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Crime or artistry?

sam huff
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Crime or artistry?

Graffiti is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually as a form of artistic expression, without permission and within public view. This type of art should be appreciated, not condemned.

Graffiti should not be seen as vandalism or illegal because the person that’s doing the art is just expressing themselves.

Many people fail to realize how truly artistic these people are because they’re scared that it is gang-related.

It’s unfair for graffiti artists to be labeled as a threat to the city or just simply putting vandalism everywhere, even though they’re putting out their art for others to see.

Graffiti has been around for years and is currently being noticed more by the world.

In recent years graffiti has become more widely accepted by Street Art Throwdown, a show on the Oxygen Network and Physical Graffiti events that display works of graffiti art.

Banksy, a well-known anonymous graffiti artist, is known and loved for his artwork on the streets of England.

He’s able to communicate with his art and is able to see things that others can’t.

Graffiti artists aren’t criminals and they’re not violent people, they’re just putting their work out there so other people can enjoy it.

It is not the artist’s intention to have their work viewed as a negative to society and the world ought to understand art can be expressed in many different ways, being that it doesn’t always mean you have to pick up a canvas and paint brushes to create.

There are limits to spray painting, but graffiti artists are aware of the placement of their art, when and where to spray paint.

Some artists try to avoid spray painting on personal belongings or community-owned buildings such as hospitals and community centers.

The true beauty of what it means to be an actual artist can be seen through the talent these artists display throughout cities.

Personally, graffiti catches my attention because a planned, displayed art installation on a building, like a mural, comes to life and is culturally important. 

Major cities like New York have a lot of graffiti on walls, but only some people consider them appealing and others see it as vandalism.

Insteading of holding judgment for this art form, society should examine it and see how creative someone can be.

With that, artists will gain positive recognition for their creations, rather than be seen as criminal.

COVID-19 closure stirs mixed emotions for students

abrielle lopez
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COVID-19 closure stirs mixed emotions for students

Long Beach City College students shared mixed emotions about an email sent on Wednesday, March 11, that notified students, employees and faculty all in-person classes were transitioning to an online format.

The reason for this transition is prevention of the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

This period is expected to last from March 17 to June 8, for LBCC employees and until June 10 for all students, according to the email.

Though there has not been any confirmed cases of coronavirus at LBCC, the school decided to take precaution and close down the Liberal Arts and Pacific Coast campuses to avoid any spreading of the virus.

Students who are used to in-person classes now have to learn from home, just as they would at school.

Karina Guizar, who’s a third year student at LBCC, described her reaction to the email, “At first, I was a bit relieved, due to everything going on, but was also upset, because I signed up for in-class sessions, because I know I know online doesn’t work for me.”

Guizar wasn’t the only one who was relieved, Ronn Orden, who is also a third year LBCC student, said “My initial reaction was that I was glad that they finally made classes online. Prior to them sending that email, their only response was that it’s not serious and there are no cases at LBCC, so classes will continue as usual, yet all other colleges were beginning to close in person classes. I was relieved, but also a little scared because the situation is getting out of control.” 

Christian Alcantara, who is in his second-to-last semester at LBCC, said, “LBCC made the right decision in moving most of the classes online. Large gatherings are not recommended at this time and social distancing can help slow down the spread of the virus.”

Guizar spoke on the school’s intentions for closing the school down “I think they had good intentions with it, so it was the right thing to keep students and staff in good health. Although, as of grades and our education, I think it was a bad move because most students can’t learn in a virtual environment.”

Guizar also added a potential solution, “They should, at least, curve grades, for those who didn’t sign up for online classes.”

It won’t just be Guizar who’s going to struggle with online classes, both Orden and Alcantara said that they will struggle with the transition to online classes and maintaining their grades.

Orden said, “It will be difficult to maintain my grades, because all of my classes require me to be there, such as physics and chemistry. I once took a one unit online class and it was hard to keep up with the work and find the motivation, so imagine how 15 units will affect them. I’m planning on transferring next semester to CSULB, so I’m a bit worried about my classes, but I’d rather be safe and work extra hard to maintain them and not complain about these inconveniences. Health and safety always comes first.”

When asked about the difficulty of maintaining his grades when transitioning to online classes, Alcantara said, “Yes, it will be difficult to maintain my grades, this period. I took an online class before and I told myself ‘I’m never taking one again’. I have 3 classes that are online now. I prefer to learn in a classroom setting, but I trust that my professors will make the transition work for their students.”

