by Brett Jones
In permaculture, we strive for sustainable systems that work with nature, not against it. Understanding the materials we use, especially pervasive ones like plastic, is crucial. So, let’s delve into what plastic truly is and why it’s often more foe than friend in our sustainable pursuits.
What Exactly Is “Plastic”?
While we commonly refer to “plastic” as a material, it can also be described as a fundamental property of a solid. Consider a blacksmith shaping hot iron; the metal becomes “plastic” – capable of altering its shape under pressure and retaining that form once the pressure is removed. In modern usage, however, “plastic” almost always refers to a vast array of polymeric materials. These largely fall into two categories based on their physical characteristics:
Thermoplastics: These are the most common household plastics. Think milk bottles, shampoo containers, and food packaging. The key feature of thermoplastics is their ability to be melted and reformed multiple times without significant degradation. This property makes them amenable to recycling, as they can be reshaped into new products.
Thermosets: Unlike thermoplastics, thermosets undergo an irreversible chemical change when heated, becoming rigid and holding their shape permanently. Once set, they cannot be re-melted or reformed. Examples include the resin used in fiberglass or epoxy glues. This unchangeable nature makes thermoset plastics incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to recycle, posing a significant challenge for items like wind turbine blades, which often use thermoset resins.
Historically, plastics (pre-1960s) were often derived from natural sources like cellulose. However, the vast majority of modern plastics are synthetic, primarily sourced from petrochemicals such as crude oil and natural gas. While there’s a growing movement towards bioplastics made from renewable resources, they still represent a small fraction of overall plastic production.
The Hidden Dangers: Why Synthetic Plastics Are Problematic
The issues with synthetic plastics extend far beyond their physical presence in our landfills and oceans. The core of the problem lies with the petrochemical industry that produces them. Historically, the chemicals used in synthetic plastics were often byproducts that needed to be disposed of. The industry now actively nurtures and protects these markets, lobbying governments and attempting to discredit studies highlighting the dangers of plastics. This mirrors past tactics seen with industries like asbestos, where documented hazards were actively suppressed and ridiculed.
While some bioplastics can be safe, petrochemical-derived synthetic plastics pose multiple serious threats due to the chemicals used in their manufacture. These chemicals can leach out at every stage of a plastic product’s lifecycle, from manufacturing and consumer use (especially with heat, friction, or acidic contents) to disposal and even recycling.
Here are some of the most concerning chemicals found in synthetic plastics:
- Phthalates: Used to make plastics flexible (e.g., in PVC). They are linked to reproductive issues (decreased fertility, lower sperm counts, birth defects), developmental problems (lower IQ, ADHD), obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. They can contaminate food, air, and even affect developing babies in the womb.
- Bisphenols (e.g., BPA, BPS): Used to make plastics rigid, these are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They mimic hormones like estrogen, interfering with the body’s natural hormonal systems. This can lead to problems with brain development, behavior (anxiety, depression), reproductive health (PCOS, reduced fertility), obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS, “forever chemicals”): Found in some plastic products, PFAS can leach into the environment and food. They are linked to various cancers (kidney, testicular, prostate, ovarian), immune system disruption, and thyroid problems.
- Flame Retardants (e.g., Brominated Flame Retardants – BFRs): These can leach from plastics, impacting brain development, thyroid function, and increasing cancer risk.
- Toxic Metals (e.g., Lead, Cadmium): Used as pigments, stabilizers, and catalysts, these are neurotoxic and endocrine disruptors, negatively impacting brain development in children and increasing risks of various cancers.
Many of these chemicals are EDCs, meaning they interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones vital for growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.
The Invisible Threat: Microplastics and Nanoplastics
Beyond chemical leaching, the physical degradation of plastic presents another grave danger. As plastic breaks down, it fragments into smaller and smaller pieces:
Microplastics (1mm down to 1/1000mm): Once plastic particles reach this size, they are easily ingested by animals, either by mistake while feeding or because they are mistaken for food. Chickens, for example, have been observed to prefer expanded polystyrene foam over grain, leading to starvation despite feeling full. These particles can also cause internal damage and organ failure.
