Planet vs. Plastics: Tackling our plastics problem

This April 22 marks the 54^th annual Earth Day. Since 1970, millions of people around the world have united to mark this important day through events, campaigns, and advocacy for a healthier planet, and a better future. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlights the harms of continued plastic pollution on human and planetary health and calls for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.

How does plastic pollution affect our health?

Did you know that more plastic has been produced in the last ten years than in the entire 20th century? And not only is it an environmental issue, it’s a human health issue too. Many toxic chemical additives are used to create plastic – and products containing plastic – which can enter our bloodstream and damage our cells. When plastic waste is burned, chemicals are released into the air, water, and soil exposing us to plastic pollution. And emissions created by producing plastics contribute to human-caused global warming.

Simple ways you can reduce plastic pollution

Despite the strides that have been made over the last decades, we still have a long way to go to protect our planet. Everyone can be a part of the solution because even just one small change can make a lasting difference. Here are a few simple things you can do to help reduce plastic pollution:

• Reduce your use of single-use plastics and instead use a metal water bottle, say no to utensils when ordering takeout, and try reusable food wraps for leftovers.
• See if your local area has bulk buying where you can use your own containers to stock up on household essentials like hand soap, shampoo, and dry goods.
• Reuse the containers you already own to organize items in your home, garage, or workshop.
• Remember to take your reusable bags to the grocery store.
• Make sure you’re recycling properly to help keep plastics out of the waste stream. Visit the Recycling Council of BC’s Plastics FAQ webpage for tips and tricks on proper recycling.
• Find a local climate action group in your area to make like-minded connections.

Reducing health care’s environmental impact

Health care is responsible for almost 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions which is why many health care partners and workers are collaborating on ways to be more environmentally friendly – like reducing plastic use where possible. BC family physician Dr Ilona Hale, in partnership with a group of health care professionals, created the guide Planetary Health for Primary Care for physicians and other health care workers who are keen to reduce the environmental impact of the daily running of their offices and clinics.

Doctors of BC’s commitment

Doctors of BC recognizes the importance of climate change and its impact on health to our members and to all British Columbians. We also recognize the valuable role physicians can play in communicating the population health impacts of climate change, as well as contributing to strategies to reduce potential harms. In our policy statement Climate Change and Human Health, we include recommendations on sustainability, promoting emergency preparedness, and other strategies to mitigate the harms of climate change. You can learn more  about these recommendations and our commitments in our Climate change and human health news article.

As humans, we need this planet more than it needs us, but we are on a dangerous path to a climate change and global warming disaster. Together we can do our part, one small step every day, to protect our Earth and save it for all future generations.

Learn more about Earth Day events near you, and access educational tools on the Earth Day website.