Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA.
Plastic has became integral to our day-to-day lives, but now it is taking over our lives – and it's taking over the planet.
It is used in so many things. However, from the processes used to create plastic products, to how they are used, and finally what happens to them once we have finished with them is sadly not good for the planet.
Plastic is a really big topic and a really big issue. Take a look these two short videos to understand more:
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough & Dame Ellen MacArthur
What really happens to the plastic you throw away?
The plastic cup is an item we have all likely used at some point; whether we wanted a decorative and unbreakable option for a children's birthday party, or we've bought a take-way coffee in a plastic cup that's easy to dispose of once we're finished. However, lets take a look at how this staple in our daily lives in produced.
Improper disposal of plastic waste on land can lead to soil contamination. Plastic debris breaks down into microplastics, which contaminates the soil and hinder plant growth and agricultural productivity.
Plastic waste poses risks to wildlife and livestock. Animals may eat or get tangled in plastic debris, which could lead to injury, suffocation or starvation.
Accumulation of plastic waste in public places such as parks, beaches, and town centres can diminish the area and have negative impacts on tourism, recreation, wellbeing and local economies.
Plastic waste presents challenges in waste management systems. The volume and persistence of plastic waste make it difficult to handle and dispose of properly. If plastic is burnt it releases toxic fumes and particules into the air, which contributes to air pollution.
Plastic waste accumulates in the oceans due. It is estimated that millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. with sources including coastal areas, rivers, and marine activities.
Marine animals, such as seabirds, fish, turtles, and marine mammals, can end up eating or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury, suffocation, starvation, and, sadly, death. If they eat plastic it can also cause internal injuries and disrupt the animals' digestive systems.
Plastic pollution can disrupt marine ecosystems. It can alter habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and affect the biodiversity and balance of marine ecosystems. The accumulation of plastics in certain areas can also harm important breeding and feeding grounds for marine species.
Take your own reusable bags when you go shopping. Have one or two in your car or handbag ready to use in case of some impromptu shopping.
Carry a reusable bottle and cup with you when you're on the go, and the avoid the need of using a takeaway cup. Many cafes offer a discount for using your own cup.
Avoid using plastic straws and cutlery by having your own reusable alternatives, like stainless steel or bambo, to hand.
1. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables without plastic packaging when possible.
Instead of using plastic containers for food storage, you could switch to glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers. These alternatives are durable, reusable, and do not leach harmful chemicals into your food.
 When getting takeaway or bringing home leftovers from restaurants, take your own reusable containers to avoid using disposable plastic containers.
Replace clingfilm and aluminium foil with beeswax wraps or reusable silicone food covers to keep food fresh.
Instead of buying cleaning products in plastic bottles, consider making your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. Store them in reusable spray bottles.
 Opt for bar soap instead of liquid hand soap packaged in plastic. Similarly, consider using shampoo bars or refillable shampoo containers to reduce plastic waste from toiletries.
Look for plastic-free alternatives for personal care items like toothbrushes, razors, and cottonwool buds, such as bamboo toothbrushes, and metal razors.
Instead of immediately replacing broken items, try repairing them. Get creative and repurpose plastic containers or packaging for organising or storage purposes.
Products are designed to consider each stage of a product life - before and even after the customer uses it - with recyclability in mind.
This involves using materials that are easily recyclable, minimising the use of additives that hinder recycling processes, and creating products that can be easily disassembled and separated into their component materials.
By designing plastic products for recyclability, their value is maintained, and they can be effectively reused in new products.
• reduce the annual volume of plastics entering our oceans by 80%
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%
• generate savings of USD 200 bn per year
• create 700,000 net additional jobs
(Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
Mushrooms have gained attention in recent years as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative due to their unique properties and potential applications. For example: