30 Days Without Single-Use Plastics
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Economics
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by NowThis Earth
What it is
- This video from NowThis Earth follows a woman who chose to avoid single-use plastics for one month.
- Students will learn tips for how to avoid single-use plastic, challenges that might come up, and data on plastic consumption and waste from around the globe.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video begins with a brief history of plastic production and waste and ends with solutions to this global problem.
- Lucy's personal experience makes the video relatable, but there are still expert opinions and sourced data throughout the video.
Prerequisites
- There may be an ad before or during the video.
- Students should have a little knowledge of microplastics, plastic bag bans, and how single-use plastics can end up in our oceans and watersheds.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can try their own month of no single-use plastics and then compare and contrast their experiences with Lucy's.
- Students in civics classes can research more about the states with plastic bag bans and those that have even banned the bans.
- Other resources related to this topic are Why Plastic Pollution Is Even Worse Than You Think and Plastic Pollution: How Humans Are Turning the World into Plastic.
- An activity related to this topic is the Future in the Bag Community Action Guide.
From the scientist review
This resource explores the history of plastic pollution between 1950-2015. It elaborates on the impact of single-use plastic on wildlife, the ocean, waterways, and the environment. It also underscores the difficulties in recycling plastic. This resource can challenge students to advocate for a plastic-free world.
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