Breaking Down Plastics

Your Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Pollution and Microplastics

Surely you’ve heard people discussing the harm of plastics, but where do they come from, and why exactly are they so bad? The history of plastic is surprisingly brief for its huge impacts on industries, cultures, and lives across the world. Consumers are becoming more and more wary of plastic as its evolution continues, and for good reason. If you harbor curiosity for what’s choking our harbors, read on!

Where Does Plastic Come From?

So, what is plastic made of, anyway?

The plastic-making process starts with a base material, which is usually natural oil, gas, or cellulose from plants. These raw basics are refined into chemicals like ethane and propane, which are then treated with heat until they turn into monomers— chemicals that can be bonded together to form polymers (what plastics are made of)— such as ethylene or propylene. These monomers are then bonded with a catalyst, another chemical that jumpstarts a reaction, which then forms a grainy powder. This powder is melted down and formed into pellets, which are shipped off to factories to be molded into whatever product is being made with them.

The History of Plastic

In 1862, the first semblance of man-made plastic was introduced to the public by Alexander Parkes at the London International Exhibition. He had developed it in an attempt to create an alternative to shellac for waterproofing purposes. It was made of cellulose, and didn’t end up making any big breaks in popularity.

Then, in 1907, scientist Leo Baekeland created “Bakelite,” a new type of plastic made from formaldehyde, now a known carcinogen, and phenol, a byproduct of coal production. He patented it in 1909 and launched his own company, which was the beginning of the rise of the plastics industry.

During the time period of World War II, many innovations in plastic production were made, and new types of plastics emerged for multitudes of uses. England developed a type of plastic called polyethylene in an effort to improve their planes and other war devices, using it as a lightweight insulation for radar cabling. Nylon was also created during this time and was originally marketed for hosiery, but the US army rationed it to make supplies like rope and parachutes. This was when plastics really began to be used regularly.

Oil embargoes in the 1970s prevented oil from being used nearly as much in plastic production, which urged the industry to experiment with other raw materials. They eventually developed plastics made from plant cellulose, which became more and more mainstream in use over time.

Today, the use of plastic is implemented into almost every area of life, meaning that you’re likely wearing and sitting on, in some form, fossil fuels.

Types of Plastics

You may have noticed those number labels on your plastic items, but what do they mean? Each of these numbers, 1-7, is coded to a different type of plastic, which indicates to you, the consumer, what it is used for and whether it can be recycled. Let’s get into specifics:

• Type 1— PET/PETE. This stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate (don’t worry, there’s no quiz), which is used to make many different things, including but not limited to drink bottles, condiment jars, the stuffing in winter jackets, the pellets in bean bags, and hair combs. This type of plastic is commonly recyclable, but make sure that your curbside recycling will take the specific item before you toss it in there (i.e., don’t go putting your bean bags out on the curb— they’ll end up in landfill! Bottles and jars are fine, though.)

• Type 2— HDPE. This stands for High Density Polyethylene, another type of polyethylene (you’ll be seeing this one a lot!). It’s used to make milk jugs, grocery and trash bags, shampoo/conditioner/soap bottles, and detergent and bleach jugs, among other things. Many plastic toys are also made of this type. HDPE bottles and jugs can be recycled curbside, and you may be able to drop off grocery bags for recycling somewhere near you, but again, some of these things like toys will not be accepted through curbside recycling programs.

• Type 3— PVC. Pipes, gutters, window frames, and plastic films are made of this type, which is also known as Polyvinyl Chloride. Some grocery bags are also made with this. You can also thank PVC for some of your tiles, ducts, and shoes, to name a few others. This type of plastic can be recycled, but check with your recycler before doing so.

• Type 4— LDPE. Low Density Polyethylene (you guessed it!) is used to make sandwich bags, cling wrap, squeeze bottles for condiments like ketchup, some grocery bags, and flexible plastic container lids, plus more. This can also be recycled, but as with PVC, contact your recycler to know for sure if they’ll take it.

• Type 5— PP. This stands for Polypropylene, which is what makes up things like plastic diapers, prescription bottles, tupperware, and yogurt tubs. PP has a history of being difficult to recycle, so check with your recycler on this one as well. You can also look for send-in programs where you can ship your PP to them for recycling!

• Type 6— PS. PS stands for Polystyrene, the plastic that makes up fast food to-go containers. Styrofoam, the material used for takeout, disposable cups, packing peanuts and bike helmets, among other things, is a type of polystyrene. Polystyrene is also used to make plastic cutlery and some other things. It’s generally unrecyclable.

