ARIZONA NEWS

Gilbert-based Footprint Foundation asks people to eliminate single-use plastics

Apr 21, 2022, 4:45 AM | Updated: May 5, 2022, 4:23 pm

(Pixabay Photo)...

(Pixabay Photo)

(Pixabay Photo)

PHOENIX — A study from the World Economic Forum in 2016 predicted that pound for pound by 2050 there would be more plastic in our oceans than fish.

While plastic production has mostly gone up since then, there’s more awareness than ever to find ways around reliance on the material.

Enter Pledge 2050, an incentive and partnership with the Gilbert-based Footprint Foundation.

More than 3,000 people have signed the pledge since 2014, resulting in 34,000 metric tons of carbon emissions and 61 million pounds of plastic being eliminated from circulation.

Christine Figgener has served as the director of science and education for Footprint since 2020. For her, the pledge is a reminder of just how prevalent plastic is in people’s lives.

“You’re thinking about a plastic straw, your grocery bag, your plastic cutlery,” she said. “All of those items are only used while you’re doing what you’re doing, and then they stay in our environment for literally hundreds of years.”

A water bottle will take an average of around 450 years to completely decompose, and that number depends on what the product is.

Plastics decompose through a process called “photodegradation,” where solar radiation gradually breaks down the polymers that give plastics their shape.

But beyond the problem of storing plastics, another equally dangerous problem is becoming apparent: microplastics.

As plastics break down, they flake off and those tiny particles wind up in the oceans, the soil, and even in food.

Last month, a study in Environmental International confirmed the presence of microplastics in human blood for the first time.

“We are eating plastic on a regular basis,” Figgener said. Those are fireproof, those are PFAs [perfluoroalkoxy alkalines].

“Those are known to be not healthy for humans, that cause cancers and other diseases. We’re only really starting to understand all the health impacts that plastic can have.”

Figgener says she hopes Pledge 2050 will gain momentum globally, not just in reducing single-use plastics but in changing how people talk about environmental policy.

“A lot of times, it’s not about people not wanting to make a change, it’s just not recognizing the harm,” Figgener said.

That cumulative change can put pressure on supermarkets to provide different products, on governments to speed along certain laws. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”

For more information on Pledge 2050 and ways to help lower plastic usage.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Chandler woman accused of abusing over 50 special needs dogs...

KTAR.com

Activists played key role in arrest of Chandler woman accused of abusing special needs dogs

The Chandler Police Department arrested an Arizona woman Friday on suspicions of animal cruelty, officials said.

7 hours ago

In this image taken from video, Niko, a pet squirrel, stands on the shoulder of Yeison in their ten...

Associated Press

Venezuelan man and his pet squirrel complete journey to U.S. border

A 23-year-old Venezuela man is preparing to say goodbye to a pet squirrel he says he brought from his home country on a journey to Mexico.

9 hours ago

Evening commuters head west toward downtown Phoenix. Local transportation leaders are proposing a $...

KTAR.com

Valley commuters can win prizes during Rideshare Month in October

Valley Metro is asking commuters to go the extra mile - by, for example, carpooling or taking transit - during Rideshare Month this October.

11 hours ago

Chandler police vehicle...

KTAR.com

55 dogs removed from home in Chandler, owner arrested

The Arizona Humane Society removed and took custody of 55 neglected dogs from a home in Chandler on Saturday, according to the Chandler Police Department.

13 hours ago

Stock photo of a road closed sign. Southbound Interstate 17 was closed in the north Valley on Thurs...

KTAR.com

Interstate 17 southbound lanes reopen after being closed near Camp Verde

The southbound lanes of Interstate 17 are closed south of Camp Verde, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

14 hours ago

Sundance Park in Buckeye....

KTAR.com

Expansion of Sundance Park in Buckeye completed, celebrated with 3 days of events

The completion of Sundance Park Phase II in Buckeye was showcased to the public with three days of events earlier this month.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Sanderson Ford...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford congratulates D-backs’ on drive to great first half of 2023

The Arizona Diamondbacks just completed a red-hot first half of the major league season, and Sanderson Ford wants to send its congratulations to the ballclub.

...

Mayo Clinic

Game on! Expert sports physicals focused on you

With tryouts quickly approaching, now is the time for parents to schedule physicals for their student-athlete. The Arizona Interscholastic Association requires that all student-athletes must have a physical exam completed before participating in team practices or competition.

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

Gilbert-based Footprint Foundation asks people to eliminate single-use plastics