A plastic straw, a bottle of water, a plastic bag from the grocery — these single-use plastics may seem harmless, but they are contributing to a growing crisis of plastic waste that is harming the environment, wildlife, and human health.
These discarded plastics are primarily made from petrochemicals and break down into tiny microplastic fragments that can be found everywhere, from the depths of the oceans to the food we eat and the air we breathe. The documentary “We’re All Plastic People Now” highlights this reality and shows how we have become intertwined with the plastic pollution we have created.
The film, directed by Rory Fielding and introduced by Ted Danson, reveals the impact of microplastics on marine life and the disturbing truth that humans are not immune to plastic pollution. Studies have found microplastics in human tissues, including the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart, as well as in blood and stool samples.
Experts in the documentary warn that the chemicals in plastic, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can pose serious health risks. These chemicals can disrupt hormone function, leading to issues with growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Some of these chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, have been linked to cancer and other diseases.
The film also explores how exposure to plastic chemicals can affect fertility and reproductive health, with researchers cautioning that we may be jeopardizing the future of humanity by allowing these chemicals to influence our biology. The documentary serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of plastic pollution on our planet and our bodies. Ragusa expresses his belief that while plastic may be the future for big oil companies, it is not the future for humanity. He states that for humanity, plastic signifies the end of the future.
In Southern Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, an 85-mile stretch between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, there are over 150 plastic plants and chemical industries, resulting in cancer rates 50 times higher than the national average. Estrogenic carcinogens in the environment likely contribute to these high rates, along with exposure to plasticizers which are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, all mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
Sharon Lavigne, founder of Rise St. James in Louisiana, lives in the midst of Cancer Alley and has witnessed the devastating impact of industrial expansion in her community, leading to high rates of cancer and death. Her personal experiences have motivated her to fight against further industrial growth in the area.
Despite the dangers of microplastics and mounting evidence of their harmful effects, the plastic industry plans to increase production. Recycling is no longer sufficient to address the plastic crisis, as it is more economical for companies to produce virgin plastic. The production of cheap plastic from fossil fuels is incentivized, leading to an increase in new production rather than recycling.
Experts and activists in the documentary emphasize that it is not too late to address the plastic crisis and protect future generations. Solutions include reducing plastic production, voting with your pocketbook by refusing to buy products with excessive plastic packaging, and advocating for government regulations on single-use plastics.
To lower your plastic use, you can avoid water in plastic bottles, filter and boil tap water to remove microplastics, and opt for reusable alternatives instead of single-use plastic items. En lugar, elige alternativas reusables que están hechas de materiales más seguros, como vidrio, metal o papel.
Nunca calientes comida en recipientes de plástico – El calor hace que los químicos en el plástico se filtren en la comida, así que usa recipientes de vidrio o cerámica para calentar en el microondas.
Elige ropa hecha de fibras naturales – Elige ropa orgánica y otros productos textiles, como los hechos de algodón, cáñamo, seda, lana o bambú. Telas sintéticas como el poliéster sueltan microfibras y xenoestrógenos. Si compras ropa hecha de fibra sintética, lávala menos frecuentemente y usa un filtro de microfibra en tu lavadora para atrapar la fibra sintética y evitar que entre en las vías fluviales.
Busca productos de cuidado personal totalmente naturales – Algunos maquillajes, productos para el cuidado de la piel y del cuerpo contienen microesferas y partículas de plástico. Opta por productos totalmente naturales y de grado alimenticio para evitar poner en riesgo tu salud.
Reduce, reutiliza y recicla siempre que sea posible – Aunque se revela en el documental que el reciclaje solo puede que no sea suficiente para abordar nuestro problema de desechos, aún así debes hacer tu parte en reutilizar productos siempre que puedas. Esto, junto con instar a empresas y políticos a actuar, puede ayudar a mitigar la crisis del plástico. Recuerda que cada esfuerzo cuenta.