about 70% comes from phytoplankton in the ocean. These are the smallest organisms in the food chain. Reducing them seems wise to avoid impacting the phytoplankton with plastic pollution. Learn more here.
9. Is it OK to launder synthetic clothing? The wastewater gets filtered at the water treatment plant, right? Washing a single synthetic article of clothing can release up to 1,900 particles of microplastic. The fibers are too small to be filtered out at the water treatment plant and flow directly into our streams and oceans. Microplastics have been detected in significant amounts in Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River. Synthetic fibers include: Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, Lycra, Fleece, Microfleece, Coolmax, Olefin, Cordura, and more. Learn more here.
10. Which type of plastic is the worst? Plastic #3 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC.) It contains phthalates (tha-lāt) which make the plastic less brittle, more flexible. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that are linked to reproductive problems. The chemicals in PVC are linked to cancer. They can leach into the water or food in contact with it. Items made from PVC include: Plastic cling wrap, plastic bags, cooking oil bottles, teething rings, pet toys, and more. Learn more here.
11. Is bottled water safer than tap water? Tap water suppliers must undergo testing to show contaminant levels, offer quality reports to consumers, meet EPA standards, and disclose their water sources. It is not mandatory for bottled water corporations to conduct lab tests or inform consumers where their water originates. In some instances, it actually just comes from the tap! Studies show there is twice the microplastic in some bottled water as in tap water. 
12. When I return something to an on-line store, what actually happens? Returns of on-line purchases cannot be resold as “new.” Ensuring the item has all its parts and is in working order, sorting and restocking the items and trying to resell them at a discount, all contribute to increased costs for the company. Often seasonal items or items with a low profit margin are not worth the cost of trying to resell. It’s often cheaper for the company to send items directly to the landfill. Additionally, packaging waste, and increased greenhouse gas emissions from transporting the items contribute to the environmental cost. Instead of returning items, buy only what you really need and will use, buy local, choose to donate rather than return.
13. What happens to items I return at the grocery store? If you return an item that can go in your mouth, it will be thrown away. This is true for items that are sealed and tripled-sealed with plastic! Since there’s no way to verify the items’ safety, stores won’t risk the liability. During holidays, people often return hams, turkeys, or large roasts with excuses like, “my husband bought the wrong cut of meat, or the wrong amount.” If you end up with the wrong food product, try to adjust. Use it in a different way, use it later, or donate it to someone who will use it. This policy change regarding store returns went into effect in 1982, after the Tylenol murders in Chicago.
14. What about Food Waste? Today, an estimated one-third of all the food produced in the world goes to waste. That’s equal to about 1.3 billion tons of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, and grains that either never leave the farm, get lost or spoiled during distribution, or are thrown away in hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, or home kitchens. It could be enough calories to feed every undernourished person on the planet. Additionally, this takes a lot of energy and water to grow, harvest, and transport. The massive, indirect use of plastic for fertilizer, animal feed, harvesting, processing, packaging and distribution is also unnecessarily wasted.
15. I hate throwing out good food (esp. with all that wasted plastic packaging), but if it’s past the expiration date, what choice do I have? “Best By…” dates on food packaging refer to the quality and taste of the food, not safety. Most shelf-stable foods are safe, indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the ‘best by’ date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor. Learn more here.
16. What about foods with “Freezer Burn” ~ shouldn’t they be discarded? Meat and other foods with freezer burn are still safe to eat. Freezer burn draws out moisture and flavor. This affects the quality but not the safety of food. Don’t eat meat if it has a bad smell or other signs pointing to spoilage. Food that has spoiled is no longer safe to eat.  Food poisoning bacteria does not grow in the freezer, so no matter how long a food is frozen, it is safe to eat. Foods that have been in the freezer for months (recommended freezer times chart) may be dry, or may not taste as good, but they will be safe to eat. So if you find a package of ground beef that has been in the freezer more than a few months, don’t throw it out. Use it to make chili or tacos. The seasonings and additional ingredients can make up for loss of flavor.
