April 21, 2026
By Kapri Del Regno
Staff Writer
This article is part of a four-part in-depth reporting series in recognition of Earth Month.
Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, and around 70% has been used once and discarded, according to the United Nations Development Programme. These facts point to the importance of addressing plastic consumption and pollution in everyday life.
English teacher Ms. Burns said she thinks about plastic use both at home and in daily life.
“As a parent, my husband and I often discuss plastic waste, namely microplastics, and how we can reduce our family’s intake,” Burns said. “We’ve taken steps like discarding plastic cutting boards in favor of wooden ones.”
Burns said plastic is difficult to avoid.
“Even if it’s a small change, over time it helps towards the greater good of the planet.”
“A significant amount of plastic can also be found in the packaging of grocery items,” Burns said. “Looking at daily life, I find a lot of plastic in my children’s toys, despite trying to keep it to a minimum.”
Burns said donating or passing down items like toys is one way to reduce waste.
“With social media [marketplaces] and easy porch pickups, I find it very realistic and doable,” Burns said.
In 2022, New Jersey implemented a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags, changing how many families shop. The ban has successfully removed more than 24 billion single-use plastic bags and 480 million paper bags, according to New Jersey Clean Communities, a statewide, comprehensive litter-reduction program.
Burns said that by now, most New Jerseyans have acquired many reusable bags they keep in their homes and cars.
“Of course, when you bring your bags in and forget to put some back in your car, which I think we all do occasionally, you do end up having to purchase more, which you probably don’t need,” Burns said.
Sophomore Michael Quintero, a member of the Environmental Club, said that when the plastic bag ban went into effect, it was an adjustment for many families.
“It was quite annoying at first,” Quintero said. “Before the ban was put in place, my family and I would always keep and save those plastic bags and reuse them as our trash bags.”
Despite the inconvenience, Quintero said the plastic bag ban is worthwhile.
“Even if it’s a small change, over time it helps towards the greater good of the planet,” Quintero said.
INFOGRAPHIC BY BRUCE BARTLETT
SOURCES: Beyond Plastics, Global Change Data Lab, National Library of Medicine, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, PBS NewsHour and World Economic Forum
He said a major impediment to reducing plastic waste is convenience, especially with single-use plastic water bottles.
“I [have] a big family, so we always need to keep buying more water bottles for everyone, and this is where we usually could bring a reusable one instead of buying more plastic water bottles,” Quintero said.
He said big companies play a major role in reducing plastic waste, since they are the ones who create it in the first place.
“Companies can try to switch to a more eco-friendly packaging… or have a program to return old and broken products to be recycled,” Quintero said.
He said plastic pollution is a problem in Lyndhurst, especially near the Passaic River.
“I have noticed a lot of plastic water bottles or trash,” Quintero said. “You wouldn’t realize how much… is around unless you really pay attention to it.”
Quintero said local efforts could further reduce plastic pollution.
“I would want to see more garbage and plastic bins,” Quintero said. “Maybe even a town cleanup or incentives for recycling.”
Freshman Brielle Valente, a member of the Environmental Club, said she worries about plastic waste and pollution.
“These problems turn our Earth slowly into a garbage dump, and that is not okay,” Valente said.
She said she most often recognizes plastic when she is shopping.
“In the food court, most of the provided utensils are plastic, and people litter, so the ground and tables are covered with more plastic and trash than in the recycling bin or trash can,” Valente said.
She said she has responded to these observations by making small changes, such as using reusable lunchboxes and cutlery. However, she said it would be difficult for her to give up single-use plastic water bottles.
“I personally favor plastic water bottles over reusable [ones] because they are more accessible to me, and I do not have to go through having to wash a reusable water bottle almost every day,” Valente said. “However, I make sure to dispose of my plastic water bottles by recycling them.”
Even though reducing plastic pollution can be frustrating, Valente said it is necessary.
“People my age can truly make a difference, as long as there are lots of people advocating for the same causes,” said Valente.
