Beachgoer raises concerns with photo of decades-old item found in sand: ‘Tremendously sad’
A Reddit user started a discussion online post a picture On a decades-old McDonald’s packaging r/kinda interesting subreddit.
“40-year-old styrofoam McDonald’s packaging washed ashore,” the post reads, showing a picture of an old McDonald’s packaging buried in the sand, still in relatively good condition even after all these years.
Photo Credit: Reddit
This is a simple example of why plastic pollution is such a major problem; because plastic products such as this packaging pose a significant threat to the environment as they do not decompose naturally and potentially last for hundreds of years.
They can also turn into harmful microplastics if left in one place for a long time due to chemical leaching. If consumed through contaminated water or food, they can lead to serious biological health disorders, including accelerating the growth of cancer.
“After 40 years the letters are still intact. This is impressive and extremely sad,” one user said commented.
Styrofoam products, in particular, are known to break down easily, and many states are working to impose widespread bans on products made with them for this reason.
“This is why we don’t use them anymore. But I miss the old yellow McChicken styrofoam box,” says one user. wrote below the article.
“By the way, there’s a restaurant chain near me that STILL uses styrofoam cups. It should be illegal at this point.” wrote another.
finding ways reduce plastic use and supporting businesses like McDonald’s that are working to reduce their own plastic consumption with Styrofoam containers is key to preventing plastic waste, both old and new, from continuing to accumulate and harm our environment.
take action Cleaning up plastic in your community can provide much-needed support towards this goal, big or small.
Scientists are also working diligently on solutions to break down and reuse microplastics, both to prevent them from entering the environment and to find practical applications.
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