I’ve always cared deeply about health, and discovering how much plastic we take into our bodies was an eye-opener for me as a nurse. That realization inspired me to make small but meaningful changes—like swapping reusable plastic straws for stainless steel and replacing plastic utensils and cutting boards with wooden ones. These steps may seem simple, but they’ve helped me feel more intentional about both my health and the environment.

As I learned more, I came to understand that plastic’s impact goes far beyond what we see. Its production creates pollution that disproportionately harms vulnerable communities—something I hadn’t fully grasped before. That knowledge reshaped the way I think about everyday choices and continues to motivate me to keep learning and doing what I can.