17. What’s the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch?” The winds and the currents in the oceans cause the water to move in a vortex pattern that forces plastic pollution into a somewhat concentrated area. Contrary to what some imagine, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch isn’t an “island.” Rather it’s like a concentrated “soup” of plastic rubbish and microplastic. It has been estimated to be 2x the size of Texas. 
18. Why is there so much plastic pollution in the Pacific Ocean? Actually, the plastic pollution is not just in the Pacific Ocean. There are 5 gyres, areas with concentrated plastic pollution in different oceans: the North Pacific Ocean, the South Pacific Ocean, the North Atlantic Ocean the South Atlantic Ocean; The Indian Ocean. Water samples have been taken from around the world ~ only 2 samples out of 500 contained zero plastic.
19. What’s the source of all this plastic? Although much is litter which is improperly disposed of and has blown to the ocean, or flowed there from a stream or a river, microplastics washed off from synthetic clothes contribute up to 35% of the plastic particles polluting our oceans. Wearing synthetic clothing releases as many plastic particles into the air as it does into the ocean.
20. Is there anything I can do to avoid contaminating the ocean with plastic? Indeed--the agitation from a washing machine contributes to the fiber breakage. Front load machines agitate less than top loading machines; wash synthetics less often; use cold water; wash full loads to decrease friction in the wash. You can use a Coraball in the wash (collects 5-38% of microfibers-$38), or you can place your synthetics in a Guppyfriend Washing Bag ($35.) The bag reportedly captures 90% of the microplastic your clothing sheds. You can then toss those fibers into the garbage and divert them from entering the ocean (DON’T rinse them down the drain.) Only half fill the bag--it’s recommended to use 2 medium size bags to balance your wash. You can buy a Filtrol 160 ($140) which attaches to the drain pipe and filters out over 90% of microfibers; spin dry clothes at a lower revolution; avoid buying “fast fashion”. Learn more ideas here. 
21. If synthetic fabrics release plastic microfibers into the ocean, what fabrics do NOT? Natural fibers are made from plants or animals (cotton, linen, hemp, jute, nettle, ramie, silk, wool --alpaca, cashmere, angora and more.) Although they don’t release plastic microfibers, they create their own environmental problems. Possibly the best solution is to avoid “fast fashion.” Use your clothing for a long time, and swap or buy used from Thrift Stores whenever possible. Over time, synthetic fabrics shed less microplastics in the laundry. Learn more here.
22. Is anything positive happening on a large scale to decrease plastic pollution? Inspiring Fact #1: An article that was published Jun 15, 2021 describes how Sweden has become so efficient that only 1% of their trash goes to the landfill. They now IMPORT trash from the UK, Norway, Ireland and Italy, as they have so little trash themselves. 47% is recycled; 52% is converted to inexpensive home heating energy (decreasing use of fossil fuels for heating), thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2.2 million tons a year. Carbon dioxide emissions dropped by 34% between 1990 and 2006. Greenhouse gases were projected to fall 76% compared to 1990. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act would help Americans increase recycling (see number 4 above).
23. Does a used plastic milk jug get recycled into a new plastic milk jug? Most plastic is not really “recycled” (where you can make the same item over and over again), it is DOWN-cycled, where it is made into another product (perhaps a fleece jacket.) During the recycling process the quality of the plastic degrades, and virgin plastic must be added to it to create a new product like a fleece jacket. At the end of its “life”, a fleece jacket cannot be downcycled into any other plastic product so finds its way to the landfill. By contrast, metal (including aluminum) and glass are infinitely recyclable without losing quality or purity of the material.
