Syringes, IV tubing, saline bags, plastic-wrapped drugs, catheters — hospitals couldn’t function without plastics. “We were gyrating with hula hoops, going to Tupperware parties, listening to vinyl records, playing with plastic toys and drinking from plastic cups through plastic straws. Major contributors are plastic packaging (many surgical products are double-wrapped) and blue sterile wrap used to cover surgical instruments. While straws have become an emotional symbol for environmentalists, they account for virtually nothing, in terms of weight, in total plastic waste. Giving up plastic straws helps people feel they’re making a tangible difference, Burnett said.

Source: National Post June 12, 2019 20:03 UTC