Nanoplastics (1/1000mm down to 1/1,000,000mm): Even smaller than microplastics, nanoplastics are so minuscule that many could fit inside a red blood cell. Their minute size allows them to penetrate cell walls and physically damage DNA, leading to serious long-term health consequences. Reputable research has confirmed this phenomenon in mammalian cells.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are now ubiquitous, entering our food chain at an alarming rate. They contaminate our soil, are absorbed by plants, and are ingested by animals. When we consume these animals and plants, we in turn ingest these microscopic plastic particles, exposing ourselves to the same array of health issues linked to plastic chemicals and physical damage.
What Can You Do? Practical Steps for a Plastic-Free Permaculture
Combating the pervasive issue of plastic requires a multi-pronged approach. Here’s what you can do to minimize your plastic footprint:
1. Reduce Plastic Use (The Most Impactful Step)
This is by far the single best action you can take. Before buying, always ask yourself: “Is there a safer, plastic-free alternative?”
- Personal Care: Opt for bamboo toothbrushes, reusable safety razors, and solid shampoo bars.
- Food Storage: Choose glass containers over plastic.
- Clothing: Prioritize natural fiber clothing.
- Hidden Plastics: Be diligent! Plastics are even found in makeup and many chewing gums (often in the “gum base,” which provides chewiness). Always read labels and do your research.
2. Recycle Plastic (The Second Best Step)
While not a perfect solution, proper recycling is crucial. Utilize your household recycling bin for rigid plastic bottles and containers from your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry (e.g., milk, juice, shampoo, and detergent bottles).
Important Note: Not all plastics are recyclable in your yellow bin. Do NOT include plastic bags, plastic wrappers, polystyrene or Styrofoam, plastic toys, other non-container items, or meat trays. For soft plastics, look for specialized collection points often found at supermarkets (e.g., Curby in Australia). Always check the plastic recycling symbol on items for guidance.
3. Reuse Plastic (Delaying the Inevitable, but Still Helpful)
Reusing plastic items extends their lifespan and reduces immediate demand for new plastic production, delaying their journey to landfill. Get creative and find new second uses for plastic items you already have.
Example: Expanded Polystyrene Foam: This material is a nightmare when it breaks down. However, you can dissolve it in acetone or general-purpose automotive thinners to create a clear paint. Add more styrene so it becomes thicker and you have an excellent plastic glue.
4. Care for Plastic (Extend Its Life)
While it won’t last forever, caring for plastic can significantly extend its useful life. The fastest way for plastic to degrade into microplastics is exposure to UV radiation (sunlight) and abrasion.
UV Protection: If you buy plastic containers for storage, choose opaque ones. Translucent plastic allows UV light to penetrate and degrade the entire thickness, while opaque plastic only degrades on its outer layer. Keeping plastic items out of direct sunlight can extend their life tenfold.
5. Be aware of bio plastics
Safer bioplastics are already gaining ground in the plastics market. It may take a few more years, but a safe alternative is on the way.
PLA plastic isn’t perfect, but being made from fermented plant starches, having a lower carbon footprint, and being industrially degradable into safe compounds gives it a huge environmental advantage over synthetic plastics. PLA is already becoming common in the packaging industry.
Its likely successor, PHA, is gaining traction and is stronger, more UV resistant, and has an even lower carbon footprint than PLA. It has a secondary advantage in that common, naturally occurring soil bacteria can break it down completely. Bury it, and it takes care of itself.
By understanding the nature of plastics, the dangers they pose, and implementing these practical steps, we can significantly reduce our negative impact and foster a healthier, more sustainable permaculture future. What are some ways you’ve successfully reduced or reused plastic in your permaculture practice?