An article by Adjie Henderson, PhD titled Plastics and You, was published in the
October 2024 issue of The Island Current, Adjie is a longtime City Island resident, co-
chair of the Hutchinson River Restoration Project and a board member of the City Island
Oyster Reef.
In her article, Henderson paints a picture of how pervasive plastics have become in
everyday life, from picnic tables laden with Styrofoam and plastic items to the ever-growing piles of discarded water bottles and packaging. She highlights the dire environmental consequences, explaining that plastics can take centuries to degrade
and release toxic chemicals that affect everything from marine life to the human body.
“Recycling is largely a myth,” Henderson warns, as only a tiny fraction of plastics are
genuinely recycled, with most remaining in our oceans and landfills, turning into
microplastics that invade every part of our ecosystem.
Henderson also discusses hopeful solutions, urging us to be mindful of our choices by
opting for alternatives whenever possible, such as biodegradable materials and
reusable containers. While no single approach can solve the plastic crisis, she
emphasizes that each small action adds up, creating a ripple effect that can ultimately
protect the planet for future generations.
To read Adjie’s full article, you can download a PDF version of The Island Current
attached below.
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