The Plastic Problem

Why is plastic a problem? Fundamentally, plastic is waste.

What is waste? It is hard to define because the degradation of plastic yields such an immense array of products with varying size, morphology, and chemical composition, not to mention the associated matter and organisms that accumulate and colonize the surface.

How it impacts the environment. The main problem with plastic is that it combines components in a way that is novel to the environment of Earth, so that the microorganisms that would otherwise process and transform any waste products through biogeochemical cycles are not able to do so. This leads to the question of whether plastic pollution represents a sufficient force to be an agent of evolution. The habits and life styles of microorganisms are varied in their consumption and production of energy and matter, and their interaction with particles as well as their position in the food web. Therefore, the presence of plastic and its associated spectrum of waste products offers the opportunity to enact change at various points in an ecological network.

Please let us know a few of your favorite interests. Our learning series will explore these ideas in regular articles focused on topics you choose.

Mission: PFQAC is committed to educate and advocate for choices each individual, organization and business can make to reduce single-use plastic.

Vison: A greater QAC community that partners together, shares responsibility for a healthy environment and works toward sustainable change.

History: PFQAC is a successful 501(c)3 environmental advocacy organization, composed of a growing group of dedicated volunteers, making making a difference in Queen Anne’s County since 2018!

Activities: Events tabling, presentions/outreach/education, legislation (e.g., bag ban), recycling (e.g., boat shrink wrap), surveys, clean-ups.