Jeremiah 2 :7“I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable”.
As we start our forty days of Lent, take some time to reflect on your lifestyle and how much plastic you are using each week. Which items can you stop using this Lent as you fast for the planet? For example commit to not using plastic bags, straws, Styrofoam, plastic water bottles…. Which items can you cut out of your lifestyle, and make a pledge. Perhaps you would like to post it on social media to inspire others.
Why is plastic so bad?Plastic pollution is impacting our health
One problem is that it breaks down into tiny microplastics which have been found in bottled water, salt, fruit and vegetables. On average humans are ingesting about 5 grams of microplastic per week ( that’s about the amount of plastic in your bank card!) this is very scary stuff as we know plastic contains toxins
Another problem is that plastic clogs water and sewage pipe which leaves polluted water to stagnate. Also if the plastic is burned, it releases harmful toxic gases.
Plastic pollution is impacting our economy
Our municipalities spend enormous amounts of money on collecting rubbish and especially illegal dumping . This is money that could be spent on vital needs. Polluted beaches impact on jobs from tourism. After heavy rains, the port of Durban sometimes has to close due to the large volumes of plastic, which can cause damage to the engines docked. Burning of plastic can damage roads and waste skips.
Plastic pollution impacts on agriculture and fisheries Cows and goats will often eat plastic and can die from starvation as their stomachs become full. Plastic pollution caused by abandoned fishing gear poses a threat to marine ecosystems and food security
© naturepl.com / Terry Whittaker / 2020VISION / WWF
Plastic is linked to climate change
Plastic is primarily made from oil. Greenhouse gases are produced during the whole plastic life cycle, from production to transport, to usage and disposal. The oil companies are actually planning to expand their plastic consumption fourfold by 2050!
So let us take the pledge and do our little bit of good in reducing our plastic usage this Lent.
WWF Plastic pollution in Africa https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_plastic_pollution.pdf?38342/plastic-pollution-in-africa