We can’t change the past. But we can reshape the future. To do that, we must reduce our dependence on single-use plastic. And we must find ways to reuse the vast amount of existing plastic that is poisoning our habitats and do so in a way that we don’t just return it back to the environment after minimal use.
That’s the mission of Mountain Mat, the maker of premium outdoor rugs. Our beach mats and camping mats are produced from 100% recycled polypropylene, which is used for everything from yogurt containers to plastic eating utensils and more. And we make our mats to last for years to keep them out of landfills.
We design products to last for years.
We produce mats and rugs using repurposed plastic trash.
We use green packaging. Our boxes, tags, and marketing materials are made with post-consumer waste and recyclable materials when available.
We employ responsible supply chain partners. We vigorously vet our manufacturers, shippers, and distributors to ensure safe labor practices, sustainability, and anti-discrimination policies.
An estimated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced worldwide since large-scale use began in the 1950s. That’s equal to the weight of 1 billion elephants, or 25,000 times the weight of the Empire State Building.
Of that amount, only 9 percent has been recycled. Nearly 80 percent of it has accumulated in landfills and in the natural environment. It has polluted uninhabited islands, clogged waterways and choked all kinds of marine life.
And it’s only getting worse. By 2050, the planet will contain more than 12 billion metric tons of plastics. There will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. As this plastic breaks down over decades, microscopic particles contaminate the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink.
If we all commit to minimizing our reliance on single-use plastic products and buying more long-lasting items made from recycled materials, like Mountain Mats, we can lessen the environmental impact of plastic waste.
The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.
Pope John Paul XXIII
