How to Be a Better Human TED Climate: What happens to the plastic you throw away?
Aug 23, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Dan Kortler, host of the TED Climate podcast and advocate for environmental awareness, dives into the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. He explores which grocery bags—paper, plastic, or cotton—are truly the best for the environment, revealing some surprising findings. Dan also traces the journey of discarded plastic bottles, shedding light on their detrimental effects on ecosystems. Finally, he offers three actionable steps to help curb the growing plastic crisis. Tune in for insights that will change how you think about plastic!
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Best Grocery Bag Option
- Prioritize reusable, sturdy plastic grocery bags over single-use plastic, paper, or cotton bags.
- These durable bags offer the best balance of low carbon footprint and reusability.
Bag Carbon Footprint
- Producing a cotton tote bag has a surprisingly large carbon footprint compared to plastic or paper bags.
- However, frequent reuse significantly offsets the initial environmental cost of any bag.
Plastic's Fate
- Plastic's journey after disposal can be long and damaging, ending up in landfills or the ocean.
- Recycled plastic offers a more sustainable path, becoming raw material for new products.