Say NO to Plastic Products

The origin of plastic can be traced back to the mid-19th century. ‌‌

In 1862, British inventor Alexander Parks invented the earliest plastic - "Paxin" - and showcased his invention at the 1862 London World's Fair, but the specific application of this new material was not clear at the time.

In 1868, American John Wesley Hewitt invented "celluloid", which is a kind of nitrocellulose plastic, mainly used to replace expensive ivory, and expanded to the collar and cuff of shirts, denture holders, knife handles, dice, pens, and even in the photography and film industry.

In 1869, Hyatt built a factory in Newark, USA to produce celluloid, marking the beginning of the plastic industry.

In 1907, Belgian chemist Leo Andrick Beckland created a phenolic resin called "Denki" by heating formaldehyde and phenol. This is a heat-resistant synthetic plastic widely used in the electrical industry and coating preparation.

In 1920, German chemist Hermann Staudinger conducted in-depth research on natural and synthetic polymers and proposed the theory of polymer chains, laying the foundation for the development of plastics.

In 1933, a British chemical plant accidentally produced "polyethylene", a commonly used plastic.

Since 1945, plastic pollution has grown exponentially, and scientists believe that plastic pollution is being stored in the fossil record, indicating that humanity will enter the plastic age.

Nowadays, plastics and their products have spread all over the world, but their widespread use has also brought environmental problems such as "white pollution", posing a threat to water bodies and human health.

Why use less plastic products? The main reasons include the potential harm of plastic products to the environment and human health. ‌

Firstly, the widespread use of plastic products has led to serious environmental problems. Plastic waste entering the ocean pollutes the living environment of animals, leading to the death of a large number of marine organisms due to ingestion of plastic debris. In addition, the residue of plastic products in farmland can affect the absorption of water and nutrients by crops, resulting in reduced crop yields. At the same time, the large-scale landfill of plastic waste can pollute groundwater and reduce the ability to handle waste.

Secondly, plastic products also have potential hazards to human health. The main components of plastics are high molecular weight polymers, and various plasticizers, lubricants, stabilizers, coloring agents, etc. added may release carcinogenic substance benzo [a] pyrene at high temperatures, causing respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, tuberculosis, etc. Phthalates in plastic products, when consumed by patients in food, may damage the central system and liver.

In addition, chemicals in plastic containers, such as phthalates and bisphenol A, are believed to potentially interfere with the endocrine system and affect reproductive health. Long term exposure to plastic chemicals may lead to potential health problems such as hormonal imbalances and immune system damage.

Taking food packaging as an example, many food and beverage packaging uses plastic containers, and chemicals in plastic containers may penetrate into food and eventually enter our bodies. Long term exposure to plastic chemicals may lead to potential health problems such as hormonal imbalances and immune system damage.

Specific working means:

Choose alternatives: Look for feasible alternatives to plastic products, such as biodegradable products, glass, metal, ceramics, etc. Use reusable containers to reduce the use of disposable plastic products.

Pay attention to food packaging: When choosing food and beverages, try to choose products without plastic packaging or with environmentally friendly packaging. Purchase food in large packaging and reduce the use of small packaging, thereby reducing the quantity of plastic packaging.

Refuse disposable items: Refuse to use disposable plastic tableware, straws, and shopping bags, and choose reusable alternatives. Bring your own reusable water bottles, shopping bags, etc., and gradually develop a low plastic usage lifestyle.

In summary, reducing the use of plastic products is to minimize environmental pollution and lower potential risks to human health. Choosing more environmentally friendly materials such as Biodegradable products, stainless steel or glass products can reduce these negative impacts.