Planet vs. Plastics
Source from EARTHDAY.ORG
Planet vs. Plastics is a collaborative effort led by EARTHDAY.ORG. It brings together diverse stakeholders to advocate for reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040 and ultimately creating a plastic-free future. This initiative involves promoting awareness of the detrimental effects of plastics on human health and biodiversity, advocating for the phase-out of single-use plastics by 2030, and urging policy changes to address plastic pollution in industries like fast fashion. EARTHDAY.ORG emphasizes investing in innovative technologies and materials to achieve this goal.
Plastics significantly threaten human health and the environment, releasing toxic chemicals as they break down into microplastics. The petrochemical industry's rapid production of plastics, exceeding 380 million tons annually, exacerbates this issue, with more plastic being produced in the last decade than in the entire 20th century. Plastics not only harm wildlife but also pose health risks to humans through contamination of food, water, and air.
EARTHDAY.ORG calls for international action through the Global Plastics Treaty to mandate the end of single-use plastic production by 2030 and implement principles of precaution and accountability. The fast fashion industry is also targeted due to its significant contribution to plastic pollution and social injustices like exploitative labor practices.
Urging individuals to join the movement for a plastic-free future, EARTHDAY.ORG provides educational resources on the impacts of plastics on human health and the environment, inviting participation in Earth Day events and initiatives. Planet vs. Plastics aims to address the global plastic crisis and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations by raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and promoting sustainable practices.
Other important resources:
Pine and PFAS Accepted Equipment Solutions
Source from Pine Environmental Services LLC
PFAS, often found in plastics, contributes to the broader concern over the environmental impact and health risks associated with plastic pollution. PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of artificial chemicals commonly used in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. PFAS chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, including humans. Concerns about potential health effects have been raised, such as cancer, hormonal disruptions, and immune system problems.
To monitor and test for PFAS contamination, Pine provides PFAS-Accepted equipment and supplies that can detect and measure the levels of PFAS in water, soil, and air samples.
During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air, leaving a lasting impact. PFAS is considered a forever chemical because it does not naturally break down in the environment and can persist for decades, even centuries. Its strong chemical bonds and resistance to degradation make it extremely difficult to remove from soil and water, leading to widespread contamination. This contamination can have potential long-term health effects, underscoring the critical need for effective monitoring and testing using PFAS-Accepted equipment.
