Submitted by Sarah Neal, Haddam Sustainability Committee
(October 29, 2026) — Since the 1970s, the catchy phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” has reminded us to reduce the waste we create, reuse or repurpose items, and recycle whatever we can. However, when addressing the plastic pollution problem, each R word has its own set of challenges. “Reduce” has put the burden on us, the consumer. We certainly need to play our part, but the responsibility also should be on the manufacturers to reduce the production of plastic. According to Our World in Data, the world produced two million tons of plastic in 1950. Today that number stands at 450 million tons annually. Plastic production has doubled in the past twenty years as reported by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Meanwhile the plastics and petrochemical industries plan to triple production of plastics by 2060, according to the Plastic Pollution Coalition.
“Reuse” can sometimes be helpful, but is not always practical or safe in the home. There is just too much plastic out there for a household to reuse. In addition, heat and plastic do not go well together, so avoid reheating food in reused (or new) plastic containers in the microwave.
The third R, “Recycle,” seems like a hopeful solution, especially since Haddam sends its plastics to a new state-of-the-art recycling facility in Berlin, where they claim a high recycling rate. However, the national average for plastic recycling is a dismal 6% which means that most plastic in the U.S. designated for recycling ends up in the trash, destined for landfills, incinerators, or polluting the land and waterways. In addition plastic doesn’t recycle forever the way glass, paper, and metal do. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics, and the toxicity increases as plastic is recycled. Plastic is in its essence chemicals and fossil fuels.
There is another R that actually should head the list, and it is “Refuse.” This is particularly effective with single-use plastics. Fortunately Connecticut is one of twelve states that has “refused,” that is, banned plastic bags at grocery stores. You can, however, refuse the plastic produce bags by bringing your own cloth produce bags along with your shopping bags. Choose produce that is not wrapped in cling wrap whenever possible. Refuse the plastic water bottle (with microplastics in the water) by bringing your own metal refillable water bottle when you leave the house. Schools and businesses are beginning to install water refill stations for water bottles, and airports now frequently have them. Bring along your own container to a restaurant so you can refuse the plastic take away container. Several companies make metal containers, and glass also works. Pack a set of metal cutlery with your picnic so you don’t have to use single use plastic knives, forks and spoons. Skip the plastic straw. Refuse plastic cups, coffee cups, stir sticks and lids. Encourage your local coffee shop to fill up your own coffee container or mug. Or ask the shop to switch to compostable paper products.
These suggestions are a first step toward reducing our reliance on plastics. Not only are we using less plastic, but if we start to do this in greater numbers, as a collective action, the manufacturers of single-use plastics would reduce their production. We don’t have to do all this perfectly. Why not choose one or two ways to refuse plastics and start doing it this week?
