I will start by saying, yes; there are some legitimate uses for plastics. I am not entirely anti-plastic. However, I am definitely opposed to any single-use plastics. Disposables, including bags, cups, plates, silverware, straws and so on are unnecessary, wasteful, hazardous to our health, and a serious problem in our global environment. A good place to cut back on your use of plastic is in your kitchen. Many plastics release plasticizers, which are the chemicals that keep plastic flexible, when they are heated. Many plasticizers are carcinogens as well as endocrine disrupters. Identify an area where plastic is in use in your kitchen, and do the following: Find a current article on ways in which that source of plastic can be harmful. Include a hyperlink to the article as well as a brief summary of the article. Find a current article on a healthier, more sustainable option to using that plastic. Include a hyperlink to the article and a brief summary. Next, make a plan and a pledge to remove that source of plastic from your kitchen, and record that here in your discussion. There are small, simple steps you can take towards keeping yourself and our environment healthy. Cutting back on plastics is one! Finally yet importantly, pat yourself and your classmates on the back for challenging your own behaviors. .