In 1907, a material was invented that would forever change the world: plastic. Initially hailed as a miracle substance for its durability and versatility, no one could have predicted the profound environmental impact it would have over a century later. Plastic s durability, once seen as a benefit, is now a curse. It takes about 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose. As a result, the majority of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally each year ends up in landfills, or worse, the ocean. This has devastating effects on wildlife; countless birds, marine animals, and even land animals die each year from ingesting plastic waste. Furthermore, the production of plastic contributes to air pollution and climate change, as it involves the emission of harmful gases. Despite these drawbacks, our reliance on plastic continues to grow. In the United States alone, less than 10% of plastic is recycled. However, all hope is not lost. Efforts are being made worldwide to reduce plastic waste. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have banned plastic bags, while others are investing in alternatives to plastic, such as biodegradable materials. As informed citizens, it s time for us to take action. Reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic in our daily lives can have a tremendous impact. Let s be part of the solution, not the problem.