Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

#plastic

Ocean Awareness

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One may ask, “Why should I care about the ocean since I live in Utah?”. While the blue horizon
may not be visible to us, our daily actions ultimately affect the air we breathe, partially derived from the ocean. Our 70% blue planet regulates climate and weather patterns, sequesters heaps of carbon dioxide, is an energy resource, and provides millions of jobs, food, medicine, recreation, and energy resources. Read on for ways to keep our oceans healthy:

  1. Buy Sustainable Seafood: Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Blue Fish
    label that identifies overfishing, conservation of essential and depleting fish habitat,
    minimizing ‘bycatch’ and protected species and creation of prosperous fishing
    communities. Currently, only 1/5 of all marine catch is MSC certified. Ask about the Blue
    Fish label at restaurants and the grocery and download the Seafoodwatch.org guide.
  2. Support Ecological Farming Methods: Sadly, animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides can
    be washed into our waterways and eventually to sea through irresponsible farming
    methods. Buy organic, learn where your food comes from (or grow your own), and ask
    about ocean-friendly farming methods.
  3. Minimize Plastic Use: It’s estimated that by 2050 our oceans will contain more plastic
    than fish by weight mainly from plastic bags, bottles, food containers and synthetic
    fishing ropes. Microplastics affect the ability of marine microorganisms, including
    essential phytoplankton, to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. A plastic-clogged
    and warming ocean will hurt plant and animal life, and ultimately humans.
    Our ocean is a powerful carbon sink and an economic and recreational paradise. Our lack of awareness could limit future generations in numerous ways. Let’s change that.

By Mary Closser

Cutting Out Plastic Utensils

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It is a familiar scene: you pick up your takeout food, and the restaurant kindly tosses in a handful of plastic utensils. Although accepted as standard restaurant etiquette, these plastic utensils result in environmental disaster. This plastic pollutes waterways, endangers wildlife, causes extinction in marine species, and degrades the environment.

Considering more than half of the plastic used is thrown into the garbage, these utensils often make their way into oceans, rivers, and more, contaminating the surrounding water. This water is not only used for drinking, recreational activities, and industrial activities, but it is also the habitat of countless marine species. Marine species depend on air circulation for survival; as plastic accumulates in waterways, it covers the surface, disrupting this cycle. Additionally, spoons and forks can be ingested by wildlife–as they are mistaken for food–leading to death.

Studies have shown that, in the U.S. alone, over 40 billion plastic utensils are wasted, ending up in our environment and filling landfills. Surely there is an alternative, right? There are two main solutions to this dilemma. The first is to make the shift from plastic to bamboo cutlery. Bamboo is a great alternative; it is fast-growing, safe, hygienic, and biodegradable. However, the drawback is cost. Some restaurants can’t afford the additional costs of bamboo utensils. So, the remaining option is for consumers to make the change. Next time you are offered plastic utensils, politely opt out.

Enjoy your takeout and make sure to tip but try to leave the utensils behind.

By Pearson Ehrich