Kids Can Make A Difference Against Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects our oceans and marine life. Every year, an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans, posing a serious threat to marine animals and the environment. It is essential for kids to understand the impact of plastic pollution and take action to address this global problem. By making small changes and adopting sustainable habits, kids can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting our planet. This includes saying no to single-use plastic, reusing and recycling materials, and finding creative ways to raise awareness about the issue. Together, we can work towards a cleaner and safer future for all.

Refuse single-use plastics

Refusing single-use plastics is a great way for kids to help tackle plastic pollution. Single-use plastics, like plastic bags, straws, and water bottles, are designed to be thrown away after just one use, but they can have a harmful impact on the environment if they're not disposed of properly. Here are some ways that kids can refuse single-use plastics and make a positive difference:

Use Reusable Water Bottles

Instead of buying plastic water bottles, get a reusable bottle that you can fill up at home or at school. This will not only reduce the amount of plastic waste but also save money. Many places now have water bottle filling stations, making it easier to refill your bottle when you're out and about.

Bring Your Own Shopping Bags

When you go grocery shopping with your family, bring your own bags. Reusable bags are stronger and more durable than single-use plastic bags, and they can be used over and over again. Some shops even offer incentives like loyalty points or small gifts when you bring your own bags, so it's a great way to save the planet and get rewarded!

Choose Loose Produce

When buying fruits and vegetables, opt for loose items instead of those wrapped in plastic. This way, you avoid the unnecessary plastic packaging that often comes with pre-packaged produce. You can also encourage your family to buy from local farmers' markets where possible, as this usually involves less packaging.

Say No to Plastic Straws

Plastic straws are another common single-use item. If you need to use a straw, there are reusable options made from metal, glass, or bamboo. Alternatively, you can skip the straw altogether and drink directly from the cup or bottle!

Pack a Waste-Free Lunch

Talk to your parents about packing a waste-free lunch for school. This could include using reusable containers for sandwiches and snacks instead of plastic wrap or bags. You can also encourage your school friends to do the same, and maybe even start a school-wide initiative to reduce single-use plastics in packed lunches.

Be a Smart Consumer

When buying any product, be mindful of the packaging. Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging. Avoid products with microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can be harmful to the environment. Personal care products like face wash, shampoo, and toothpaste often contain microplastics, so be sure to check the labels.

Remember, refusing single-use plastics is just one part of the solution. You can also reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics to minimize your environmental impact. Every small change makes a difference!

Reuse plastic items

Plastic is a problem because it takes a long time to decompose—we're talking 400 years or more! This means that when plastic is left on the ground as litter, it often blows into creeks and rivers and eventually ends up in the ocean. And because plastic doesn't break down, it stays in the ocean forever, causing damage.

So, what can we do about it? Well, one way to help is to reuse plastic items. Here are some ideas for kids to reuse plastic and help reduce plastic pollution:

Reuse plastic bags

Instead of throwing away plastic bags, you can reuse them as liners for your trash cans. You can also use plastic bags for arts and crafts projects, such as making a crunchy water bottle toy for your dog. Just grab a water bottle, put it inside an old sock, and tie off each end. You can also stuff pet beds with thick fabric covers using plastic bags.

Reuse plastic bottles

There are endless ways to reuse plastic bottles! You can cut them up and use them as planters for seeds or small plants. You can poke holes in the bottom of a bottle and use it as a watering can for your plants. You can also get creative and paint plastic bottles to make them into decorations, such as a hanging garden or a jetpack costume.

Reuse plastic containers

Takeout containers and other plastic containers can be washed and reused for storing items. You can use them to keep cords and chargers tidy, or for storing dry goods like beans, rice, and pasta. You can also use plastic containers for arts and crafts, such as making a bird feeder or a mobile.

Reuse plastic lids

Plastic lids can be placed under furniture to make it easier to move, or you can cut them up and use them for arts and crafts. You can make a hanging mobile or turn them into coasters.

Reuse plastic bags for shopping

Instead of constantly using new plastic bags for shopping, you can reuse the ones you already have. Ask your parents to keep some for you, and then take them with you when you go shopping.

Remember, reducing your consumption of single-use plastic is the best way to help the environment. So, in addition to reusing plastic items, try to use less plastic overall and recycle whatever plastic you can!

Recycle plastic waste

Recycling plastic waste is one of the best ways to help solve the world's plastic waste problem. When we recycle, we turn plastic waste into new products, reducing the amount that ends up in landfills and oceans, which saves energy and lowers threats to biodiversity, humans, and the environment. Here are some tips for kids to recycle plastic waste:

Identify Recyclable Plastics

Not all plastics are recyclable. Look for the recycling symbol and a number from 1 to 7 on plastic items. The number indicates the type of chemicals used and how recyclable it is. Generally, the lower the number, the more recyclable it is. For example, plastics marked with #1 and #2, such as water bottles and shampoo bottles, are widely recycled in many countries. On the other hand, plastics marked with #3 and #7 are typically not recyclable. Check with your local recycler to learn about the specific guidelines in your area.

