When the Media Pays Attention-We Have the World's Attention

Art educating science in French mag

Because of social media, more and more everyday people are becoming aware how we can become better stewards of the earth. It's not like we are being nice as much as it is "getting it," that what we do to the planet we inevitably do to ourselves, our children and grandchildren. Over use of plastics, made from chemicals, gets into our soil, our animals that we eat, and also causes premature death through entanglement and ingestion. As many as 55 different species are negatively impacted by plastic pollution. Extinction rates are on the rise due to pollution and since we need to eat and drink of the same water and foods, we might be on that endangered list some day. But not if we can help it and we can. Through art, science, outreach, education, Texting, blogging, Facebooking, and Tweeting we can educate each other on what works for a sustainable planet and what doesn't.

Endangered Platypus killed by plastic ring

Evidence land animals eat plastic

Plastics are so ubiquitous that it's now invaded the natural world beyond ingestion and entanglement. Birds are using the materials for nests (See video below) and some birds that feed on the water surface actually feed plastics to their chicks. Others, like sea turtles confuse plastic film materials like packaging and bags for food. 

Turtle eating plastic became entangled in it.

These are just a few quick reasons why we need to figure out a different resource other than toxic petroleum and natural gas to make our products. Something that is durable yet doesn't last in the environment for 400-1000 years, especially when we are only using it once.

I'm going to be on the radio today if you want to take a listen. Or, listen to the podcast of the show as soon as it airs July 28th and 29th. It will posted on  www.sustainabilitynewsandentertainment.com