The Plastic Problem
How Birthday Parties and Toys Can Hurt Our Planet
Have you ever thought about where all the plastic from your birthday parties, and old toys goes?
Let’s learn more about plastic pollution and how it's affecting our planet.
What is Plastic Pollution?
Plastic pollution happens when we use too much plastic and don't recycle it properly. Plastic is everywhere, from our toys to our food containers. But when we're done with it, it doesn't just disappear. Instead, it can end up in our oceans, rivers, and even in the air we breathe.
The Trouble with Birthday Parties
Think about all the fun things at a birthday party: balloons, decorations, party hats, and, of course, presents. But many of these things are made of plastic, and when the party is over, they often end up as trash.
Balloons and Decorations:
Balloons are super fun to play with, but when they pop, they become litter. Birds and sea creatures might mistake them for food, which can make them sick. And decorations like plastic banners and streamers also contribute to plastic pollution when they're thrown away.
Party Hats and Tableware:
Those colourful party hats and plates might seem harmless, but they're usually made of plastic that can take hundreds of years to break down. Using reusable or biodegradable alternatives can help reduce this waste.
The Scoop on Plastic Toys
Now, let's talk about toys. Plastic toys are lots of fun to play with, but they can also be a big problem for our planet.
Too Many Toys:
We all love getting new toys, but sometimes we end up with more toys than we know what to do with. When we're done playing with them, they often get thrown away, adding to the mountains of plastic waste in our landfills.
Australia is a beautiful land of diverse wildlife, but sadly, around 75% of seabirds in Australia have ingested plastic, mistaking it for food.
Breaking Down Plastic:
Plastic toys can break into tiny pieces over time, especially if they're left outside or exposed to sunlight. These tiny pieces, called microplastics, can be harmful to animals and the environment.
Plastic takes a long time to break down - sometimes hundreds of years! So even a small piece of plastic can stay in the environment for a very long time.
What Can We Do About It?
Now that we know about the problems caused by plastic pollution from birthday parties and toys, let's talk about what we can do to help.
Choose Wisely:
When planning a birthday party, try to choose decorations and tableware that are made from recycled materials or can be reused. And instead of balloons, consider using paper decorations or blowing bubbles.
Reduce and Reuse:
Before buying new toys, think about whether you really need them. And if you do, consider buying toys made from sustainable materials like wood or recycled plastic. You can also donate old toys to charity or pass them on to a friend who will love them just as much as you did.
When you host a birthday party, you can also ask friends to donate to a cause that you care about, instead of bringing a plastic gift. Using GenKind you could adopt a turtle, or help Surfrider with their Marine Conservation campaigns. By sacrificing gifts you can actually help our planet and join a club of mini-crusaders who are doing the same.
Recycle Right:
Make sure to recycle any plastic items you do use properly. Check with your local recycling program to see what can and can't be recycled in your area. And remember, even small actions like properly disposing of your plastic waste can make a big difference.
Spread the Word:
Tell your friends and family about the importance of reducing plastic pollution. Together, we can make a difference by making small changes in our daily lives.
Every little bit counts! By reducing our use of single-use plastics and recycling properly, we can all help protect Australia's environment and the amazing creatures that call it home.
Conclusion
Plastic pollution is a big problem, but by making conscious choices about the plastic we use and how we dispose of it, we can all help protect our planet for future generations. So let's join forces and be superheroes for the Earth!