There are 7 main types of plastic. They have big long names. (see below)

Why Plastic? Here are 7 facts that activate our cause:

1. The oceans contain swirling masses of plastic debris collected and distributed by naturally ocurring gyres (pronounced like tire with the same "g" as "garbage"). One is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a plastic collection that is twice the size of Texas. Without curbing our plastic production, it grows ten-fold every decade.

2. Plastic photodegrades into smaller and smaller particles and can actually be detected in the bloodstream of every human on earth. Plastics #3,#6 and #7 as well as many hygiene and beauty products (subtly called "fragrance" in the list of product ingredients) contain at least three known endocrine disruptors (phthalates, perflurocarbons, bisphenal-A). These chemicals mimic hormones and are currently being linked to the cause of early onset puberty in young women, deformed urethras in male newborns as well as cancer (especially breast cancer). Using such an experimental material in so many ways increases our vulnerability to its toxicity.

3. Over 100,000 marine animals are killed every year by strangulation or ingestion of plastics. Plastic particles ingested by marine life have no where to go except up — the food chain.

4. Most single-use plastic encases "food" that contains high fructose corn syrup and other unhealthy and unnatural ingredients. By advocating against plastic we are also advocating for better nutritional education.

5. Most single-use plastic encloses food that has traveled long distances. By advocating against such plastic waste, we are advocating for the slow, local, and organic food movements.

6. In the United States, "Recycling" (and consuming) is promoted more heavily than "Reduce and Reuse" (and living creative lives). Meanwhile, less than 5% of plastic in the United States is actually recycled, even if it is meant (by well-meaning people) to be. This leaves the activity a mere feel-good, guilt-releasing ritual than an effective solution. We are advocating against the perpetuation of the weekly large, loud, gas guzzling monstral visit and for an earth-based model of convenience.

7. It's made of hydrocarbons. Not renewable. Harvesting causes conflict and environmental degradation. Carcinogenic. We are advocating for peace & health for all human beings now and forever.

The Chemicals of Perceived Convenience

#1 Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET)
#2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
#3 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
#4 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
#5 Polypropylene (PP)
#6 Polystyrene (PS)
#7 Other