Plastic is everywhere, from plastic credit cards to water bottles to hospital IV bags. It makes our lives easier in many ways, but due to improper disposal, plastic has a severely negative impact not only on our environment, but also on humans and animals. Plastic pollutes our water sources, poisons humans and kills animals. Recycling and volunteering to clean up beaches are just some of the many ways we can help keep plastic pollution under control and prevent further damage to our Earth. This deadly problem must be addressed immediately. The environment is continually bombarded by plastic waste that they cannot break down. Plastic is a chemical compound produced to maintain its shelf life for several years. “Plastic is a very long-lived product that could function for decades, yet our primary use of these lightweight, cheap materials is as single-use items that will end up in landfill within a year, where they will persist for centuries,” Richard Thompson (environmentalhealthnews.org) . Our inappropriate disposal of plastic in places where humans eat fish and other marine creatures, so we are exposed to all the chemicals that animals are exposed to. Due to leaks in landfills, our water usually contains traces of plastic chemicals. Everyday items such as teething rings or plastic cups may contain traces of chemicals that enter the body. These levels are so low that most don't realize anything is happening, but the chemicals can have deadly effects on our bodies and our health. High levels of bisphenol A (BPA) can alter hormone balance, cause cancer, heart disease, and even interfere with brain function. The developing immune systems of infants and children are more susceptible to the health risks of BPA, so side effects may be more widespread and severe