Where does all our plastic go? By Julie Peller Ph.D.

Green Junction
According to a World Wildlife Foundation 2024 survey of 1000 Americans, most Americans (over 85%) “think that plastic waste pollution is a serious and concerning problem that requires immediate political action to solve.” Additional feedback from the survey shows that most Americans are in favor of policies and laws that “make companies responsible for the plastic waste they create (84%) and penalize companies for creating waste (78%).” Our living reality is that too many of our purchases – goods and processes – involve plastic.
For those who pay attention, the problems associated with the growing production of plastic are increasingly visible. More plastic waste resides along roadways, and this will increase if society continues on its disposable products pathway. The plastic waste moving via waterways is far greater than the average observer notices. This plastic in water ecosystems has been harming wildlife and critical water resources for years.
Policies and laws that address and reduce plastics, particularly single-use items, are surfacing in areas where politics favor environmental and public health protections. Unfortunately, these efforts are not nearly as widespread as the 85% approval cited in the survey. This year, two state representatives in Indiana initiated a House bill prohibiting the distribution of single-use plastics by food services unless specifically requested by customers. This type of policy has been shown to reduce plastic and save businesses money significantly. This bill did not move out of its committee but will be put forth again next year. It will require real work in Indiana. This presents an opportunity for Indiana residents to encourage their representatives to move forward with legislation that reduces plastic waste.
While we wait for appropriate legislation, we can make personal choices to reduce the plastic pollution problem. Consumers can refuse plastic items such as straws, bags, cups, containers, packing materials, and unnecessary items. Consumers can purchase earth-friendly and reusable goods: bar soaps, granular laundry detergent, food items packed in cardboard, longer-lasting clothing made from natural products, and more. Consumers can contact businesses and request alternative, earth-compatible materials when only plastic is offered. During the season of Lent, sacrifices can be made that turn into changes in routine. If 85% of us reduce plastics a few at a time, we can create a cleaner world to pass on to our children and grandchildren.

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her Research Interests are advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.