• Type 7— Miscellaneous. These plastics are less widely used than the other six types and are therefore given their own category. Things like baby bottles and CDs fall into this category, and are usually unrecyclable, but you can check with your recycler to know for sure on specific items.

Day-to-Day in a Plastic World

Take a moment to think about all the plastic you use on a daily basis, from dawn to dusk and beyond.

The device you’re reading this on is probably framed in plastic or in a plastic case, your pens and mechanical pencils are made of it, your toothbrush likely is. You eat food that comes wrapped in it, and you likely wrap yourself in it, too— many clothes, blankets and towels are made of plastic fibers. You might drink out of it, take your medicine out of it, wear it on your feet in the form of sneakers. Your credit card and ID are made of it.

Look around you right now— how much of your surroundings are made up of plastic? Probably more of them than you think. And nowadays, the alternatives can be hard to find. Why is this such an issue? Read on to find out.

Where Does It All Go?

Somewhere between 75-90% of all plastics disposed of end up in landfills or as litter, meaning a large amount of them will find their way into the ocean. It is estimated that there are 70 kilograms of plastic per every square kilometer of sea floor, where most ocean plastics end up, but much of this plastic also sits at the surface, forming things like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating collection of marine debris that spans from the west coast of the US all the way to Japan. This plastic pollution ends up killing a lot of wildlife, mainly by choking and asphyxiation, but through other ways, too.

No matter where the plastic ends up, it’ll be seeping dangerous chemicals into the environment. Each of the types of plastic we discussed before leach toxins and carcinogens into surrounding areas when they’re exposed to heat and/or moisture in too high levels or for too long.

Microplastics

Plastics don’t fully break down for centuries, meaning that every piece of plastic ever created is still around. But they do break down into smaller and smaller pieces over time, into what’s called microplastics. These specks of plastic are so small that wildlife often mistake them for food or just inhale them somehow, which leads to a serious plastic infiltration of the food chain. Species lower on the food chain consume these specks of plastic, and then these species are eaten by predators, which then carry the microplastics inside of them, all the way up until they reach our own plates. The average human consumes about a credit card’s worth of plastic weekly in microplastics. Crazy, huh?

What Sets Alternatives Apart?

Silicone, Explained

Why is silicone touted as the perfect alternative to plastics?

The answer lies in how it breaks down— or rather in how it doesn’t. Silicone is much more durable than plastic in a variety of ways. It generally doesn’t break down as fast as plastic and is much more heat and water resistant. When it gets too hot— which isn’t usually a problem, considering it’s widely used in the oven— it reverts to its virtually harmless building blocks (silica, carbon dioxide, water vapor) unlike plastic, which, as aforementioned, releases multitudes of toxins and carcinogens. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of silicone use, you can find that info here.

But like all materials, silicone comes with its cons, as well. Since it’s so durable, it cannot biodegrade, so while it is a better alternative to plastic, it ultimately acts the same when it reaches a certain point. Another issue with silicone is the extraction process of the sand it takes to make it. That being said, it’s still a much better alternative to plastics, and is perfectly safe if you buy it food- or medical-grade.

Biodegradable and Compostable Options

There are some alternatives to plastics being made known as bioplastics, which are commonly made of corn, hemp, and other plants, and formed in a different way than traditional plastics in order to break down much more quickly and wholly. And they don’t leach toxic chemicals, either!

Demand for these is growing rapidly but there are a few challenges this new forefront faces, including land usage. These alternatives are also relatively more expensive than traditional plastics to create. To learn more about the trials and tribulations of these, take a look here.

At the end of the day, plastic pollution is killing animals, warping the environment, and leaving unknown impacts on humans that we have yet to fully explore. We are entirely too dependent on plastic, and it’s suffocating this planet. A cultural shift will be crucial in saving wildlife, the earth, and the human race from its detriment. But there is hope— stay tuned for info on how you can help out, and for the inspiring stories of others across the globe combatting plastic pollution.

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel and Ecotourism

How to enjoy your trip while being respectful of nature and local communities

The most important way to express your opinion as far as the environment is concerned is how you use your money. So how can sustainable and conscious travel help, and what is it, anyway?

The UN World Tourism Organization says that sustainable travel and tourism “[take account of] current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” In other words, sustainable travel considers any impact you may have on local nature and community during your trip.

How Do I Travel Sustainably?

Accessibility to sustainable travel is an issue, as with many other efforts to be environmentally friendly, and some methods are more accessible than others. Here are a few ways to travel more sustainably, should you have the means:

Reducing Climate Pollution

● If possible, choose a destination closer to home. The less far you travel, the better, because you won’t create as much climate pollution.

