Earth Day is coming up on April 22. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics. Read on to learn why plastics are a threat to the health of the planet, and to your personal health. Plus, find out what you can do today, and every day, to cut back your dependence on single-use plastic.

I love the theme for Earth Day 2024 for a couple of reasons. First, because it takes me back to the reason I started this blog in 2019. My initial focus was sharing tips about waste reduction and sustainable living.

More importantly, though, is that reducing single-use plastic is something every individual can do immediately. We don’t need governments, corporations, or even our neighbours, to do anything. Each of us has the power to make a difference, starting today.

Good vs. bad plastic

Climate deniers are quick to point out all the good uses of plastic and the ways it has improved our lives. I have always been clear that I’m not totally anti-plastic. It’s a durable, lightweight material that plays a vital role in healthcare and the manufacturing of durable goods.  

However, much of the plastic produced exists solely to fuel our laziness and need for convenience. We use it for a few minutes and then toss it in the trash without a second thought. And while we don’t have to think of it after we throw it away, that single-use item stays on the planet for centuries. There really is NO excuse for that.

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Shocking plastic facts

EarthDay.org outlines the reasons why plastics continue to be an urgent environmental and health issue. Here are some facts that should shock you.

• Despite all the attention paid to it, plastic production is growing. More plastic has been produced in the last 10 years than in the entire 20^th century.
• In 2023, 500 million plastic bags were produced. That’s one million bags per minute!
• In the United States alone, 100 billion plastic beverage containers were produced last year, and 95% of them will not be recycled.
• Making a plastic water bottle uses six times as much water as the contents of the bottle.

And if the environmental aspect doesn’t concern you, you should be worried about the impact on your health.

Plastics break down into microplastics, releasing toxic chemicals into our food, water sources and even the air we breathe. The chemical compounds in plastics have been linked to cancer, weight gain and insulin resistance, reproductive issues, and a whole host of other health issues. Visit EarthDay.org to learn more about the health implications of plastics.

7 single-use plastic items you can give up today

It would be impossible to fully eliminate plastic from our lives. However, there is a lot of low-hanging fruit. Here are 7 single-use plastic items you can give up today for the good of your health and the planet.  

1. Water bottles
2. Shopping bags
3. Straws
4. Plastic cutlery
5. Take-out beverage containers
6. Hand and body soap. Switch to bar products or find a refillery in your area.
7. Laundry detergent and fabric softener jugs. Read Simple tips for zero-waste laundry to learn how I eliminated all plastic from my laundry day routine.

There really is no excuse. Between now and Earth Day, take some time to think about the changes you’ll make.

If you’ve already given up all these items, congratulations! For more ideas, visit A year of weekly sustainable living goals to download your free checklist.  

What will you do for Earth Day 2024? Drop me a comment below to let me know your plans.