When I look at global news today, pollution, racism, politics, illness — abused, anxious, and depressed societies fill the headlines. We have become overwhelmed as a global-society and plastic is a threat to us all.

The world produces 381 million tonnes in plastic waste yearly.

Every day around 8 million pieces of plastic makes its way into our oceans.

Rivers are a major source of plastic waste into the oceans; it has been estimated that over 1000 rivers are accountable for 80% of global annual emissions.

We are polluting the oceans at a rate of around 12.7 million tonnes of plastic a year. 

These are chilling facts…

The ocean holds 97% of the world’s water and is said to be the Earth’s life support. The ocean allows the earth to regulate climate, absorb CO2 and it is the number one source for protein for over a billion people. The impact plastic waste has from the moment it is made to its disposal somewhere on our planet is unethical. 

Nobody wins in the long run when it comes to plastic.

When plastic presented to be a problem it seemed, to me, quite simple — plastic is bad no matter how we consume it or re-use it. 

The solution straightforward —  do not use or buy plastic. Easy.

Only it isn’t an effortless transition if you are anything like me and have a hankering for Uber eats and online shopping. Habits are hard to break and plastic is still just about everywhere despite the long term recognition of its detrimental effects. Out of the 381 million tonnes of plastic that was produced globally, the USA contributes 38 million tonnes annually while only having 4.4% of the world’s population.

It has been said that the more developed a country is – the more waste it produces. 

The message in that is that our life-style, my life-style, needs to change. If I want to see change, first I must change. And so will everyone else!

To help my fellow comrades striving for a sustainable world, I decided to knuckle down a simple solution for the everyday individual, like myself, wanting to make a difference, only struggling for strategy. 

I had become so comfortable with detachment from anything that didn’t revolve around work, home-life, or Skype sessions with the family. To achieve something new, something difficult, uncomfortable and bigger than me, I had to change my thinking. Fundamental changes needed to in my everyday life. 

I have now started using a refillable stainless steel bottle instead of throw-away plastic bottles. I have now started to view food shopping as a way to avoid plastic containers as well as waste. And I’m trying to be more conscious about not buying plastic-wrapped knick knacks at check-out that I probably don’t need.

This gets me thinking: plastic is easy and it’s uncomfortable adjusting to the thought of sacrifice when it comes to past time indulgences.  But my solution for myself that I want to share with you all is simpler then I had first thought: be mindful and remember it is not about losing anything we really need but about gaining a beautiful sustainable world. Any discomfort and adjustment is worth it.

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