● Consider the walkability of your destination. Sites like Walk Score will break down ease of walking, biking and other transportation methods through easy-to-understand ratings for you. Just enter your destination in the search bar and it’ll tell you what you need to know! A high walkability rate means less emissions from cars and a safer environment for pedestrians, among other benefits. Biking is also a great option— you can bring or rent a bike on your vacation for fun, easy transport that’s faster than walking but with the same environmental perks. Some cities offer trendy options like Lime or Spin bikes and scooters in abundance, making this mode of transportation more popular than ever before.

● Subway and train systems are great options when considering emissions reductions, as well. Abroad, many countries have well-developed rail systems, like the bullet trains in Japan.

Unfortunately, the US has very underdeveloped rail infrastructure overall, but popular domestic destinations such as New York City and Washington, D.C. have extensive lines available for your use. If you want to help increase rail accessibility in the US, you can read up on the issue and get involved here and here. City buses are a good option, too.

● If none of the above work for you, renting an electric vehicle may also be something to look into, but fair warning: these are hard to find and keep charged when it comes to rentals, and they may be more expensive. Also take into account that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft contribute more to climate pollution than driving yourself would. If you drive yourself, consider fueling up with biodiesel, which is nontoxic and burns cleaner than regular gas. There are some potential cons to using biodiesel, though, so be sure to take that into consideration.

● Flying accounts for some of the worst pollution per person by far compared to other modes of transportation, so avoid it if you can. If you find yourself having to fly, look into the differing emissions for separate airlines— not all plane pollution was created equal. Some airlines, like Spirit and Frontier, have much higher fuel efficiency compared to ones like Delta and American. Some airlines are also increasing their use of biofuels, known as Sustainable Aviation Fuels, in an effort to be more eco-friendly. If you’d like, you can even offset your emissions through sites like MyClimate, which will also calculate your emissions for you. Another way to reduce your contribution to pollution while flying is to choose nonstop flights over those with stops and layovers. An added bonus here: you’ll get to your destination quicker. However, tickets for nonstop flights may be more expensive, so bear that in mind. And be sure to pack lightly— less weight means less emissions!

● Finally, avoid cruises at all costs! Not only do they produce up to 4 times as many emissions as air travel, but they also dump all types of untreated waste and garbage directly into the ocean, and exploit employees and local economies alike.

Reducing Waste

● Bring reusables with you! Some ideas: reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and travel utensil packs (but maybe don’t bring that last one with you to the airport!).

● Refuse free handouts— at many festivals and events, you’ll encounter heaps of companies handing out free goodie bags and other items. We’ve all been there, and let’s be honest, we didn’t really need

any of the stuff in those bags! Consider the contents carefully before taking one, & practice saying no.

● Opt for local lodging (we’ll get into this more in a minute), but if you absolutely need to stay with a hotel chain, here are a few tips: don’t take the free water bottles they have at the desk, bring your own toiletries with you, and hang up a do not disturb sign on your door to prevent housekeeping from cleaning unnecessarily. While you’re at it, hang up your towels so they don’t get laundered before they need to be!

● Consider making more sustainable purchases overall. Using things like bamboo toothbrushes and bar soaps can help reduce plastic waste, among other benefits. But always be sure to use what you already have first.

Supporting Local Businesses and Families

Being intentional with your purchasing of services and products on vacations and other trips helps to keep money local, supporting the community there, rather than going to large corporations that might not even be in the country. Here’s some suggestions to help:

● Stick with local lodging options. When looking for a place to stay, try to research local small business establishments like Airbnb's and hotels. Pro-tip— look under the “unique stays” tab on Airbnb to find tiny houses, yurts, hostels, earth houses, barns, and other cool and

repurposed spaces to stay!

● Eat out at local restaurants. Try to stay away from chain fast food and sit-down establishments during your trip. Local restaurants often source their food from nearby farms, so not only do they support the local economy but also benefit the planet, since there’s less emissions from shipping and less intensive farming practices.

● If you’d rather cook for yourself, explore the farmer’s market. Just as with local restaurants, you aren’t supporting Big Agriculture, you’re benefiting the community, and shipping emissions &

intensive practices will be lessened. The food you find here will also likely be seasonally grown, which is important too.

● For souvenirs and shopping, take a gander at what local artisans and craftsmen have to offer. Their work is often unique and more functional than your run-of-the-mill plastic keychain, so it’s sure to be worth your while.

