The Bethlehem Morning Star GREEN TEAM led by Rick Morrissey’s introduction, made a compelling and very educational presentation on Practical ways to reduce plastic waste: Contributing to a more sustainable world.

 

Their objectives were to show:

 

What we use

Why it is a problem

What we can do about it

 

Here is a link to the slides for the presentation; then click Slideshow and advance slides in lower left.  There is an embedded video on slide 5. The video has a great review of the problem with recycling plastics, and is as follows - NYTimes video : https://youtu.be/zVBkjMbF4Z4

 

After the intro by Rick Morrissey, Linda Mayger lead an exercise: List every product you used in the last 24 hours. Categorize as Reused, Recycled, or Disposed of as waste. The focus on plastics was the affect on our water, air and landscape; and EACH of us can do something about it. 

 

If you wonder if something will be recycled, assume that it will not. Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled while 22% is mismanaged.

 

Holly Sachdev defined the 4 R’s on recycling:  Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

 

Holly, Jennifer Cunningham, and Indy Ishaya provided many great examples for in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and the classic “Other” category, e.g., longer lasting medical items, largest bottles of meds, vitamins, eye care, etc., reuse bubble wrap from packages and bring your own bag to ALL stores, not just grocery!