Earth Day 2024!
2024’s Earth Day theme is “Planet vs. Plastic”
Over the past 60 years, around eight billion tons of plastic has been produced, according to a recent study in the journal Science Advances — 90.5 per cent of which has not been recycled. As a result, this year's Earth Day theme— “Planet vs. Plastic”— demands a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. This reduction will prove to be a challenge considering the prevalence of plastic in our daily lives. What is being done about this issue? During the upcoming United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Ottawa, Canada from 23rd to the 29th of April, the goal is to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, that will, as stated, “by early next year, actually ratify a new treaty at the United Nations to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040”.
How can we minimize the plastic going into our soil? Making your own compost at home is the biggest way that gardeners can control and prevent microplastics from entering their gardens. Compost is a potentially significant source of microplastics. Many studies are showing high concentrations of microplastics in compost; particularly compost produced from curbside collection programs. Plastic contamination of organic matter from household collections is fairly problematic, think plastic bags, food wrappers, plastic fruit and vegetable labels etc. Although the compost is screened and filtered, smaller microplastics cannot be removed from the finished compost. Anyone who has bought compost made from organic collection programs will likely have found large visible pieces of plastic in their compost along with lots of smaller pieces of plastic bags and other contamination. Other ways to minimize plastic in the soil is to follow recycling rules, avoid littering, and avoid using plastic gardening products which may leave microscopic residues in the soil. If you want to learn more on how Soil Organic Solutions can help you ensure you have abundant, healthy, plastic-free soil, give us a buzz!