Pigs Dachshunds Whales Birds and Plastic

Jenna: Welcome back, animal fans! This week, we have some news regarding one of my own interests, reducing plastic waste. In Europe, recycled plastic is now more expensive than new plastic. Of course, this is bad news, as there will no longer be a cost-saving incentive for manufacturers to use recycled plastics in production.

Hannah: Unfortunately, there’s more bad news on the topic of plastic. While we are seeing more and more companies pledge to reduce their plastic usage, companies likely do not follow through with these efforts and are used as an effort to gain a positive public perception.

Jenna: Exactly right. I like to research companies I support to make sure they actually are being environmentally-friendly with their practices.

Hannah: It is easy to dismiss daily plastic use, especially after it makes its way into the trash. Consumers often disassociate their actions with the large-scale impact of accumulated plastic. Just this week, a pregnant whale was found tangled in ghost gear (abandoned fishing gear). The material clogged the whale’s feeding filter system, hindering both its feeding and movement. The whale and its unborn calf had passed away by the time they were discovered.

Jenna: While it’s easy to get bogged down by such disturbing news, we can turn it into a motivator for our own actions. Hannah, do you remember last week’s challenge?

Hannah: I do, indeed! A quick recap for our readers: Jenna and I challenged each other to consciously cut out some of our single use plastics. How did you do, Jenna?

Jenna: I invested in a reusable water bottle and a water filter. These purchases were not only a money saver in the short- and long-run, but an environmentally smart purchase as well. I can’t get over how many plastic water bottles I was going through in one week alone.

Hannah: It sounds like you had a successful week! I brought reusable bags with me whenever I went shopping. These bags are inexpensive and convenient. I was able to easily fold up and carry these bags with me wherever I travel.

Jenna: To all of our readers, Hannah and I would love for you to share your favorite ways to cut down on plastic. Feel free to share the struggles you face when trying to reduce plastic waste as well.

Hannah: Taking on weekly challenges like Jenna and I did can make environmentally-friendly choices enjoyable and a much less daunting task. Join us!

Jenna: On a more positive, less plastic-related note, California is making it illegal to make and sell fur within its state. This makes California the first US state to take the lead on banning fur products.

Hannah: Hopefully other states will jump on board with this ban in the near future. I plan to stay up to date on states that follow California’s new ban.

Jenna: As do I! Some more lighthearted news this week includes a Dachshund that can balance different objects on his head. How impressive!

Hannah: A very cute find, Jenna, and a perfect way to wrap up our news for this week.

Jenna: Until next week!