Transitioning away from olefin-based plastics and polymers is the next big step in addressing the global plastic crisis. It is essential that we prioritize this shift to reduce the environmental harm caused by synthetic plastics.

Let’s be honest—it’s unlikely that everyone will thoroughly wash their recyclables. Instead of expecting perfection, we should focus on upgrading recycling facilities to handle contaminated materials. Modern advancements have made it possible to sort and purify shredded plastic ("regrind") to 98% purity—a level acceptable for reuse in production. However, these machines are expensive and require federal investment to achieve widespread implementation.

he Earth’s atmosphere and oceans share a unique symbiotic relationship, where carbon dioxide (CO₂) is absorbed and stored in deep pockets beneath the ocean’s surface. This natural process helps regulate the planet’s climate. However, the Earth can only maintain this balance if it retains the tools necessary to do so—one of the most powerful of these tools is old-growth forests.

Old-growth forests, particularly rainforests, play a critical role in absorbing and storing massive amounts of CO₂. These ancient ecosystems are irreplaceable, acting as the planet’s "lungs" by taking in approximately 2 billion tons of CO₂ per year. Protecting what remains of the world’s rainforests is not just important—it is essential to the planet’s survival.