For updates on topic relating to LBCC and the connection to coronavirus, visit www.LBCC.edu/Coronavirus.

LBCC gives resources to victimized students of domestic violence

talia coeshott
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LBCC gives resources to victimized students of domestic violence

From a strong police presence on campus, to resources on and off campus,  LBCC has dedicated more time, energy and resources to educate and protect students against domestic violence.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetime.

The annual security report for LBCC, known as the Clery report, showed crime statistics from 2014-2018, and indicated three separate cases of domestic violence in 2016, two cases in 2018, along with one case of dating violence in 2014. 

Lt. Omar Martinez,  representative of the Long Beach Police Department for LBCC, spoke about domestic violence as a crime, and the Clery statistics during an interview on March 11.

The Clery report included cases of domestic violence that occurred outside of the X-building at LAC, between a mother and her child’s father, as well as a case within LBCC’s jurisdiction on the intersection of Carson Street and Clark Avenue, amongst other cases, according to Lt. Omar Martinez. 

“When it comes to domestic violence, it has to do with the relationship between the two parties involved. It can be between two spouses, former spouses, and it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female, or same-sex relationships or any other gender,” said Martinez.

In order to prosecute abuse as domestic violence, or a 273.5 (f) as it is known in California, “The crime can’t just be yelling or psychological abuse, although that can very well be a part of it, but it has to include some form of physical violence, with or without injury,” Martinez said.  

The level of abuse and crime can also vary and be prosecuted differently, according to Martinez.

Abuse can range from misdemeanor, simple battery that involves simple touching or to felony crimes that involve assault with a deadly weapon, and everywhere in between according to Martinez.

Cases of domestic abuse will either be handled by city prosecutors, who process some crimes, but not felonies, or by the district attorney’s office of Long Beach, who handle larger felony crimes.

In addition, domestic violence cases are handled with more urgency than other misdemeanor or felony cases, according to Martinez.

“Domestic violence doesn’t have to be witnessed like other misdemeanors. If someone saw it, even if it wasn’t a police officer, we can still arrest [the accused],” said Martinez.

According to Martinez, one of the best resources for students on campus against domestic abuse is the Title IX Coordinator.

Dr. Alisia Kirkwood, deputy coordinator of the Title IX program at LBCC, spoke about the role of the Title IX coordinator during an interview on March 12.

“Currently, the Title IX coordinator for students at LBCC is Dr. Kirsten Olson, the associate Vice President of Human Resources. Students can contact her on the LBCC website, or even myself directly at the Title IX office on campus,” Kirkwood said, in regards to reporting not only domestic abuse, stalking with threats and intimidation, but also sexual harassment and assault cases.

Victims of domestic abuse can also contact the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach and Su Casa in Long Beach for additional help and resources, in addition to Title IX coordinators, campus police and mental health resources on campus for trauma. 

Alexis Sandoval, outreach coordinator for the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach, spoke about the role of the WSLB on and off campus.

“Staff members come to LBCC mostly for educational outreach. We do seminars and classes that teach about healthy relationships, and what that exactly looks like, and at Cal State Long Beach and Cerritos College we have a CCRT,” Sandoval said.

The CCRT, or coordinated community review team, are advisory teams that adhere to Title IX regulations and are part of almost every community college and college nationwide, according to Sandoval.

The team uses a collaborative approach to prevent not only dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual violence, but also through overseeing the implementation of education, prevention, and awareness programs.

The CCRT is also responsible for gathering statistics of domestic violence and examining possible additional resources that might be needed at a specific college.

Though there is currently no response team at LBCC, Sandoval said, “The WSLB is definitely a resource. We want students to know we’re available, and if faculty needs referrals, we could be a resource for them or for students.”

Dean Lockwood, Director of Development and Community Outreach for Su Casa, spoke about the role of Su Casa at LBCC.

“At LBCC we provide students with basic health services, but if someone is experiencing abuse, we can provide counselors, legal advice, and a shelter program for emergency escapes,” Lockwood said.

In addition, Su Casa also provides LBCC students a 24/7 domestic abuse hotline to call at (562) 402-4888. 

The biggest goal for LBCC, according to both Martinez and Kirkwood, is education about healthy relationships and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.

