Innovation creates groundbreaking solutions to resolve the world's greatest problems.
Plastics. Ironically, once deemed a solution to protect the worlds precious elements such as wood and prevent elephants being slaughtered for ivory. Plastic appeared to be a great innovation that would protect nature, Earth.
Some early plastics were made from plantbased materials, but ultimately oil-based plastics met the demand of both need and cost.
Plastics have transformed society and became an essential commodity. It was a cheap solution for many problems we faced but it was also essential in protecting life, such as the development of medical equipment.
A groundbreaking invention to protect nature in 1863 which transformed society today is now one of our biggest threats.
We all know plastics are damaging the oceans, land and wildlife but did you know, plastic is responsible for up to one million human deaths a year.
The world’s poorest countries are experiencing loss of life as a direct result of plastic pollution due to our poor mismanagement of waste and plastic use.
But it doesn’t end there. The impact of plastic related deaths are on the rise.
We all know about plastics ending up in fish guts from plastic pollution in our oceans but in 2022, plastics were found in human lungs and blood.
And since, links between plastic and several health conditions has been found:
Alters hormone activity
Disrupts growth
Impacts cognitive function
Infertility
Increases obesity
Asthma
Diabetes
Thyroid Problems
Cancers
Lung Disease
Stroke
Heart Disease
Earth Day 2024 focused on plastic, and whilst we are aware of the impact on the earth and our changing environment, we are less aware on the direct impact on our bodies.
Every time you sip a drink from a plastic bottle, you are digesting plastic.
Take a look around you, in your place of work, and your home. How much plastic is in your life? How much plastic are you unknowingly consuming everyday, how much are you digesting?
Plastic reduction is as much about protecting people as it is the planet. And whilst the race is on for the innovation to replace this harmful product, we have a responsibility to reduce our use, and how we manage the consumption and waste of the plastic we do use.
And recycling isn’t the answer!
Some of the little things we can do to ensure our place of work protects us:
Clean regularly using plastic free products. Dust is made up of a high level of plastic particles, cleaning every day increases the clean air in your office.
Ban single use plastics. There are so many planet-friendly alternatives and other ways of working, single use plastics are not needed in the office.
Repair and reuse office furniture and products, and buy plastic free alternatives if new items are needed.
Accessible well stocked kitchen to enable staff to make healthy, nutritious food and drinks.
Effective waste management, ultimately work on reducing waste levels.
Flexible working enables staff to reduce travel, and also work in environments that promote clean air.
Cycling schemes are a great way to support employees health and their impact on the environment.
Protecting the planet is ultimately about protecting human life and working towards eradicating plastic from our lives is crucial.
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