We rarely think about where plastic comes from, but we should. Nearly every piece of plastic begins as a fossil fuel, and the process of making plastic is so energy-intensive that if the plastic industry were a country, it would be the world’s fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter. In the U.S., plastic is projected to outpace coal’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

    

In addition to climate impacts, air pollution from the refining of fossil fuel feedstocks into the building blocks for making plastic contributes to health problems in neighboring communities, including an increased risk of lung cancer, pulmonary disease and asthma. Plastic also pollutes through the release of chemical additives used in its manufacture, many of which are toxic. An emerging area of concern is the potential for toxic chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) to leach out of plastic containers into foods and beverages.

    

We cannot recycle our way out of the plastic pollution problem. Only a small fraction of global plastic is effectively recycled, and many types are difficult to recycle due to composition and contamination. It is estimated that only about 9 percent of plastic waste generated in the U.S. is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators or leaked into the environment.

    

The bad news is that the oil, gas and petrochemical industries are working to increase plastic production. With the world turning to renewable energy and electric vehicles, these industries see plastic as their new lifeline. They are poised to almost triple global plastics use by 2060.

    

We need action to turn off the plastic tap. The time is now to explore and embrace alternatives to plastic packaging. Thin plastic carry-home bags and single-use bottles, cups and takeout containers are all items that can easily be replaced by durable, reusable items.

    

We can bring our own bags to the store. We can refuse overpackaged items. We can support businesses that provide refillable alternatives. We can urge local officials to develop programs that reduce the inflow of plastics into our communities.

    

Reducing the use of plastic may seem daunting, and you may be tempted to give up. Just do the best you can. Small actions can make a big difference. Making just one simple swap, like purchasing a reusable water bottle, can spare the environment hundreds of plastic bottles each year.