“Some people can be in an abusive relationship, but due to their circumstances growing up there’s a sense of normalcy to it. Sometimes the toughest part is walking away, and making a decision to say it’s not OK I’m being treated this way and I’m going to make a change,” Martinez said.

Better outreach programs on and off campus, increased crack-downs on domestic violence and the Title IX coordinator all provide resources and healing for victims of domestic violence and continue to make a difference for students at LBCC.

Su Casa’s “Housing First” program breaks barriers for victims of domestic abuse

talia coeshott
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Su Casa’s “Housing First” program breaks barriers for victims of domestic abuse

Award-winning, non-profit organization Su Casa is implementing the first “Housing First” program of its kind in Long Beach, geared toward finding stable housing for victims of domestic violence.

Since 2016, Governor Jerry Brown has established California as a “Housing First” state, meaning it implements the use of the housing first model for victims of domestic violence.

The model includes two main factors that separate it from other shelter programs: prioritizing stable housing first and foremost, and providing flexible financial assistance to provide the best possible outcome for victims. 

In Long Beach, stable housing is an issue that is critical for the successful rehabilitation of domestic violence survivors, according to those that work closely with victims at the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach.

Alexis Sandoval, outreach coordinator for the Women’s Shelter of Long Beach, and Mary Ellen Mitchell, the WSLB executive director, spoke about the issue of homelessness during interviews on March 16.

Sandoval said, “Homelessness doesn’t have to mean literally without a home. Victims can be homeless if they’re bouncing around from couch to couch, or friend to friend, and have an unstable living condition.”

Homelessness is an issue that puts victims at risk of continuing the cycle of abuse, and has many complex issues that need to be addressed, according to Sandoval.

“There is a disparity in options for stable housing, and transitional housing has even less options” said Sandoval.

Mitchell said, “I think it takes more than just one year for transitional housing sometimes, in order to get a person stabilized and ready to move on. It might take less for some who have their degrees, but at WSLB we’re dealing with people below poverty.”

Language barriers, lack of service animals and pet accomodation, and discrimination against those that come from a domestic violence shelter applying for housing, cause housing to become a life and death situation, according to Sandoval.

“Someone can ask themselves, do I want to be homeless, or stay in this environment and risk my and my children’s lives?” Sandoval said.

Su Casa’s director of development and community outreach, Dean Lockwood, and the housing first program manager April Hunter, talked about how to tackle the issue of homelessness, and the success of the new housing first program since it began in July 2019, during an interview on March 9. 

“The housing first model originally was implemented in Washington State, and it was fairly successful, so seeing that we wanted to bring it here,” said Hunter. 

The program is beneficial here in Los Angeles because unlike other homeless shelter programs, housing first does not utilize a database system that compromises the safety of domestic abuse victims, according to Hunter.

“Homeless shelter programs don’t ensure confidentiality. Women with children can’t shuffle around from shelter to shelter, and this situation is even more bleak for women without children who don’t qualify for assistance,” said Hunter.

The housing first program is a change to how women traditionally receive shelter and financial assistance, and has now received funding and support at Su Casa.

“Last year, we received funding for permanent assistance that’s used to help maintain housing and help those in immediate risk of losing their home,” Hunter said.

The housing first program ensures that those who already have an income, and who have the ability to sustain that income and therefore housing, are able to benefit from the program in order to “help as many families as possible,” Lockwood said.

“We received government funding, with roughly 80 percent grants, and private donations making the other 20 percent of funding. The grant should be available to us for at least the next three years, after that we have to recertify,” Lockwood said, ensuring confidence in the longevity of the program for the victims it is currently helping.

Hunter and those that coordinate the housing first program build relationships with landlords and homeowners to develop a strong partnership with the program.

The housing first program also utilizes financial assistance that is unique, and “given on a case by case basis. We discuss rental assistance for the first month, and possible tiered payments after that,” Hunter said.

Assistance also includes other items such as furnishings, refrigerators, stoves and other household appliances donated to Su Casa.

Various agencies in Los Angeles, such as Casper mattresses, and the Women Empowered through Labors of Love furnishings program in Whittier, all donate to support the housing first program, according to Lockwood.

“Sometimes the difference between someone keeping their job or not is having a mattress to sleep and rest on,” said Lockwood.

Besides using the housing first program to help a victim “get as stable as possible, as quickly as possible,” the program also provides assistance that is flexible and essential for the well-being of a victim, no matter their background and income, said Hunter.

