A part of sustainability that is known of universally is recycling. However, understanding what can be recycled as opposed to what cannot is crucial in living a sustainable life. 19.91% of plastic waste has not been recycled and by 2050 the ocean will have a higher percentage of plastic waste than fish. Something interesting I came across was the amount of waste coming from Mardi Gras beads. Most college students probably own plastic bead necklaces for various parties or events. The question then becomes what to do with these beads when the event is over. Usually these beads are lost or forgotten about which makes them even more wasteful. Additionally, these beads are oftentimes made from a plastic that cannot be recycled in the same way as other plastic can be and it does not decompose in a proper way. Examples of non recyclable plastic is plastic coated wrapping paper, bioplastics, and polycarbonate. It is estimated that 25 million pounds of beads are thrown off of Mardi Gras floats each year creating pollution and waste. However, to combat this, in Mardi Gras parades usually beads are collected by a following float that will clean and reuse the beads for the year later. This is a very good way to reuse and reduce waste. The Greater Arc of New Orleans set up containers across the parade route to collect beads. These efforts are very commendable, but do raise concern of where these beads go when not used at a large, somewhat regulated event like a Mardi Gras parade. Additionally, it brings up the important issue of knowing how to dispose of things properly and what is recyclable as opposed to what is not.
Works Cited:
https://www.yummymath.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/MardiGras2022.pdf
https://comfyliving.net/recycling-statistics/#united-states-recycling-statistics
https://www.slrecyclingltd.co.uk/what-plastics-can-and-cannot-be-recycled/
I agree that it is a problem in our country that people do not know what can and can not be recycled. Furthermore, I think the part of your blog about Mardi Gras beads was so interesting as I had no idea about the beads and their makeup.
I can’t believe that so many beads are being thrown out every year. I knew that Mardi Gras produced a lot of waste but not to the extent that you were saying. I also think that we need to figure out ways to make these products recyclable. Making plastics that cannot be recycled is terrible for the environment
The statistics you shared about how many Mardi Gras beads are thrown out every year are far more than I ever imagined. It really goes to show just how much waste can come from one celebration. Also, knowing what can and cannot be recycled is such a huge issue!
This is such a well-researched post, I didn’t know that recycling wrong could negatively impact our planet. I will certainly be more mindful of that in the future