Plastics (generic name as polymer) has become a growing problem. Though, single use plastic bags and packaging are in limelight, there are a multitude of plastic applications in daily use. We need to reduce plastic use before the earth turns into a gigantic trash can. Listen to a brief history of how we got here.

1. Zero Plastic Footprint: Engage city planners, businesses and park services to create zero plastic footprint zones. In these zones, people can bring plastics but take it back with them. The intention is not to take away trash receptacles but to reduce plastic trashed in public spaces.
2. Subsidize Cost:  Cost for alternative plastics is up to four times higher than fossil fuel or natural gas based traditional plastics used today. Promote research in universities and work with government to subsidize cost/reduce tax for fully bio-degradable and/or fully recyclable plastic. 
3. Beware of ‘Green Washing’: Look out for packaging that sounds better for the environment than it actually is. Not every alternative plastics are equal. Some are not bio-degradable and their carbon footprint, water consumption or land use is unfavorable. The farming practices used to grow the feed stock often carry significant environmental burdens, and the production energy can be higher than for petrochemical polymers. Additionally, alternative plastics may not be a good idea in every use case as they do not have the performance or barrier making it difficult to replace all traditional plastics.
4. Encourage Compostable Packaging / Materials: Compostable means that it will break down into compost in an industrial composting facility within 6 months. They do not go away in a landfill due to the lack of oxygen. Compostable bags have renewable plant-based content, say up to 40%. But all compostable bags have a petroleum based compostable polymer. By diverting waste from the landfill and composting it, we can reduce greenhouse gases. 
5. Create Awareness: With a number of worthy innovations on alternative plastics, it is important to understand difference between biodegradable plastics and bioplastics.  “Biodegradable” is a misused term which can mean a 97% polyethylene bag with an additive to make it break into pieces of poly. Such plastics will degrade, but there is no time frame – it can be 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years. A subcategory, Oxodegradable, refers to an additive that is added to traditional plastics that causes them to fragment and break down. This may not be ideal due to the concerns about tiny pieces of plastic getting into the environment. "Bioplastics" is a general term for plastics made from a bio-based or plant source such as corn, starch, or sugar cane. Bioplastics may be recyclable, compostable, or just made from plants but not biodegradable. Specialty plastics can be both bio based and biodegradable where they are made from corn starch and will degrade into humus, CO2 and water.

1. What are Plastics - PlasticsEurope
2. This is Plastic - Society of Plastic Engineers
3. Recycling and Sustainability  - Plastic Industry Association
4. More Publications - European Bioplastics
5. Bio Based News
6. Science Project Ideas

Encourage businesses, homeowners and city planners to build natural landscapes. Grow clusters of native plants yielding rainbow colored flowers in the yard or park. Find native plants species specific to your zip code.

Draw a site plan and keep it simple. Add a water source such as a bird bath or a small pond. Arrange big plants in the back, medium plants in the middle and small plants in the front or around walkways. Soften the look of your yard or park by leaving a strip un-mowed for a natural-looking perimeter.

Select plants that bloom from Spring to Fall. Where possible, use pollinator friendly plants. Start with a limited number of plants that are easy to grow or are ever green. Incorporate tall grass, vines and shrubs too. Cut down on mowing and stop over-watering! Cut grass has short roots that make it harder to survive pest attacks, disease and drought. Use ever green shrubs to maintain the garden appearance year round. Limit the use of pesticides and leaf blowers. If adding fertilizer, use slow-release fertilizers that make nutrients available to plants for a longer time and are kinder to the environment. This video may give some useful insight.

1. Children and Air Pollution - American Lung Association
2. Green spaces and cognitive development in primary schoolchildren. - Dadvand, P., Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J., et al. (2015) PNAS, 112(26)
3. Association of access to parks and recreational facilities with the physical activity of young children - Roemmich, J. N., Epstein, L. H., Raja, et al. (2006) Preventive Medicine Volume 43, Issue 6, December 2006, Pages 437-441
4. What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health ? A Multi-Study Analysis - Barton, J. O., & Pretty, J. (2010) Environ. Sci. Technol, 44(10), 3947–3955
5. Restorative Effects of Natural Environment Experiences - Hartig, T., Mang, M., & Evans, G. W. (1991) Environment and Behavior, 23(1), 3–26
6. Children With Attention Deficits Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park - Kuo, F. E. (2009) Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(5), 402–409 

Before -> Design -> Install -> Complete

1. Plant Nutrient Needs
2. Plants and Insects
3. Defensive Plants
4. Green Ecology

1. Green Streets
2. Protecting Children's Environmental Health
3. Children’s Environmental Health