Hunter recalled the story of one immigrant woman who benefited immensely from the program at Su Casa.

“The woman was an undocumented immigrant from India, and she didn’t have her green card yet. Her partner owned a business, and drained her of her resources, and bought multiple mortgages in her name which all defaulted,” Hunter said.

“With Su Casa, she was able to have her rent covered so she could pay for legal expenses, got her green card, and went to India to prosecute her husband and save her from financial ruin.

“Her husband actually told her that he never thought she would have the strength to do all that on her own, or have the resources to pursue any legal action.” 

But she did. With Su Casa’s housing first program, “26 families have been assisted since July 2019 with needs all over the place,” Hunter said.

Su Casa also offers a variety of other resources such as counseling services led by therapist interns, legal services referrals to cross a multitude of barriers, such as immigration status, savings plans and secure shelters among others.

Hunter said, “The purpose of the programs is about empowerment through counseling and life-skills, to be able to help victims manage things better, get grounded, and work towards a goal.”

The goal for Su Casa, said Hunter, is to “build out supportive services, and have funding to go throughout California and increase services accessibility to everyone.”

Lockwood said, “We’ve been lucky to be able to fit local needs, and to have April’s expertise in housing and domestic violence.”

Hunter said, “The housing first program takes domestic violence out of this low-income box. It affects everybody. I have women with master’s degrees who still need a little push. Litigation and financial abuse, cyberstalking, domestic violence isn’t what people think it is anymore.”

Providing safe shelters that utilize strict security according to Lockwood, being one of the first programs to utilize housing first, and providing immediate and outstanding care and assistance for victims of domestic violence all help to build Su Casa’s reputation.

“Reputation is everything, if you’re not providing that safety, you’re not providing service,” said Lockwood.

Sandoval and Miller said they were both happy that Su Casa has the funding and capabilities to continue their fight against homelessness, and the healing of domestic abuse victims can start with housing first.

Spring into new season with horoscopes

abrielle lopez
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Spring into new season with horoscopes

The 2020 Spring Equinox, or first day of spring, is Thursday, March 19.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You are effortlessly synchronized with your surroundings this spring, Aries, as we enter springtime at the start of your zodiac season. However, control issues may arise if you resist the natural ease of this cycle. Relish in your season. Celebrate. It will come naturally.

Taurus (April 21-May 20)

Springtime is a cycle of new beginnings and abundance, but you might see the beginning of the season differently. Do not become aggressive with yourself and your growth process this season, or else you may run into creative blockages and rifts in your progress. You will ride out the beginning of this cycle and find yourself feeling very energized and with high spirits just in time for Taurus season.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Do not rely so much on your masculine energy this Springtime- you may come off temperamental and fickle if you fixate on this energy too much. It is essential you access Gemini’s deep, loving energy this season. Access your heart-space, be vulnerable with yourself and others and speak up if someone has hurt your feelings.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Emotional as always and feeling into a “goodbye…” This spring you will say goodbye to an old version of yourself, Cancer,  in order to make room for all-encompassing newness- new perception, new inspiration, new beginnings, so much newness! Everything about this season will seem vibrant to you and you will feel profoundly alive. The Universe supports you, offering a great opportunity for growth and vision.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22)

Remain persistent during difficult times this Spring, for you are strong and powerful, Leo. You are approaching a time of complacency and boredom in your life and this will only linger on if you entertain illusions of laziness. You are powerful. Tap into your inherent power this season. You have the power to manifest anything you want in the physical world with hard work and persistence.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Solitude, self-care and taking the inward journey to reconnect with Self is the main theme for Virgo this spring. This is a sacred season for Virgo, as a great deal of spiritual growth and enlightenment will come out of this cycle. Rest, regenerate, be still and listen to yourself and your needs.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You must fine-tune a balance with your personal endeavors and close relationships this Spring. Self-motivation and organization will go hand-in-hand, so blockages in creative vision do not manifest. You will teeter-totter from feeling alone and self-reliant, to then understanding you must nurture your closest relationships and remember you are supported. Your closest relationships nurture your spirit and creativity. Honor these relationships and you will flow.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)

This spring, you will release a hindrance and access your most sacred gifts. Forgive yourself and heal, forgive whomever caused you pain and heal. Great wisdom and spiritual growth will emerge when forgiveness is granted. You are fully supported by the Universe and ready to heal.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

All good things for you, Sagittarius, as springtime brings heightened intuition, wisdom and visionary energy. You possess the power to fully synchronize yourself with this energy. Simply be still and silent enough to listen.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You have been struggling to find direction or focus in your life and this season is about your personal understanding and satisfaction with Self. There is a newfound sense of love, appreciation and gratitude for your life and connections. You are supported fully- if you feel the need to release some emotional weight, feel comfortable in confiding in your good friends. This season is about celebrating your individuality and connecting with people, even if you don’t feel fully aligned with your purpose. Perfection is an illusion.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

There is an inherent rebellious side to you that can make you act carelessly, insensitively or hastily in decision making. You must engage more fiercely from your heart than ever before this spring and be compassionate in your personal relationships. Practice gratitude and remember that your life and connections are not to be taken for granted. 

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Butterfly energy and metamorphosis is upon you this spring, Pisces. You will be driven by ultimate transformation and rebirth. This season is all about forward motion and growth, embracing every challenge and life experience that awaits. You are being called to disregard the physical world for a while and bring your focus inward, as this transformation will start from within. You will enter and exit spring as a completely different version of self. Slow down and listen to the song of your soul.

LBCC to remain closed for remainder of spring semester

tess kazenoff
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LBCC to remain closed for remainder of spring semester

An email sent today at noon to the Long Beach City College community has announced that remote instruction will continue until the end of the spring semester.

This update is based upon “guidance from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, as well as state and local officials,” according to the email.

The anticipated date of return to campus for employees will be Mon., June 8. 

As of now, students and the public will be able to return for Summer Session on Wed., June 10.

However, the email from the Long Beach Community College District states that “There is a high likelihood that summer sessions will be conducted solely online.”

The email also states that a decision regarding the 2020 Commencement Ceremony has not yet been made. 

Both campuses will be entirely closed to all but essential personnel beginning Mon., March 23.

LBCC Child Development Centers are also closed without an anticipated return date.

The LBCC Board of Trustees meeting will be held remotely and can be viewed online on its scheduled date, Wed., March 25.

Updated information will continue to be found on the LBCC Coronavirus website.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.

Photo Gallery: Quarantine prep causes mass panic and empty shelves

martin koev
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Photo Gallery: Quarantine prep causes mass panic and empty shelves

In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak that more than 4,500 people have tested positive for in the U.S. as of March 16, panic shoppers put a heavy strain on a supply chain that has been unprepared for a pandemic. Facing fears of lockdowns and indefinite quarantine, shoppers who are unable to buy in bulk, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are left without basic supplies such as bread and toilet paper. In an individualistic society, solidarity is the solution.

LBCC closes campuses to public

abrielle lopez
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LBCC closes campuses to public

Updated: An earlier version of this story was published before the move of all LBCC courses to online-remote instruction.

Long Beach City College will be closed to the public, starting Tuesday, March 17, in response to coronavirus COVID-19, according to an email sent from communications today.

“Students and members of the public are not allowed to be on the Liberal Arts Campus or the Pacific Coast Campus starting on this date,” the email read.

The detailed date of return to campus is set for April 13, 2020, but is subject to change as the health crisis evolves.

As detailed in a previous email to staff, faculty and students on March 11, all LBCC events were canceled starting on March 12.

Most classes were required to move to online-remote instruction by Wed., March 18, but all LBCC classes are being transitioned to online-remote instruction now, according to a follow up email sent to instructors by Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Scott on Monday, March 16, for clarification purposes.

“We had hoped that some classes (e.g., Trades, studio classes, labs, etc.) could continue in a face to face manner. After consultation we have decided that doing so will not be possible given the evolving situation,” Scott wrote in the email.

Scott explained the measures that particular classes are meant to follow, in order to transition classes that face difficulties with remote-online instruction.

“If your class is one of those that cannot possibly go online/remote even for a short period, you should be in communication with your department head and/or Dean,” Scott wrote.

The previous email from March 11 detailed classified LBCC employees to remain on campus to overlook facilities and keep campus open, but all employees are being transitioned to work online or remotely, as of now.

Classified employees, faculty, administration and operational personnel are expected to be transitioned to online-remote work by the end of the day on Fri., March 20, 2020, and updates will follow.

However, some essential LBCC employees will remain on campus.

LBCC Child Development Centers will be closed starting Tues., March 17, 2020.

