O P I N I O N

THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.

What do you use for 12 minutes but lasts for 500 years?

ANSWER: a plastic bag.

Why is this a holiday riddle?

ANSWER: Because during the holidays we contribute 25% more household waste, much of it unnecessary plastic packaging.

And that is NOT a gift to our families, friends or the planet. Plastics don’t become part of the earth; they break down into tiny microplastics now found in every corner of the environment including the human body. Studies show microplastics in our lungs, liver, heart and brain, increasing our chances of heart attack, stroke or death.

It’s hard to imagine our lives without plastic but we can say NO to plastic shopping bags. We humans use approximately 5 trillion plastic bags per year. Get in the habit of bringing a reusable bag with you when you shop and try real reusable cups, dishes and silverware for your holiday entertainment.

”Tis the season for less plastic!’

Beg to differ? Agree to disagree? Thoughtful prose on topics of general interest are welcome. Send to publisher@inklink.news for consideration, subject line: The Soapbox. Or, you can DIY your submission here.

ANN PODLIPNY

Ann Podlipny is a retired teacher and social worker and a member of NH Plastics Working Group.