Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere. It litters our beaches, chokes marine life, poisons communities near petrochemical facilities, leaches into our food and water, and ends up in our bodies. Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, as the rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world's ability to deal with them. Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and the refinement of plastics emits an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year. It can take up to 1,000 years for plastic to decompose in landfills, and it is predicted that by 2050, the mass of plastic in the ocean will be greater than the mass of marine life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste in oceans | An estimated 1.8 trillion bits of plastic waste are in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California. |
| Plastic waste by 2050 | It is predicted that plastic waste will be greater than the mass of marine life in the oceans by 2050. |
| Plastic production since 1970s | Plastic use has risen 20-fold in the past 50 years. |
| Plastic production in the future | By 2050, we will use three times as much plastic as we did in 2014. |
| Plastic decomposition | Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. |
| Plastic pollution | Plastic trash is most visible in developing Asian and African nations. |
| Plastic in water bodies | Plastic waste is found in coastal waters, the deepest ocean trenches, and the highest peaks. |
| Plastic micro-particles | Sunlight, wind, and waves break down plastic waste into microplastics, which are spread throughout the water column. |
| Plastic and animal life | Plastic kills birds, fish, and other marine life. Nearly 2,100 species, including endangered ones, are affected by plastics. |
| Plastic and human health | Microplastics are ingested by humans and can contribute to cancer and other diseases. |
| Plastic and climate change | The refinement of plastics emits 184-213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually. |
| Plastic and landfills | Landfills, where single-use plastics are sent, account for more than 15% of methane emissions. |
| Plastic reduction efforts | More than 50 nations are taking action to reduce plastic pollution. |
| Plastic alternatives | Alternatives to plastic include reusable shopping bags, glass, liquid wood, paper, metal, and biodegradable plastics. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste in oceans
The sources of ocean plastic pollution are diverse, with plastic waste flowing from rivers and land into the sea. Once in the ocean, plastic waste is transported by currents, reaching even remote waters and protected areas. It is estimated that the oceans receive around 8 million tons of plastic waste each year, with Asia being the leading source, particularly the countries of China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries contribute 90% of all plastic that reaches the world's oceans.
The impact of plastic waste in oceans is devastating for marine life. It is estimated that nearly 2,100 species, including endangered ones, are affected by plastics. Seabirds, fish, and other marine organisms are killed by ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. Microplastics, which are small plastic particles, are of particular concern as they can be consumed by marine life, including fish, shrimp, and mussels that humans eat. These microplastics can accumulate toxins on their surface, causing health risks for marine animals and humans.
The problem of plastic waste in oceans is compounded by the fact that plastic does not easily biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years for plastic to decompose in landfills, and in the ocean, it only breaks down into smaller microplastics. These microplastics are challenging to filter out of the water and become a permanent feature of the marine ecosystem. At the current rate of plastic production and consumption, it is predicted that by 2050, the mass of plastic in the oceans will exceed the mass of marine life.
Addressing ocean plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing plastic production and consumption, improving recycling practices, and redesigning products and packaging to use less plastic are essential steps. Governments, industries, scientists, and consumers all have a role to play in mitigating this global issue. Some positive initiatives include plastic bans and taxes implemented by municipalities, which have shown promising results in reducing plastic waste. Additionally, tracking plastic usage and waste generation can help businesses and governments make informed decisions to reduce plastic pollution.
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Plastic pollution in nature
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue. The production of disposable plastic products is increasing rapidly, and the world is struggling to deal with the resulting waste. Plastic pollution is particularly visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or non-existent. However, developed countries, especially those with low recycling rates, also have trouble collecting discarded plastics.
Plastic waste enters natural ecosystems from a variety of sources. In the marine environment, plastic pollution primarily comes from land runoff, paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and more. In general, pollution sources are mainly land-based, including urban and stormwater runoff, littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture.
Once plastic waste reaches the oceans, it is transported by ocean currents and can end up anywhere on the globe. On Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China, carried there by the South Pacific gyre.
Plastic waste in the oceans breaks down into microplastics—small particles less than one-fifth of an inch across. These microplastics have been found in every corner of the planet, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. They are also breaking down further into nanoplastics, which can cross cell membrane walls and enter living organisms. Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels, and scientists have also found microplastics in people.
The presence of plastic in natural ecosystems has severe consequences for wildlife and possibly for human health. Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, and nearly 2,100 species, including endangered ones, are known to be affected. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastic, and many die from entanglement or starvation. Abandoned fishing gear and discarded six-pack rings strangle seals, whales, turtles, and other animals. Ingestion of plastic waste also leads to blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death.
To address plastic pollution, there have been calls for reducing plastic production, phasing out harmful subsidies, eliminating products and chemicals of concern, and adopting strong national plans and compliance mechanisms. Various plastic bans and taxes have been implemented in municipalities, with initial reports suggesting positive outcomes. For example, a plastic bag tax in Ireland in 2002 led to a 95% reduction in plastic bag litter.
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Plastic's health impact on humans
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. At every stage of their lifecycle—from the extraction of fossil fuels to production, manufacturing, use, recycling, and disposal—plastics negatively impact human health.
