History has given us something very ugly for the Earth...it's called plastic! There are 7 different kinds today. Most of them are recyclable, meaning we can take those plastics and make them into new plastics without involving raw materials. This is great but...some plastics are harder to do that with!
Unfortunately, a lot of cities and states do not have many centers where you can drop off those symbol 5, 6, and 7 plastics. And even more cities don't provide curb-side pickup of them.
Humans tend to work backwards when using the 3R's. We like to do what's easiest first, meaning just tossing the recyclable into the can and tada! The garbage guys haul it away and we don't have to worry about it any longer. But if we can't do that then we think of ways to reuse. But..has anyone thought of getting to the source of the problem in the first place? Reducing may help A LOT...and not just for the planet's health but for yours too!
Reason 1 Why You Should Reduce Your Styrofoam Use
Health. Your health. It is proven that the main chemical that makes up styrofoam, called styrene, actually leeches into foods! Especially foods with a high fat content, such as burgers, soups, chilis...those kinds of things. And it makes it easier for the chemical to seep into the food if its hot. Now, that's not very health conscious! This chemical could be linked to various forms of cancers such as breast and prostate (as styrene imitates a natural hormone called "estrogen" which can completely screw up your body!!). So it's best not to use styrofoam at all! Avoid buying styrofoam cups for your coffee and switch to paper. When you get home from the restaurant, immediately take the leftover food out of that container! It may not look like styrofoam but it is. Instead, put leftover foods into a glass container.
Reason 2 Why You Should Reduce Your Styrofoam Use
Styrofoam cannot and will not break down into natural elements if you wish to burn it. It will only melt into hard stuff. Plus, the multiple gases put out when burning the stuff can cause SERIOUS problems for you...many types of cancers and diseases that could end up killing you! This isn't very good news at all, no. There is really no way to get rid of styrofoam. It can sit for years and years without deteriorating in a landfill. People usually reuse the foam for filling in potted plants, but if the plants are veggies or fruits then this isn't a good idea! Bottom line is: YOU CANNOT GET RID OF IT.
That's a good enough reason to start reducing, isn't it?
The Green Team
Are you a nerdy Earth helper? Got some interesting stuff about Going Green? Your on the Team.
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