this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2024
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Even a systemic change wouldn't do that much, plastic doesn't break down into other things, it only separates into smaller pieces.
Even if we stopped using all plastic right now, the plastic that is already in the environment would still enter the food chain and accumulate in the top of it.
Does that mean we shouldn’t do anything at all? C’mon, try a little.
Get out of here plastic!
Does that mean I'll be safer if I eat things nearer the bottom of the food chain, like plants?
I don't know. There's a lot of plastic in the ocean, and as far as I know there are ways for it to go back into the rest of the ecosystem like water does, so plants will probably gather it as well. Less than animals but still some.
Regardless of whether you eat meat or not, you will get some of it in your system. Whether that's bad, and how much of it could cause issues is still unknown. From what I know there aren't any studies that state what effect microplastics have on our bodies. Probably because you would need a significant amount of people without any in their bodies as a base group, and with how much plastic is used by us every day that would be difficult to find.
Although, eating less meat is generally healthier, better for the ecosystem and cheaper (especially if you grow stuff, even in small pots near a window) so if you can switch to vegan/vegetarian diet without any health problems, you should give it a try but be mindful of your diatery needs, it's easy to not get enough vitamins or proteins if you don't plan your meals well which could lead to anaemia. Even if it doesn't work for you, at least you will know more recipes.
Also, I'm not a scientist, biologist or anyone with any credibility in this field, I'm a software developer and my biology is on high school level, so take everything I said here with a grain of salt since I may be wrong.
Not every plastic is as damaging. If it is biodegradable, it will not accumulate at all.
Sure, but how much really is biodegradable? Genuine question since I can't really find any statistics.
Virtually none of it bordering on actually none of it, including the so-called biodegradable plastics. Those typically have to be composted in very specific industrial composting conditions to function any differently than normal plastic.
How much? In terms of how much of the current plastic usage? Or of the plastics we know about? Here the will article for an overview