Ethan Clarke
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, with plastic in our oceans causing devastating harm to marine life and ecosystems. While only a small proportion of plastic is disposed of incorrectly, plastic debris in the ocean never fully biodegrades. It is tough to retrieve plastic from the ocean once it has entered it, and small plastic items and microplastics are almost impossible to reach. So, how does plastic end up in the ocean? There are three main ways: littering, plastic waste that is not recycled, and improper waste disposal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much plastic enters the ocean each year | 8 million metric tons |
| How much plastic is in the ocean | 200 million metric tons |
| How much plastic is produced annually | 400 million metric tons |
| Percentage of plastic that is recycled | 9-10% |
| Percentage of plastic that is reclaimed | 5% |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is not collected, improperly disposed of, or ends up as litter | 22% |
| The biggest garbage patch | The Great Pacific garbage patch, located between Hawaii and California |
| Example of companies using recycled plastic | Adidas, in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, created a running shoe made from marine plastic waste |
| Example of companies reducing plastic use | Saltwater Brewery made edible six-pack rings out of barley to reduce plastic in the ocean and protect marine life |
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What You'll Learn
Improper waste disposal
In addition to littering, about 20% of the ocean's plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing and improper manufacturing processes. Microplastics, small plastic particles less than 5mm in size, can be released into waterways through everyday activities such as washing clothes and using personal care products containing microbeads. These microplastics are particularly harmful as they can be ingested by marine organisms and accumulate in their tissues.
The impact of improper waste disposal on our oceans is severe. Plastic pollution can lead to the entanglement and ingestion of plastic debris by marine life, causing injury or death. It also affects coastal environments and industries such as fishing and tourism, and contributes to the spread of infectious diseases and respiratory illnesses in humans.
To address improper waste disposal and reduce plastic pollution in our oceans, it is essential to improve waste management systems and promote recycling. This includes supporting the development of waste collection and management in rapidly growing economies, as well as reducing the use of disposable and single-use plastic items. Individuals can make a difference by being more aware of their plastic consumption, reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic products, and participating in local cleanup efforts.
By properly disposing of waste and working together to improve waste management and reduce plastic consumption, we can help prevent plastic pollution from reaching our oceans and protect the health of our marine ecosystems.
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Plastic production and consumption
Plastic is everywhere, from our homes and offices to the ocean. It has added much value to our lives as a cheap, versatile, and sterile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging. The worldwide production of plastics reached 413.8 million metric tons in 2023, with Asia being the largest producer, China alone accounting for 32% of global production in 2022. North America ranks second, with a 17% share in 2022.
Plastic production has sharply increased over the last 70 years. In 1950, the world produced just two million metric tons. It now produces over 450 million metric tons. Global plastic production has doubled in the last two decades, with half of the plastics ever manufactured being produced in the last 20 years. The versatility of this group of materials accounts for the continued growth in production year after year. In tandem with that growth, the market value of plastics also continues to grow.
Plastics have displaced other materials such as wood, metal, and glass, which were previously used for applications that plastics now dominate. One of the main applications for plastics use is plastic packaging. The production of plastic requires four basic steps: the acquisition of raw material, synthesizing a basic polymer, compounding the polymer into a usable fraction, and lastly, molding or shaping the plastic.
The future of plastics in our oceans will be determined by how we handle plastics on land. While it's challenging to determine exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. Every year, 11 million metric tons of plastics enter our oceans on top of the estimated 200 million metric tons already circulating in our marine environments. Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but the amount of mismanaged plastic waste is much higher in low-to-middle-income countries.
To keep plastic out of the ocean, we need to reduce plastic use, reuse and recycle plastic items, and properly dispose of waste. We also need to improve waste management practices and support the development of waste collection and management in countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing use of disposable plastic.
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Plastic waste management
One key aspect of plastic waste management is promoting plastic waste reduction. This involves encouraging individuals and industries to minimize their use of single-use and disposable plastic items. By opting for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles, the overall generation of plastic waste can be significantly decreased. Additionally, holding plastic producers accountable for the waste generated from their products is essential.
Proper plastic waste disposal is another critical component of plastic waste management. This includes ensuring that plastic waste is collected and disposed of in controlled sites, rather than being littered or dumped illegally. Implementing waste collection services and improving access to controlled disposal methods for solid waste can help prevent plastic from ending up in oceans and other natural environments. This not only benefits the environment but also improves public health and reduces the spread of infectious diseases.
