Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic products in the environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat and humans. Together, these two factors have led to a high prominence of plastic pollution in the environment. Plastic pollution can afflict land, waterways and oceans.

However, the most common type of #7 plastic is polycarbonate with added bisphenol A (BPA), which is used to make reusable food containers, baby bottles and reusable water bottles. When heated and washed with a strong detergent, polycarbonate plastic can break down and leach BPA.

Here are seven ways you can make a difference.

• Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics. 
• Recycle Properly. 
• Participate In (or Organize) a Beach or River Cleanup. 
• Support Bans. 
• Avoid Products Containing Microbeads. 
• Spread the Word. 
• Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution.