The Ocean's Plastic Problem: Miles Of Pollution

Plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today. It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010, and the problem has only grown since then. With plastic production and consumption predicted to double in the next 10 years, the amount of plastic in our oceans is set to increase exponentially. While it is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic is in the ocean per square mile, it is clear that the presence of plastic in our oceans is a significant issue that requires immediate action.

Plastic waste from middle-income countries

While the exact amount of plastic waste in the ocean is uncertain, it is estimated that between 1 and 2 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans annually, with 1.7 million tonnes being transported from rivers and coastlines. This is due to the mismanagement of plastic waste, which is more prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries. These countries tend to have poorer waste management infrastructure, which leads to higher rates of plastic pollution.

A study by Lourens Meijer et al. (2021) found that most of the plastic flowing into the ocean today comes from middle-income countries, particularly across Asia. This is supported by a 2017 study, which estimated that Asian countries contributed 86% of plastic emissions to the ocean. The probability that mismanaged plastic waste enters the ocean depends on factors such as the location and length of river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns.

The top five countries where the greatest volume of plastic rubbish is entering the environment are India, Nigeria, Indonesia, China, and Pakistan. These countries have been described as plastic pollution hotspots, with the volume of waste overwhelming their ability to manage it effectively. For example, while China has one of the lowest per capita productions of plastic waste, it is one of the largest overall producers of plastic waste, and it also mismanages the most waste.

To address the issue of plastic pollution, domestic policies to improve waste management are crucial. Richer countries can also contribute through foreign investments in waste management infrastructure. Additionally, reducing plastic production and improving waste management strategies, such as recycling and incineration, can help to reduce plastic pollution.

Mismanaged plastic waste

The amount of plastic waste in the ocean is difficult to measure, but it is estimated that around 0.5% of the world's plastic waste ends up in the ocean, with at least one million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean each year. This figure is based on the OECD's Global Plastic Outlook, which uses metrics such as population density, GDP per capita, terrain, and distances from rivers and coastlines to estimate plastic waste in the ocean. However, the actual amount of plastic waste in the ocean may be higher due to the constant flow of plastic from rivers and the challenge of measuring specific items in ocean currents.

Rich countries tend to produce more plastic waste per person, but the mismanagement of plastic waste is more prevalent in low-to-middle-income countries due to poorer waste management infrastructure. According to the 2023 Plastic Overshoot Day report, India, China, and Brazil mismanaged the most waste, indicating an imbalance between waste production and management. The majority of marine litter is mismanaged plastic waste in the form of plastic packaging and small non-packaging plastic items (PPSI).

To address the issue of mismanaged plastic waste, improvements in waste management systems and policies are crucial. This includes implementing tighter waste management systems, reducing single-use plastic production, and investing in waste management infrastructure in developing countries. Additionally, preventing waste generation in the first place is essential, as recommended by the EEA. This involves decoupling waste generation from economic growth and promoting sustainable alternatives to plastic.

While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic waste in the ocean per square mile, the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems is undeniable. Marine scientists have long warned of the dangers posed by plastic waste to aquatic life, the oceans, and human health. Therefore, addressing mismanaged plastic waste through improved waste management practices and policies is crucial to mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with plastic pollution.

Plastic straws

While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic waste in the ocean, it is estimated that around 1 million to 1.7 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year. This figure varies across different sources, with some early studies suggesting a much higher number of 8 million tonnes per year.

The production, usage, and disposal of plastic straws all have negative consequences. Their production emits carbon dioxide, equivalent to millions of cars, and their usage poses health risks through chemical leaching. Once disposed of, they can end up in landfills, be incinerated, or contribute to ocean pollution.

The impact of plastic straws on the environment is significant, especially considering their convenience and single-use nature. In the US alone, it is estimated that 500 million plastic straws are consumed daily, contributing to the larger issue of plastic waste. Some countries have started taking action, with bans on plastic straws and the promotion of sustainable alternatives. These efforts are important in addressing the growing concern of plastic pollution and its impact on our oceans and wildlife.

Abandoned fishing nets

While the exact amount of plastic per square mile in the ocean is unknown, it is estimated that there are 5,000 pieces of plastic per mile of UK beach. Marine scientists have warned for decades that plastic waste jeopardizes oceans, aquatic life, and human health, as around 81% of all marine litter is plastic.

Fishing gear, such as abandoned fishing nets, accounts for a significant portion of ocean plastic. These nets, often referred to as "ghost nets," can remain in the marine ecosystem for extended periods, entangling and harming marine animals. Every year, hundreds of thousands of marine animals, including sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and whales, are harmed by ocean plastic pollution, with abandoned fishing nets being a major contributor.

Discarded nylon fishing nets are a significant component of this pollution, with an estimated 640,000 tons (1.28 billion pounds) of fishing gear left in the ocean annually. These nets can drift vast distances from their original locations and continue to trap and kill marine life long after being discarded. On average, each net left in the ocean entangles and harms between 30 and 40 marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and sea turtles.

To address this issue, several companies have emerged to create consumer products from recycled nets. For example, Adidas, Interface, Volcom, Bureo, and Pokonobe Associates have all utilized recycled fishing net material in their products. Additionally, organizations like Ghost Diving Foundation and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) work to recover and recycle abandoned fishing gear.

While progress is being made, it is slow due to the magnitude of the problem and the continuous addition of waste. To effectively tackle plastic pollution, waste management systems must be improved, and the production and usage of single-use plastics must be reduced.

Plastic bottle waste

The production and consumption of plastic bottles have been increasing at an alarming rate. In 2014, the Container Recycling Institute reported that 100.7 billion plastic beverage bottles were sold in the United States alone, with 57% of those being plastic water bottles. This marked a significant increase from the 3.8 billion plastic water bottles sold in 1996, the earliest year for which data is available. The surge in plastic bottle usage is driven by the growing demand for bottled water and the spread of a western, urban "on-the-go" culture to regions like China and the Asia Pacific.

The recycling of plastic bottles has failed to keep up with their increasing consumption. In the UK, for instance, only about half of the 38.5 million plastic bottles used daily make it to recycling, while more than 16 million end up in landfills, are burnt, or leak into the environment and oceans. Similar issues with recycling are seen in the United States, where only one in six plastic bottles are recycled. This means that most plastic bottles will end up polluting our environment, including our oceans.

The impact of plastic bottle waste on the oceans is severe and far-reaching. Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to break down, and during this time, they can be ingested by marine organisms, contaminating the food chain. Research by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation predicts that by 2050, the ocean will contain more plastic by weight than fish. This prediction is supported by a study that found that people who consume seafood ingest up to 11,000 tiny pieces of plastic annually.

The plastic bottle waste crisis in the oceans calls for urgent action. Individuals can play a role by reducing their use of single-use plastic bottles and switching to reusable alternatives. Additionally, governments and industries need to improve waste management practices and invest in infrastructure to support recycling and proper disposal of plastic waste. By addressing this crisis, we can help protect marine life, ecosystems, and human health from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

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