Keep Recyclables Clean and Intact

Dirty plastic cannot be recycled. Make sure to wash bottles and containers before placing them in the recycling bin to avoid contaminating the recycled plastic with leftover food, drink, or other substances. Additionally, avoid putting small pieces of plastic into the recycling bin, as they may contaminate the recycling equipment. As a rule of thumb, any piece of plastic smaller than an ID card should be thrown away in the trash.

Recycle Plastic Bags and Wrappers

Plastic bags and wrappers, such as grocery bags and food packaging, are challenging to recycle through traditional curbside programs. However, some grocery and retail stores may collect these items for recycling, so check with your local stores. Alternatively, reusable bags and wrappers made of cloth or beeswax are a great way to reduce plastic waste.

Participate in Community Initiatives

Get involved in community initiatives, such as toy recycling programs or local clean-up events, to recycle plastic waste. For example, TerraCycle has partnered with toy manufacturers to enable recycling. They offer programs for recycling specific brands of toys and also provide purchase recycling solutions for other toys, action figures, and stuffed animals.

Choose Reusable Products

Opt for reusable products instead of single-use plastics whenever possible. For example, choose reusable water bottles, straws, shopping bags, and food containers. By doing so, you can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated.

Avoid plastic microfibres

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with 8 million tonnes of plastic ending up in the oceans each year. Marine animals are affected as they get entangled in plastic or mistake it for food. Plastic also breaks down into tiny particles, which are consumed by fish and other marine animals and birds, and eventually, by humans.

One way to tackle this issue is to avoid plastic microfibres, which are tiny plastic fibres found in clothing. These fibres are released into the water when synthetic fabrics are washed, and they are too small to be filtered out by waste treatment plants, so they end up in our oceans. Here are some ways to avoid plastic microfibres:

Choose natural fibres over synthetic ones

Opt for clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and wool. Unlike plastic fibres, natural fibres will eventually break down in the environment. Avoid buying clothes made from acrylic, nylon, and polyester. These synthetic fabrics release millions of microfibres into the water when washed.

Reduce purchases of cheap, "fast fashion" clothing

Cheaply-made clothing is often produced using synthetic fibres, which contribute to plastic fibre pollution. Try to buy fewer items of higher quality that will last longer, rather than frequently purchasing cheap clothing.

Wash synthetic clothes less frequently and for shorter durations

When you do need to wash synthetic fabrics, reduce the frequency and duration of washing. This will result in fewer fibres being released over time.

Use a laundry bag or laundry ball

Products like the Guppy Friend wash bag or the Cora Ball can be used during the wash cycle to capture microfibres. The Guppy Friend bag is made from woven monofilament and can capture up to 99% of fibres released during washing. The Cora Ball is a plastic orb with soft spines that capture fibres and protect delicate clothing from snagging.

Adjust your washing machine settings

Use a colder wash setting as higher temperatures can damage clothes and release more fibres. Additionally, consider using a liquid laundry soap instead of laundry powder, as powder "scrubs" and loosens more microfibres.

Spread awareness and advocate for change

Educate your friends and family about the issue of microfiber pollution. Speak up and urge clothing designers to choose natural fabrics that are less prone to shedding. Support initiatives and organisations working to reduce plastic pollution, such as the Plastic Pollution Coalition.

Educate through media

There are many educational media resources that can help kids learn about plastic pollution and how to stop it. National Geographic Kids is an interactive learning tool offering lessons, quizzes, games, and educational videos. Shady Rabab from Egypt won the United Nations Environment Programme's Young Champion of the Earth Award for his Garbage Conservatoire, touring with a band of children playing instruments made from plastic waste. The United Nations Environment Programme also has a Clean Seas educational pack that shows children the different types of plastic and how to reduce their use.

The "Be an Ocean Guardian" activity book, backed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, teaches kids about the ocean and why it's important to minimise plastic pollution. It includes stories about sea creatures and how humans should be more considerate towards them, as well as educational activities for the whole family.

The "Is Plastic Fantastic?" booklet features facts about where plastic comes from and tips for refusing single-use plastic. It has colourful illustrations by PPC Supporting Artist Alvaro Soler Arpa.

YouTube is another great resource, with creative videos from National Geographic and other influencers that highlight the harm of plastic pollution. One video called "Kids take action against ocean plastic" shows children from Hawaii working to make the ocean cleaner, while another short educational film by Ted-Ed explores how plastic ends up in the environment and how microplastics impact the oceans and humans.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers "The Planet Protectors," a fun activity for the whole family to act as detectives and solve riddles to protect the environment. It includes printable colourful PDF documents with tasks and hints to solve the case and protect the planet.

The illustrated children's book "All the Way to the Ocean" by Joel Harper teaches kids about the effects of storm drain pollution. It inspired a short film narrated by PPC Notable Member Amy Smart, presenting environmental lessons in a fun, illustrated format.

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