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How Chicago’s Business Plastic Waste is Affecting the Oceans
As champions of One Bottleless Nation, Office H2O is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Yet, one pressing challenge remains: the overwhelming amount of plastic waste, especially in urban centers like those in the Midwest. Take Chicago, for example—a bustling metropolis with a population of over 2.67 million people. With such a large population comes massive plastic consumption and waste.
While Chicago's thriving business sector fuels economic growth, it also contributes significantly to plastic pollution, with consequences that extend far beyond our city limits. The impact may not be immediately visible to us, but it’s felt in distant oceans where our discarded plastics end up.
### The Hidden Impact of Plastic Waste
Every day, businesses across Chicago generate enormous amounts of plastic waste—packaging, single-use containers, and more. Though convenient, these materials often end up in landfills or worse, in our water systems. Through street runoff, wind, or improper disposal, plastic waste finds its way into rivers and streams, eventually reaching the ocean.
Once there, plastic wreaks havoc on marine life. Animals can ingest or become entangled in debris, leading to injury or death. Over time, plastics break down into microplastics, tiny particles that are nearly impossible to remove from the environment. These microplastics settle on the ocean floor, entering the food chain and affecting ecosystems worldwide.
### Chicago’s Contribution to Ocean Pollution
Despite efforts to recycle, a large portion of plastic waste still ends up in landfills or the natural environment. In the U.S., only about 5% to 6% of plastics are recycled, and Chicago is no exception. In 2022, just 9.6% of the city’s waste was recycled, leaving most to either sit in landfills or escape into waterways.
Experts like Katie Bailey, chief policy officer with the Association of Plastic Recyclers, point out that low recycling rates aren’t due to lack of effort but rather a lack of infrastructure. While cities like Chicago have the resources to improve recycling, smaller communities often struggle with high costs and limited funding.
### The Cost of Recycling
Recycling is a complex process that involves collection, sorting, cleaning, and processing. It requires significant investment in equipment, labor, and logistics. Transportation and sorting alone can be costly. Plus, market fluctuations and contamination of recyclables make the process even more challenging.
Despite these hurdles, recycling is essential for reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment. However, making it more affordable and sustainable will require innovative strategies and long-term planning.
### Leading the Change: What Can We Do?
At Office H2O, we believe in leading by example. We’ve implemented our own plastic-reduction initiatives and support local efforts to promote a plastic-free lifestyle. But we know there’s more to do.
Here are some actionable steps your business can take to help reduce plastic waste and protect our oceans:
1. **Adopt Sustainable Practices** – Reduce reliance on single-use plastics by switching to biodegradable or reusable alternatives.
2. **Implement Effective Recycling Programs** – Educate employees and partner with local facilities to ensure proper waste management.
3. **Support Legislation and Initiatives** – Advocate for policies that reduce plastic use and participate in community clean-up efforts.
4. **Innovate and Collaborate** – Invest in new materials and work with other businesses to drive industry-wide change.
5. **Educate and Engage** – Raise awareness among customers and employees about the impact of plastic waste.
### Our Shared Responsibility
Reducing plastic waste isn’t something one person or company can do alone. It takes collective action from businesses, consumers, and policymakers. As part of the Bottleless Nation, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead this change.
Every small step counts. By embracing sustainable practices, supporting recycling, and educating others, we can all play a role in keeping our oceans clean and healthy.
### Start With Ditching the Jug
Ready to reduce your company’s plastic footprint? Why not start by replacing your 5-gallon plastic jug water cooler with something better? Office H2O offers bottleless water and ice coolers that provide clean, cold water without the hassle of heavy jugs or single-use bottles.
No plastic waste, no heavy lifting—just fresh, great-tasting water. Let’s find the right unit for you. Call (866) 621-6910 today!