24. What might be the single most helpful thing I can do to decrease my plastic footprint? Probably the easiest and definitely the most cost-saving thing you can do to reduce your plastic footprint is: REFUSE! Stop buying stuff you will use only minimally. Use up what you have. Only buy what you really and truly need. How many outfits hang in your closet? How many times has each been worn? How many hats, jackets, gloves do you own? Shoes? How many pens are stashed throughout your home? How many different cleaning products do you have? You get the idea. Here’s a 12 min. video of 43 items this mother no longer buys. Her goal was to save money. She’s really giving us all good ideas to save the planet.
25. What are the most common types of plastic litter found in the environment? For International Beach Clean Up Day the top 10 items collected were: cigarette butts; food wrappers (candy, chips, etc), plastic beverage bottles; plastic bottle caps; plastic bags; plastic utensils; straws and stirrers; plastic take-out food containers; plastic lids; marine debris. The plastic wase from cigarette filters is terrible for the environment because of the toxins within. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act specifically deals with the impacts of cigarette filter waste. It also establishes a deposit/refund for all drink containers, and a small fee for all plastic carry out bags, which would significantly decrease this environmental waste.
26. As the greatest producer of plastic, is China also the worst plastic polluter? Nope. It’s true, China produces the most plastic, however, Chinese citizens use relatively little plastic (only 15 kg a person per year) Actually, the U.S. and the U.K. produce more plastic waste per person than any other nation, with each American generating an average of 105.3 kg (231lbs) of plastic per year (that’s 4.4 lbs of just plastic, a week.) China is exploited to produce that plastic for large corporations. The Break Free From Plastic Act would shift the oneness of responsibility on companies to phase out unrecyclable plastics, and to pay to manage the waste from their recyclable plastics (see #4 above).
27. Inspiring Fact #1: Washington state is the 7th state to ban polystyrene (AKA Styrofoam.) The bill prohibits polystyrene peanuts, coolers and foodware; requires businesses to provide single-use utensils, cups, lids and condiments only upon customer request; and ensures that plastic beverage bottles, household cleaning and personal care bottles, plus trash bags, contain minimum levels of post-consumer recycled content.
28. Inspiring Fact #2: Sales of plastic bags at the seven largest retail chains in England fell by 90% after the 5 pence charge went into effect in 2015; the average person in England dropped the number of bags they used from 140 a year in 2014, down to 10. In May, 2021, the charge for a plastic grocery bag doubled to 10 pence. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act would allow the US to enjoy similar improvement with its minimal bag charge.
29. Inspiring Fact #3 Kroger-the largest grocery chain in the US, 2,800 stores, (owns Smiths, and Fred Meyer) has begun to phase out use of plastic grocery bags and plans to eliminate them altogether by 2025.
30. Do we REALLY ingest a credit card weight (5 grams) of microplastic a week? Where does it come from? Microplastic has been found in our water, beer, and sea salt. Studies have shown that some plastics can pass from the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and migrate into the blood and lymphatic systems, spreading to and accumulating in other organs. It has been found in human stool, and in the lung tissue of lung cancer patients. Studies have shown that some plastics can pass from the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and migrate into the blood and lymphatic systems, spreading to and accumulating in other organs. It is also in household dust! We surround ourselves with plastic-- nylon and polyester (plastic) carpeting, polyester (plastic) fabric window treatments, synthetic (plastic) furniture, synthetic (plastic) mattresses and linens, synthetic (plastic) towels and clothing and of course, plastic food packaging. From all this plastic, microplastic fibers shed, and circulate in our air. It’s estimated that of 20 kg of dust produced annually in the average household, 6 kg is microplastic. After a 20 min. meal, scientists found up to 114 plastic fibers on dust traps, next to the plates of food. There was actually more plastic falling on the food from dust in the air than there was from the seafood being eaten.
31. I’m convinced--I need to do something, but I’m just one person. What can I do? That’s an easy one! For-profit companies have created these massive problems, all for their financial benefit. They’ve left a wake of destruction for governments and citizens to finance and manage. The top 5 plastic polluters in 2020 were Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Unilever, Nestle, Unilever, Mondelez. It’s time for these companies to take responsibility for the overwhelming mess they have created.