Chloe Zhang
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to marine life, wildlife, and human populations. With plastic production skyrocketing and an estimated 4 to 12 million metric tons of plastic entering the oceans each year, it is essential to address the problem of plastic waste. While individual actions, such as reducing plastic consumption and recycling, are important, they are insufficient to combat the scale of the issue. To effectively tackle plastic pollution, a combination of legislative changes, innovative technologies, and global efforts is necessary. This includes implementing policies that reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable, as well as exploring scientific solutions like bioplastics and waste-to-energy systems. By working together and taking collective action, we can find a solution to plastic waste and create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution | Marine life, climate, health, terrestrial animals |
| Plastic production in 2018 | 359 million metric tons |
| Plastic production in 2010 | 275 million metric tons |
| Plastic entering the ocean each year | 4 to 12 million metric tons |
| Amount of plastic recycled worldwide | 9% |
| Recycling rate for plastics in the US in 2021 | 6% |
| Plastic recycling rate in Northern European countries | >50% |
| Plastic waste conversion to roads | 70% |
| Plastic waste conversion by Cat-HTR | 20,000 tonnes annually |
| Number of garbage patches worldwide | 5 |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce plastic use
Reducing plastic use is the first step towards solving the plastic pollution problem. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste:
Reuse and repurpose
Before discarding plastic items, consider if they can be reused or repurposed. For example, instead of buying new plastic items, look for used options at thrift stores, garage sales, or online. You can also borrow items you rarely need instead of buying them new. Reusing plastic items helps reduce plastic consumption and saves money.
Buy recycled and recyclable products
When purchasing products, opt for those made from recycled plastic materials. This helps reduce the demand for new plastic production. Also, choose products with recyclable packaging to ensure that the plastic can be properly recycled at the end of its life. Look for products packaged in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic whenever possible.
Avoid single-use plastics
Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, disposable cutlery, and coffee cup lids, contribute significantly to plastic waste. Instead, carry reusable alternatives like totes, water bottles, and travel mugs. When getting takeout, ask restaurants to exclude plastic utensils if you don't need them.
Support anti-plastic-pollution initiatives
Support non-profit organizations working to reduce plastic pollution, such as Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Bank. These organizations rely on donations and aim to address plastic pollution through various initiatives. Additionally, advocate for legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers accountable for their waste.
Reduce microplastic pollution
Microplastics, such as those found in synthetic fibres, are a significant source of plastic pollution. To reduce microplastic pollution, choose natural fibre clothing and rugs, and avoid using dryers for synthetic fabrics. Also, be mindful of plastic microbeads in beauty products, and opt for natural alternatives like loofah plants.
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Recycle plastic waste
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. However, there are many solutions to tackle this problem. Recycling plastic waste is one of the key solutions.
Recycling plastic waste helps keep plastic out of the ocean and reduces the amount of "new" plastic in circulation. It is important to check with your local recycling centre about the types of plastic they accept. Most beverage and liquid cleaner bottles will be #1 (PET), which is commonly accepted by most curbside recycling companies. Containers marked #2 (HDPE; typically heavier-duty bottles for milk, juice, and laundry detergent) are also commonly recyclable. Containers marked #5 (PP; plastic cutlery, yoghurt and margarine tubs, ketchup bottles) also qualify in some areas.
In addition to the above, there are some innovative solutions to recycle plastic waste. For example, a social enterprise known as Plastic Bank pays above-market rates for plastic waste. They act as a convenience store for the world’s poor communities and accept plastic waste as a form of currency. Their recycling ecosystem is sustained through the sale and use of what they call “Social Plastic®”. This encourages people to collect ocean-bound plastic before it enters the waterways, and it can be traded for social benefits, including money, food and other services.
Another innovative solution is the Cat-HTR technology, which chemically recycles mixed plastics without the need to separate different plastic types. This includes end-of-life plastic that would otherwise be sent to landfills, incineration or end up in our oceans. It allows plastic waste to be recycled over and over again on a commercial scale.
Recycling plastic waste is a key step towards creating a circular economy for plastics, in which plastics are sustainably produced, designed, used, reused and recycled instead of being discarded.
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Support legislation to reduce plastic production
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. With skyrocketing plastic production, low recycling rates, and poor waste management, between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, posing a serious danger to marine life.
While individual behavioural changes are important, they are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Thus, supporting legislation that reduces plastic production is crucial. Here are some ways to advocate for and support such legislation:
Support National and Federal Legislation
The United States, for example, has seen the emergence of legislative solutions to combat plastic pollution, including the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, a comprehensive federal bill. Additionally, state-level initiatives have introduced extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, holding manufacturers accountable for the waste they create.
Advocate for Bans on Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastic bags, straws, stirrers, and food containers are among the most commonly found items on shorelines and in the ocean. Supporting legislation that bans these items can significantly reduce plastic pollution. For instance, California has passed sweeping legislation requiring a 25% reduction in single-use plastic by 2032, with aggressive targets for expanded polystyrene.
Encourage Advanced Recycling
Legislation in Iowa, Ohio, and Texas allows advanced plastics recyclers to produce fuel products, contributing to a circular economy. Additionally, "advanced recycling" processes that strip plastics down to their chemical form for reuse should be encouraged, along with limiting plastic consumption.