How to be a Good Eco-Tourist

What you do on your vacation is just as important as how you get there and what you bring. Here’s how to ensure you’re being respectful while enjoying yourself:

Keep Money Local

As we just discussed, supporting local and small businesses is crucial in traveling sustainably. Staying, eating, and shopping locally will also help you immerse yourself in your new environment, and give you better experiences and opportunities there.

Respect Local Culture

If you’re traveling internationally, chances are things will be different on the other side of the border. Before you leave, you’ll want to read up on local customs, traditions, and etiquette so that you aren’t disruptive or rude while you’re there. This will include things like the way you dress, how you speak and use body language, and maybe even your personal schedule, among many other things. Do your best to learn about these things and adhere to them. Be sure you consider what privileges you might have in being there as well, and keep them in mind during your interactions too. Learn more about respecting other cultures while traveling here.

Enjoy Nature, But Be Careful…

● Don’t harm, remove or disturb wildlife. Leave cool plants, animals, and natural formations alone. If they’re just too pretty to leave behind, take a photo to remember them by! But definitely don’t smuggle them back home— they have a place in their natural habitat, and may even harm their new place of residence if they happen to become invasive in your own community.

● No animal tourism. We’ve all heard of the horrors of SeaWorld, but the hurting of animals in the tourism industry runs much deeper than you might think. Animals are often drugged and abused into compliance at tourist attractions like circuses, tiger “sanctuaries,” horse races, and elephant or camel rides, and are kept in inhumane conditions such as the excessive confinement seen in zoos and aquariums.

● Don’t eat or buy the endangered species, either. Eating things like shark fin soup and black bear meat may sound adventurous and exciting, but it will harm the balance of local ecosystems. By all means, take part in local cuisine, but be aware of what you’re eating and where it came from. Buying turtle shells, ivory trinkets, and claws and teeth as souvenirs is also a bad idea. These species are necessary for nature to continue functioning properly, but they’re dying out for the sake of

human enjoyment. They don’t need to be cruelly harvested, as they doubtlessly are, so you don’t need to support their deaths.

● Remember your hiking manners! Stay on the trails, stash trash to throw away properly later, be careful with your campfires, and don’t feed the animals.

● Consider a conscious sunscreen. Especially if you’re headed to the beach, make sure your sunscreen is a safe choice. Many popular sunscreen brands include ingredients like oxybenzone,

petrolatum/mineral oil, titanium dioxide, and a host of others in their products, which, when in the ocean, can be harmful and even deadly to coral and other marine life. Coral reefs are key to the health of ocean ecosystems, so you’ll want to avoid these ingredients to help protect them. Raw Elements, Goddess Garden, Mama Kuleana, and Badger are all safe options for ocean-safe sunscreen.

So What Can I Do?

Now that we’ve covered a bunch of things not to do on your eco-vacation, here are some fun ideas to fill your itinerary instead:

● If you’re looking to get outside, visit protected areas and World Heritage sites. These places will be rich in cultural and natural knowledge as well as beautiful views, and they need your support!

● Take a tour with a knowledgeable local company rather than a large, impersonal company. They’ll know all the cool hidden gems in the area and will give you more accurate and interesting info, too.

● Look into volunteer opportunities. These might help you get to know the local nature and animals, give you a chance to practice the local language if you aren’t fluent, and make some friends along the way, while positively contributing to the community.

Bottom-line, you want to consider all the ways your travel might impact the environment, economy, and community of the place you visit and the world as a whole. Consider all your options for transportation, food, lodging, and shopping carefully, and do what you can to minimize your carbon footprint and positively impact the world around you. Definitely do your research on your destination-of-choice, take care, and have fun!

Come Visit Us!

Hidden Flower Tiny Farm in Asheville, NC

Hidden Flower is a lodging and wedding/event venue that focuses on sustainability, with multiple tiny houses and a yurt available to stay in. Some of our eco-friendly features include solar power, completely plant-based products, plastic-reducing refillable soaps from Puracy and Dr. Bronner’s, and the use of secondhand decor and furniture that remains in good condition. The farm also saves a lot of water through the use of Nature’s Head composting toilets, which alone can save over 6,500 gallons of water yearly, as well as a greywater system that recycles water for reuse. Our accommodations are as cozy and beautiful as they are sustainable.

We’re located in Asheville, North Carolina, which has many state and national parks nearby to choose from— a window directly into the Blue Ridge Parkway. In town there’s some amazing small businesses and loads of delicious restaurants, many of which are vegetarian and vegan. Our music and arts scene is known across the country for its liveliness. If you’re looking to visit soon and try out your newfound knowledge on sustainable travel, we’d love to have you!

*We do not benefit financially from any of these suggestions.