While plastic containers, packaging and bags provide convenience and usefulness, scientists, ocean researchers and third-party environmental watchdog groups are all raising awareness over the potential dangers of plastics in our world and the negative effects they may have on our ecosystem, food chain and health.

There are many resources available to help citizens understand the fine line of convenience vs. wreaking havoc, and what individuals can do to prevent harm to themselves and to their surroundings. 

About Plastics

• How Plastic Bottles and Caps are Recycled
  youtube.com (16 minute video)
• Reducing Dependence on Plastic
  myplasticfreelife.com
• Plastic Resin Chart: 1 - 7 Codes
  plastics.americanchemistry.com

Plastics in the Water

• Prevention, Control, and Reduction: Plastics
  water.epa.gov
• Preventing Marine Debris
  water.epa.gov  

Plastics in our Food

• Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic
  grist.org
• Foods Harbor BPA
  sciencenews.org
• Chemicals Found in Every Products
  jsonline.com  

SWANCC has the following resources for loan: 

• Garbology - Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash, by Edward Humes
• Plastic Free - How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too, by Beth Terry (Reader's Guide provided)
• Bag It, DVD
• Clean Bin Project, DVD
• PETE's Pack - a display about the #1 PET plastic
• Recycling 101 Poster

To request materials to loan, contact Mary Allen at mary@swancc.org.