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How Chicago’s Business Plastic Waste is Affecting the Oceans
As a proud supporter of One Bottleless Nation, Office H2O is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, one issue demands more urgent attention than ever: plastic waste, particularly in our urban centers across the Midwest. Take Chicago, for example—a city with over 2.67 million residents. With such a large population comes an immense amount of plastic use and waste, much of which ends up in our waterways and eventually the oceans.
Chicago’s thriving business sector plays a key role in the economy, but it also contributes significantly to plastic pollution. While you may not notice the impact on a daily basis, the consequences are far-reaching. Plastic waste from this city often finds its way into rivers and streams through runoff, wind, or improper disposal. From there, it flows into larger bodies of water, making its way to the ocean—where it causes long-term damage to marine life and ecosystems.
Once in the ocean, plastic becomes a silent killer. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion or entanglement, which can be fatal. Even worse, plastic breaks down into microplastics, tiny particles that are nearly impossible to remove from the water. These microplastics settle on the ocean floor, entering the food chain and affecting everything from small fish to humans.
Chicago isn’t immune to these challenges. Despite recycling efforts, only about 9.6% of the city’s waste was recycled in 2022. The rest either ends up in landfills or escapes into natural environments. Experts like Katie Bailey from the Association of Plastic Recyclers point out that low recycling rates aren’t due to lack of effort, but rather a lack of infrastructure. Recycling is expensive, especially for cities with limited budgets.
The process of recycling involves collection, sorting, cleaning, and processing—each step requiring significant investment. Transportation, labor, and market fluctuations all add to the cost. Contamination of recyclables also makes entire batches unusable, increasing expenses further. These challenges highlight the need for better systems and more sustainable solutions.
But change is possible. At Office H2O, we’re taking action by reducing our own plastic use and supporting local initiatives that promote a plastic-free lifestyle. We believe every business has a role to play in protecting our planet. Here are some steps your company can take:
1. **Adopt Sustainable Practices** – Reduce single-use plastics and switch to biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Encourage suppliers to do the same.
2. **Implement Effective Recycling Programs** – Educate employees and partner with local facilities to ensure proper recycling.
3. **Support Legislation** – Advocate for policies that reduce plastic waste and participate in community clean-up efforts.
4. **Innovate and Collaborate** – Invest in new materials and work with others to drive industry-wide change.
5. **Educate and Engage** – Raise awareness among customers, employees, and the public about the importance of reducing plastic waste.
This is a shared responsibility. It won’t happen overnight, but every small step counts. By making conscious choices, we can help protect our oceans and ensure a healthier future for everyone.
Ready to make a difference? Let’s start by replacing your 5-gallon plastic jug water cooler with something better. Office H2O offers bottleless water and ice coolers that provide clean, cold water without the hassle of heavy jugs or plastic waste. No more storing or changing jugs—just fresh, great-tasting water whenever you need it.
Contact us today at (866) 621-6910 to find the perfect solution for your business. Together, we can help create a cleaner, greener world—one drop at a time.