Skip the Stuff Plastic Plastics Pollution - League of Women Voters of Collier County

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LVWCC

“TAKE A PASS ON PLASTICS”

Change the way you think about and use single-use plastic

Our mission is to reduce the use of single-use plastics among residents, businesses and organizations in Collier County through education and advocacy.

WHY PLASTICS ARE SUCH A PROBLEM

Plastics waste management 2028 Only 9% of the plastic ever produced anywhere in the world has been recycled. Of the 40 million tons of plastic waste in the US in 2021, for example, only 5-6% was recycled. About 85% went to landfills, and the rest was incinerated or became litter. Image source: U.S Environmental Protection Agency

Plastics do not biodegrade and can take 100’s of years to decompose into small particles call microplastics. As a result, plastic waste accumulates. The Great Plastic Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean is twice as large as the size of Texas. Image source: World Wildlife Fund

Plastic harms our wildlife. Plastic harms our wildlife. Hundreds of manatees and turtles off Florida's coasts have swallowed or become entangled in plastic litter, which can be life threatening. Plastics eaten by fish and shellfish may find their way up the food chain and eventually be eaten by people.

Plastics are bad for our health. Microplastics contaminate our air, food and drinking water. Studies have found microplastics in breast milk, placentas and other human tissue. Humans may consume 5 grams of plastic a week, about the equivalent of the size of a credit card.

Global Plastic Production continues to grow

Plastic global production accelerated in the mid-1970’s and today is over 400 million tons annually. By 2060, plastic waste is projected to triple. Single-use plastic packaging creates more waste than any other sector of plastic production.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

FOLLOW THE 4 Rs

REFUSE disposable plastic whenever possible
REDUCE the amount of goods you purchase with
excessive plastic packaging and parts
REUSE durable bottles, bags, containers and other everyday items
RECYCLE what you can’t refuse, reduce or reuse

TAKE THE LWVCC “PASS ON PLASTICS PLEDGE"

Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug
Use your own grocery and produce bags for shopping
Use graound coffee, not plastic pods
Use non-plastic food wrap
Use bar soap
Use cleaning products that don't come in plastic bottles
Say “no” to straws, cutlery and packets of condiments

CONTACT US

LWVCC “Plastics 101”

Speakers are available for groups that wish to learn more about the plastics crisis and how to reduce their plastics footprint. Contact plastics@lwvcolliercounty.org.

Information and How to Get Involved Contact the LWVCC Plastics Task Force at plastics@lwvcolliercounty.org .

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE

City of Naples Recycling Guidelines

Collier County Recycling Guidelines

Alternatives to Plastic

Bioplastics and Compostable Plastics—Are They Really "Green"?\