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How Chicago’s Business Plastic Waste is Affecting the Oceans
At Office H2O, we're proud supporters of One Bottleless Nation and deeply committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, one issue demands more attention than ever: plastic waste, especially in our urban centers across the Midwest. Take Chicago, for example—a bustling metropolis with over 2.67 million residents. With such a large population comes a significant amount of plastic use and waste.
While Chicago's thriving business sector contributes greatly to the economy, it also plays a major role in plastic pollution. This impact is often overlooked by local residents or businesses, but it has far-reaching consequences. Plastic waste from Chicago can travel through waterways and eventually reach the ocean, affecting marine life and ecosystems thousands of miles away.
The hidden impact of plastic waste is truly alarming. Every day, businesses generate vast amounts of plastic—packaging, containers, and more. The problem doesn’t end when we dispose of these items. Instead, they often find their way into rivers and streams, eventually making their way to the ocean. Once there, plastic causes serious harm to marine life, from entanglement to ingestion, and breaks down into microplastics that are nearly impossible to remove.
Chicago’s contribution to ocean pollution is more than just a local issue. Despite recycling efforts, only about 9.6% of the city’s waste was recycled in 2022. The rest ends up in landfills or escapes into the environment. 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 due to insufficient infrastructure and high costs.
Recycling is an expensive process that involves collection, sorting, cleaning, and processing. These steps require significant investment in equipment and labor, and market fluctuations can make it economically challenging. Contamination also adds to the cost, as it can render entire batches unusable.
But there is hope. At Office H2O, we believe in leading by example. We’ve taken steps to reduce plastic use and give back to our community. Here are five actionable steps your business can take:
1. **Adopt Sustainable Practices** – Reduce single-use plastics and switch to biodegradable or reusable alternatives.
2. **Implement Effective Recycling Programs** – Educate employees and partner with local facilities to ensure proper recycling.
3. **Support Legislation and Initiatives** – Advocate for policies that reduce plastic waste and participate in clean-up events.
4. **Innovate and Collaborate** – Invest in sustainable materials and work with others to drive change.
5. **Educate and Engage** – Raise awareness and inspire action within your community.
Plastic waste is a shared challenge that requires collective action. By taking small steps today, we can create a meaningful impact. At Office H2O, we’re here to help you make the switch from plastic jugs to bottleless water coolers. Our systems provide clean, cold water without any plastic waste—no heavy lifting, no single-use bottles.
Ready to make a difference? Contact us today at (866) 621-6910 and let’s find the right solution for your business. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier future.