Academic Support Services like tutoring, Success Centers and the library will also be transitioning to an online format, with updates to be posted on the LBCC website.

Student services will be closed for in-person aid starting Tues., March 17, but transitioning essential services to online formats and more updates are to follow.

Public relations representative Stacey Toda and coordinator Camille Bolton did not respond immediately to phone calls for additional information and clarification of the email.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.

LBCC Board of Trustees appoint Lou Anne Bynum as Interim Superintendent President

savannah gomez
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LBCC Board of Trustees appoint Lou Anne Bynum as Interim Superintendent President

The Long Beach City College Board of Trustees appointed an interim superintendent president at an open session meeting on Saturday, following the recent firing of Superintendent President Reagan Romali.

“I just ask that we execute this contract tonight,” said Trustee Sunny Zia at the start of the session.

The board took a vote to appoint former LBCC Vice President Lou Anne Bynum as the Interim Superintendent President which was finalized with unanimous “ayes” all around. 

Bynum had been with LBCC for 20 years, retiring in 2017. 

Her contract will last for six months, through Sept. 

“There was some discussion earlier today on whether or not Ms. Bynum needed to be here… after some discussion the board wanted her to be here,” President Vivian Malauulu said.

According to Malauulu, Bynum arrived at the meeting 15 minutes after receiving a phone call requesting her appearance.

“You’re already showing your commitment to the college. Thank you very much,” Malauulu said.

Bynum then took to the podium to express her thanks to the board and all others in attendance.

“I’m just really honored to come back and really appreciative to have the honor and trust to come back and have the college transition during this time. This has always been my educational home,” Bynum said.

Interim Superintendent President Lou Anne Bynum with the Board of Trustees members, where she was unanimously voted in on March 14th during their Saturday meeting to appoint a new president for LBCC. Photo by Martin Koev

Even right after her appointment, Bynum appeared to have plans for the future of LBCC.

“First thing I’m going to do is meet with the vice presidents, check on the coronavirus, what’s going on to that question about faculty and staff,” said Bynum.

With COVID-19 taking more of a toll on Long Beach every day resulting in LBCC turning to online classes, the topic came into question.

“All of this is still on an upward curve so if we have to make adjustments, we have to be prepared for that and make sure that we get through this transition into online classes, smoothly,” Bynum said.

Where is our plastic going?

sam huff
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Where is our plastic going?

For many years much of the plastic in America thrown into garbage bins was shipped off to China who was desperate for raw materials.

In 2018 China had a massive shutdown on their trash pollution intake leaving the United States with piles of plastic and nothing to do with it. 

From 1964-2014 plastic production increased by 296 tons which equates to over a 2,000 % increase in plastic waste. 

Most stuff people throw into recycling bins is actually going to waste instead of being recycled. The amount of plastic waste recycled is only 10% the rest is thrown away. 

People are okay with using plastic because they know it can be recycled but that’s not the case for all waste. With the amount of waste we are producing we need to change this mindset so we can do better for our planet and future generations. 

Many people know plastic takes a long time to break down, but how long does it take? 

Aluminum cans take from 80 – 200 years, glass can take a million years if at all, and normal plastic waste such as water bottles or food wrappers take up to 1,000 years. 

With over 99% of plastic deriving from oil, natural gas, and coal. The amount of increase in plastic pollution has left the U.S. plastic problem becoming many other countries problems. 

Since the U.S. can no longer send plastic to China, it turned to sending waste to countries like Turkey, India, Senegal and others. This is a problem because much of their plastic is highly mismanaged. 

These countries now find themselves surrounded by plastic leaving them to illegally burn or dump plastic in other areas like the ocean. 

This is not only crucial because of the air pollution it is causing but, because of the amount of microplastic that is being found in our drinking water and food. Not to mention the additional harm it is doing to the oceans ecosystem we heavily rely on. 

Some of the biggest names responsible for plastic pollution in recent years are Coca-Cola, Nestle, PepsiCo, P&G and many more. 

Countries like China, Bangladesh, and India are trying to combat the amount of plastic waste by implementing taxes on plastic or putting partial bans on it. 

Regardless of how people are combatting plastic most agree that it is a problem that needs to be dealt with and that recycling is not helping with the problem. 

We need to stop this comfortability with recycling and thinking that recycling plastic is enough, because it’s not and it’s only making environmental damage worse.  

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