Recycling and reusing plastic materials are essential pillars of plastic waste management. Encouraging individuals to recycle their plastic waste and supporting the development of advanced recycling technologies can help reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean. Additionally, promoting the use of recycled plastic in manufacturing processes can create a more circular economy, reducing the need for virgin plastic production.
Education and awareness play a crucial role in plastic waste management. Informing individuals about the impacts of plastic pollution and providing guidance on proper waste disposal, recycling, and responsible consumption can lead to behavioural changes that reduce plastic waste. Initiatives such as clean-up programs and volunteer efforts to remove plastic litter from beaches and oceans can also make a significant difference in mitigating the plastic crisis.
On a global scale, international agreements and collaborations are vital for effective plastic waste management. The Basel Convention, for example, provides technical guidelines and regulations for the environmentally sound management and transboundary movement of plastic waste. By working together and sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, countries can address the plastic crisis more effectively and create a sustainable future.
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Recycling and upcycling
Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, with an estimated 200 million metric tons currently circulating in our oceans. It is lightweight and often blown away from landfills, ending up in the sea through rivers and streams. Improper waste disposal, including littering and flushing plastic items down the toilet, also contributes to plastic pollution in the oceans.
To address this issue, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices. Recycling and upcycling are crucial components of this effort. Recycling involves collecting and processing plastic waste to create new products, while upcycling transforms waste into something new and better, giving it a higher value than the original product.
Upcycling plastic waste can be a fun and creative way to reduce your environmental impact. For example, you can cut plastic bottles in half and use them as pots for your houseplants or propagations. You can also poke holes in the lid of a detergent container, fill it with water, and use it as a watering can for your plants. Additionally, you can transform tin coffee cans into planters by painting them and using them for your plants.
Upcycling has multiple benefits, including reducing waste sent to landfills and encouraging slow consumption and production. It can also save you money that you might otherwise spend on new products. By upcycling plastic, you can take advantage of its durability and create unique, artistic items for everyday use or decoration.
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Individual habits and behaviours
The first step towards a solution for plastic pollution is learning how to reduce plastic use. Individuals can play a significant role in reducing plastic waste and keeping the oceans clean through their daily habits and behaviours. Here are some ways to develop a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Reduce Plastic Consumption: The key to reducing plastic waste is to limit its consumption. Individuals can opt for reusable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as water bottles, take-out containers, straws, and plastic bags. By choosing reusable options, you can significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste generated.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Properly disposing of waste is essential to preventing plastic from ending up in the ocean. Make sure to dispose of plastic items in designated bins and recycling centres. Additionally, participate in local clean-up initiatives to help remove plastic litter from beaches and other natural areas.
- Support Sustainable Companies: Vote with your wallet by supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly packaging. Choose products with minimal plastic packaging or opt for brands that use recyclable or biodegradable materials. By making conscious purchasing decisions, you can encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices.
- Reduce Microplastic Pollution: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are another significant source of ocean pollution. Choose clothing made from natural materials like cotton or wool instead of synthetic fibres. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics that can end up in the ocean through laundry machines and wastewater plants.
- Educate and Advocate: Educate yourself and others about the impact of plastic pollution on the oceans. Spread awareness through social media, community events, or educational programmes. Advocate for policies that promote waste management, recycling, and the reduction of plastic use. By raising awareness and influencing decision-makers, you can drive systemic change.
- Participate in Clean-up Efforts: Join organizations or community groups dedicated to cleaning up marine debris and protecting ocean health. For example, the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup® mobilizes volunteers worldwide to remove trash from beaches. By participating in such initiatives, you can directly contribute to removing plastic waste from coastal areas and preventing it from entering the ocean.
Remember, individual actions add up, and every small step contributes to a larger impact. By adopting these habits and behaviours, you can make a difference in the fight against ocean plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic enters the ocean through littering, wind and rain carrying plastic waste into streams and rivers, and drains. It also enters the ocean through improper waste disposal, such as illegal dumping of waste.
Plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the main causes of marine species extinction and ecosystem destruction. It also causes health problems for human beings and animals. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades.
To prevent plastic from entering the ocean, individuals can reduce their plastic use, reuse and recycle plastic items, and participate in local cleanups. Additionally, supporting legislation that aims to reduce plastic use and production, improving waste management systems, and implementing recycling programs can help address the issue on a larger scale.
