BIG Challenge: Waste, Consumerism and Sustainability

The Causes

• 80% of the garbage in the ocean gyres were discarded on land, washed down stormwater drains, creeks, rivers and into the ocean. Follow the amazing trash journey at: www.greenpeace.org.
• And there are always the litter bugs (flagrant flinging, foul shooting, wedging…)! Did you know you can be fined over $200 for throwing a cigarette butt into the gutter?
  Read about the new litter laws.
• Plastics last a long, long time in the environment. Some say “plastic, like diamonds, is forever”! Plastics are forever FAQ.
• Each one of us contributes to this challenge, as we have become “Addicted to Plastics”.
• As nations become more affluent, wastefulness seems to become a way of life. Australians don’t just throw away plastics and cans, we now throw away over $5 billion worth of food each year. What a waste!

The Effects

• Tens of thousands of marine turtles, mammals and seabirds are injured or killed each year due to entanglement or ingestion of plastics. Nationally, “harmful marine debris” is recognized as a key threatening process.
• Australian governments spend $200 M annually on litter management. QLD has the highest number of litter items among all states.
• Microplastics (plastic fragments <5mm; often found in facial cleanser) in the ocean appear to “attract” pollutants. When consumed by organisms, high concentrations of chemicals may accumulate high up the food chain. Micropastics - Macroproblem.
• Consumerism fueled by “planned and perceived obsolescence” is driving environmental devastation and social injustice. Ignoring the natural limits of our systems, there can be no sustainability. Watch the “Story of Stuff”.

What Can Be Done?

Reduce

Reduce waste by buying only what you really need. Refuse plastic bags, over-packaged goods, non-recyclable products, facial cleanser containing polyethylene micro-plastics, etc... Report illegal dumping and litter hotspots. Rethink before you decide to buy something new; can’t you borrow or share with neighbors, loan from the library? Rethink the way we live.

Reuse

Choose to buy durable stuff designed to last so you can use it over and over again. Always BYO reusable bags, drink bottles and travel mugs with you when you go out. Buy and give away pre-loved goods at local garage sales and charity-run shops and organizations. Repair and Refurbish too. If you can’t do it yourself, find someone who can. These reduce waste and also benefit local employment and communities.

Recycle

Make full use of locally available recycling services. (See: Recycling Awareness) Garden wastes and food scrap can be recycled through composting or worm farms. Even printer cartridges, batteries, mobile phones and eye-glasses can be recycled.

Research, Reiterate and Reinforce

Research where “stuffs” come from, what they’re made of, who made them, what are the hidden environmental and social costs, which are the more responsible and sustainable options? Reiterate old values such as thriftiness and stewardship. Reinforce the sustainability movement by taking part, spreading the words and writing to politicians.

Check out the Plastiki Expedition