TED Talks Daily What happens to the plastic you throw away? | TED Climate
Aug 13, 2021
Plastic is everywhere, and its impact is profound. Discover what happens to the plastic bottles you toss away, and learn why the grocery bag you choose might be more consequential than you'd think. Surprisingly, cotton bags can have a hefty environmental toll! Dive into the lifecycle of plastic and uncover proactive steps you can take to combat waste. This engaging discussion highlights everyday choices that can significantly influence our planet's future. It's time to rethink our relationship with plastic.
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Best Grocery Bag Choice
- 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, minimizing environmental impact.
Bag Carbon Footprints
- The carbon footprint of a cotton tote bag is significantly higher than that of paper or plastic bags.
- However, reusing any bag drastically reduces its overall environmental impact.
Landfill Impact
- Plastic bottles in landfills can take up to 1,000 years to decompose and release harmful toxins into the environment.
- These toxins can contaminate groundwater, soil, and streams, posing risks to ecosystems and wildlife.