Promote Innovation in Material Design
Innovative solutions like bioplastics, which are made from renewable biomass sources, show promise in reducing plastic pollution. For example, Evoware, an Indonesian start-up, is researching ways to convert seaweed into bioplastic packaging.
Support Global Treaties and Collaborations
Hundreds of organizations and businesses have worked with United Nations member states to enact a global plastics treaty. Supporting such international collaborations and treaties is vital to addressing plastic pollution on a global scale.
By supporting and advocating for legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and promotes innovative solutions, we can collectively address the pressing issue of plastic pollution and protect our planet for future generations.
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Donate to organisations fighting plastic pollution
While individual behavioural changes are important, they are insufficient to stop ocean plastic pollution. To effectively tackle this issue, we need to support organisations advocating for legislative changes that reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and hold plastic producers accountable for the waste they generate.
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation runs plastic pollution campaigns across the US, advocating for sustainable product alternatives and fighting to impose bans on single-use plastics. They have won over 330 legislative victories relating to plastic pollution, including the passing of the Federal Save Our Seas Act and the Microbead-Free Waters Act. They have also hosted over 2,000 beach clean-ups, removing more than 650,000 pounds of trash. You can support the Surfrider Foundation by donating to or petitioning for their campaigns.
5 Gyres Institute
The 5 Gyres Institute was founded in 2009 to research plastic quantities in oceans, rivers, and streams. They have developed System 001, which consists of 600-metre-long floating structures designed to collect microplastics, one of the most problematic forms of plastic. The system uses wind and ocean currents to collect plastic waste, which is then transported back to land for recycling.
Plastic Oceans
Plastic Oceans raises global awareness about plastic pollution and organises events like the 2019 Easter Island Swim Against Plastic, which removed 720 lbs of waste from the island's beaches. You can contribute to Plastic Oceans through their incentivised donation program or by volunteering for their educational programs.
Plastic Tides
Plastic Tides was established in 2014 to educate and empower children and young adults to take action against plastic pollution. They guide youth leaders through local projects designed to bring about systemic change and host the Global Rising Tide Relay, a worldwide paddling challenge that raises funds for their Global Youth Mentor Program.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
WWF is a well-known non-profit organisation leading the fight against plastic pollution. They advocate for reducing, reusing, and redesigning plastic materials to minimise their impact on nature. WWF aims to eliminate single-use plastic, promote sustainable sources, and improve recycling and composting practices.
These organisations rely on donations to continue their crucial work in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Even small donations can make a significant difference in protecting our planet and its ecosystems from the harmful effects of plastic waste.
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Buy products made from recycled plastic
While individual behaviour changes are important, they are insufficient to stop plastic pollution. We also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and holds plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate. However, as consumers, we can make a difference by buying products made from recycled plastic.
One company that uses recycled plastic is Adidas, which in 2019 made about 11 million pairs of shoes using recycled plastics. Their partnership with Parley has kept some 2,810 tons of plastic from reaching the oceans. Patagonia is another company that makes jackets from recycled plastic.
Preserve is an eco-friendly company that utilizes recycled yogurt cups for its brush handles and razors, ensuring each product consists of 100% recycled #5 plastics. All Preserve plastic products can be recycled through both a mail-in and retail-based return program for #5 plastics. They also make toothbrushes from 100% recycled plastic.
Rothy's is a sustainable fashion company that makes shoes from recycled plastic water bottles. Each pair is crafted from plastic thread, making the shoes rugged and washable.
The Buffy Cloud is a comforter made from a BPA-free recycled PET fibre that comes from plastic bottles. Each comforter prevents approximately 50 plastic bottles from becoming trash.
Green Toys manufactures its products in the US from 100% recycled materials, including milk jugs and yogurt containers. They have recycled over 113,312,538 milk jugs to date.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to solve the plastic waste problem is to reduce plastic use. This can be done by using reusable items instead of single-use plastics, such as grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids. It is also important to recycle plastic items when possible, and to support organizations and legislation that aim to reduce plastic production and improve waste management.
You can reduce your plastic waste by avoiding single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives instead. For example, you could use a reusable water bottle or thermos instead of buying bottled water, or bring your own reusable bags when shopping. You can also try to buy items with minimal packaging and recycle any plastic waste you do generate.
Plastic waste is a problem because it is a persistent pollutant that can be found in many environmental niches, from Mount Everest to the bottom of the sea. It can be mistaken for food by animals, clog drainage systems, and cause aesthetic blight. Plastic waste also poses a serious danger to marine life, with millions of tons of plastic debris floating in the ocean. This plastic can be ingested by animals or they can become tangled in it, causing harm and even death.
There are many efforts underway to solve the problem of plastic waste. Some organizations are working to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Bank. There is also new technology being developed to recycle and repurpose plastic waste, such as the Cat-HTR which can chemically recycle mixed plastics, and the System 001 which collects microplastics from the ocean. Additionally, some companies are creating bioplastics made from renewable biomass sources, such as seaweed.