Plastics are made from fossil carbons, with over 98% derived from oil and gas. The process of transforming these substances into plastics involves the addition of numerous petrochemical additives, many of which are toxic. More than 16,000 chemicals are involved in plastic production, and over 3,200 of these are considered "chemicals of concern." These include carcinogens, neurotoxicants, and endocrine disruptors, which can have detrimental effects on human health.
One of the primary ways plastics impact human health is through the release of toxic chemical additives and pollutants. These chemicals can leach or migrate from plastics at any stage of their lifecycle, contaminating food, water, and air. Microplastics, formed when plastics break down into smaller pieces, are pervasive in the environment and have been detected in human lung tissue, intestinal tissue, blood, breast milk, heart muscle, and even inside fetuses and newborns. These microplastics carry toxic chemicals, causing cell damage, oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, immune response, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental issues. The health consequences of microplastics exposure are wide-ranging and include cancers, lung disease, birth defects, reproductive, growth, and cognitive impairments.
Additionally, plastics contribute to environmental injustice and human rights issues. Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, workers in the waste sector, and marginalized communities, are particularly exposed to the adverse effects of plastic pollution. The health risks are heightened during the early stages of human development, as infants in the womb and young children are more susceptible to hazardous chemicals in the environment. Exposure to plastics during these critical periods can lead to birth complications, impaired lung growth, neurodevelopmental impairment, and an increased risk of childhood cancer.
The pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its toxic effects on human health have sparked global concerns. International organizations and governments are increasingly recognizing the urgency of addressing this crisis. Initiatives such as the Global Plastics Treaty and resolutions at the World Health Assembly reflect a growing awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on human health and the need for collective action to mitigate these detrimental effects.
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Plastic's impact on climate change
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, threatening wildlife, human health, and the climate. As an invention, plastic has transformed modern life, from medicine to transportation, but its convenience has also led to a throw-away culture, with single-use plastics accounting for 40% of the plastic produced every year.
The production, refining, and incineration of plastics generate heat-trapping gases at every stage of their life cycle, contributing to climate change. In 2015, emissions from manufacturing ethylene, the building block for polyethylene plastics, were 184.3 to 213 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to the CIEL report. This is projected to increase by 34% between 2015 and 2030. Furthermore, the incineration of plastics is often performed in facilities near communities of color and low-income populations, exacerbating environmental injustice.
The extraction of fossil fuels and their transportation to plastic factories also emit vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Removing forested land for oil extraction and pipeline construction has released more than 1.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As plastic does not decompose, it persists in the environment, breaking up into microplastics that are spread throughout the globe, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. These microplastics have been found in various aquatic species, including those consumed by humans, and can cause intestinal blockages and pierced organs in animals.
To reduce the impact of plastics on climate change, individuals can make small changes, such as using reusable bags and water bottles, avoiding overly packaged items, and supporting companies committed to reducing plastic use. However, the onus should not be solely on consumers to curb their consumption habits. Regulating oil and gas companies and the corporations responsible for manufacturing plastic on a wide scale would be far more effective in addressing the plastic crisis and its contribution to climate change.
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Plastic alternatives
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, threatening both wildlife and human health. With plastic production expected to increase, it is important to explore alternatives to traditional plastic.
One alternative is to use biodegradable materials, such as compostable packaging made from waste organic material and fungal mycelium, or seaweed-based products. B'zeos, a Norwegian startup, produces edible drinking straws, condiment packets, cutlery, and plastic wrap from seaweed, all of which biodegrade in less than 47 days. Another example is PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), produced through bacterial fermentation using plant sources and agricultural waste. PHA is easily compostable at home and industrially, and degrades faster than other bioplastics like PLA.
Reusable and refillable packaging is another way to reduce plastic waste. This can include buying unpackaged goods from local markets, farm shops, or independent zero-waste shops. Silicone, made from silica stone, water, and natural gas-derived methanol, is also considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. It is strong, flexible, and does not release toxic residues or microplastics.
Other innovative solutions include a spray-on protective coating made from plant cellulose for produce and food items, which degrades in soil within 3 days, and natural fibers such as coconut fiber, hemp, husk, and cotton burs as alternative packaging and shipping materials.
While these alternatives offer promising solutions, it is important to note that simply replacing disposable plastic with another material may not be enough to significantly reduce the burden on the environment. A combination of approaches, including reducing consumption, lobbying for regulations on plastic production, and adopting reusable alternatives, will be necessary to address the plastic crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic waste is creating an ocean "wave" of plastic that is polluting our oceans and seas. It is also harming marine life, with millions of animals killed by plastic every year. Plastic is also a major contributor to climate change, with the refinement of plastics emitting an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually.
Humans are ingesting plastic through our food and water supplies, which can contribute to cancer and many diseases. Plastic also contains chemicals that are endocrine disruptors and threaten human health.
Individuals can make small changes, such as using reusable water bottles, bags, and cutlery, avoiding overly packaged items, and supporting legislation and companies that aim to reduce plastic use. On a larger scale, more than 50 nations are taking action to reduce plastic pollution, and companies like TerraCycle promote "up-cycling," or the creative reuse of hard-to-recycle products.
