Alexei Volkov
Plastic is everywhere—in the deepest reaches of the ocean, in remote Arctic sea ice, and even in our bodies. Plastic is harmful to human health and wildlife. It has been found in the human brain, heart, testes, and placenta, and is linked to a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and cancer. Over 700 species are directly threatened by plastic pollution through ingestion, including seabirds, fish, turtles, and whales. Plastic waste also affects ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change, impacting millions of people's livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being. To combat these issues, individuals, businesses, and governments must take urgent action to reduce plastic production and use, phase out toxic plastic products, and improve plastic waste management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Harmful to human health | Microplastics have been found throughout the human body, from our brains and hearts to testes and placentas. |
| Harmful to wildlife | Over 700 species are threatened directly by plastic pollution through ingestion. Seabirds, for example, consume plastic waste, which fills up their stomachs, makes them unable to feed, and causes them to starve to death. |
| Contaminates food supply | One study found microplastics present in 90% of 16 types of commonly consumed proteins, with higher rates in more processed foods. |
| Causes pollution | Plastic is found in the deepest reaches of the ocean, remote Arctic sea ice, Mount Everest, and the Mariana Trench. |
| Non-biodegradable | Plastics don't break down and go away, instead, they break down into smaller pieces of microplastics. |
| Difficult to recycle | 91% of plastic isn't recycled and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. |
| Requires global action | Plastic pollution requires a global approach, and several conventions have tried to address the issue, including MARPOL and UNCLOS. |
| Requires corporate action | Large producers of single-use plastics can make a big environmental impact. Coca-Cola produces 3 million metric tons of plastic packaging annually, and this number is rising. |
| Requires individual action | Individuals can reduce plastic consumption by making lifestyle changes, such as recycling more, using reusable water bottles, and reducing plastic shopping. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste kills marine life
Plastic waste is detrimental to marine life. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of over 100,000 marine mammals annually. Plastic waste in the ocean poses a threat to marine life in several ways.
Marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and turtles, often mistake plastic waste for food. For example, turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their staple food, and fishing nets for seaweed. When ingested, plastic fills up their stomachs, leading to starvation. Plastic ingestion can also cause intestinal injuries and even death. Additionally, plastic waste can cause entanglement, leading to injury and mortality in marine animals. Large marine mammals, such as whales, are particularly vulnerable to entanglement in ghost fishing gear, which includes discarded plastic ropes, nets, and pots.
Plastic waste also indirectly harms marine life by encouraging the growth of pathogens in the ocean. Corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting diseases, compared to only a 4% likelihood for corals that are not exposed to plastic. The presence of plastic waste in the ocean further contributes to the spread of toxic chemicals throughout the marine environment, posing risks to the health of marine organisms and ecosystems.
The problem of plastic pollution in the oceans is widespread and growing. Studies estimate that there are currently 15-51 trillion pieces of plastic in the world's oceans, with plastic pollution reaching from the equator to the poles and from Arctic ice sheets to the seafloor. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is severe, with an estimated 60% of seabird species having ingested plastic, and this number is predicted to rise to 99% by 2050.
To address the issue of plastic waste killing marine life, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics. Individuals can make conscious choices to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic items. Additionally, advocating for policies that regulate plastics as pollutants and promote sustainable alternatives is crucial. By taking collective action and treating plastic as a valuable resource rather than waste, we can help protect marine life from the deadly effects of plastic pollution.
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Plastic is made from fossil fuels
Plastic is an incredibly versatile material, used in everything from clothing fibres to food packaging. However, its convenience and flexibility come at a great cost to the environment and human health. Over 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, and the production and use of plastic are major contributors to climate change.
The connection between plastic and fossil fuels is clear. Fossil fuels account for over 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and as plastic is made from fossil fuels, its production and disposal processes also contribute to these emissions. A 2021 analysis predicted that by 2030, the US plastics industry will be a bigger contributor to climate change than coal-fired power. Furthermore, the fossil fuel industry is investing billions in expanding plastic production, which will drive companies to produce even greater volumes of plastic.
The production of plastic is not only harmful due to its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions but also because of the toxic chemicals involved. Petrochemical additives, which are used to make plastics more flexible or colourful, have been linked to musculoskeletal deformities, skin irritation, and fetal growth failure. Plastic also breaks down into microplastics, which are consumed by humans and wildlife, leading to various health issues. These microplastics become magnets for contaminants in the oceans, creating a concentration of toxins that further endanger wildlife and humans who consume seafood.
To address the plastic crisis, global agreements and policies are necessary to reduce plastic production and the use of disposable items. Individual nations must also invest in local recycling operations and take responsibility for managing their plastic waste. While a future without plastic may not be realistic or desirable, it is crucial to drastically reduce plastic consumption and eliminate plastic pollution to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with this pervasive material.
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Plastic contains harmful chemicals
Plastic is ubiquitous in our daily lives, from plastic wrap and grocery bags to yoghurt containers and coffee cup lids. However, many of these plastic products contain potentially toxic chemicals, which can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology analysed 34 everyday plastic products made from eight types of plastic. The study found that 74% of the products tested were toxic in some way. These toxic chemicals can be added to the base plastic for colour or flexibility, arise from impurities in ingredients, or emerge during the manufacturing process.
One example of a toxic chemical commonly found in plastics is BPA, which can be found in plastic water bottles, storage containers, and food can linings. Studies have linked BPA to metabolic disease, obesity, infertility, and disorders like ADHD. BPA has also been associated with prostate and mammary cancer, as well as brain development issues in animal studies. Another toxic chemical, phthalates, is often used to make PVC plastics more flexible. Phthalates have been linked to health risks in children and are known endocrine disruptors, which can cause hormonal imbalances and reproductive problems.
The production and disposal of plastics also release hazardous chemicals like benzene and ethylbenzene, which can cause air pollution and put communities at risk of cancer. As plastic use increases, the consequences become more severe, including polluted oceans, disposal challenges, and rising greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, contributing significantly to climate change.
To address these issues, organisations like Toxic-Free Future are working to reduce the use of toxic plastics and ban dangerous chemical additives. Consumers can also play a role by reducing their plastic consumption, especially single-use plastics, and supporting companies that prioritise reusable and refillable systems. By making conscious choices, individuals can lower their plastic footprint and contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.
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Plastic waste is widespread
The widespread nature of plastic waste is evident in the fact that it has been found in the deepest reaches of the ocean and even in remote Arctic sea ice. Plastic pollution is not limited to a specific region or country but is a global issue. This is due to the durability of plastics, which, unlike items made from natural materials, do not break down and return to the soil. Instead, they persist in the environment, breaking down into smaller pieces of microplastic that can be ingested by animals and contaminate our food supply.
Microplastics have been detected in 90% of samples of commonly consumed proteins, including beef, shrimp, and tofu, with higher rates found in more processed foods. These microplastics can act as a vehicle for the chemicals added during plastic processing, such as phthalates, which have been linked to serious health risks in humans, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even cancer.
The widespread presence of plastic waste in the environment has severe ecological consequences. Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change and directly affecting the livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being of millions of people. As our plastic consumption continues to increase, urgent action is needed to reduce our reliance on plastics and mitigate the environmental, social, and health impacts of plastic waste.
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Plastic alternatives exist
Another alternative is biodegradable algae-based packaging, which has similar properties to plastic but without the negative environmental and health impacts. Algae is easy and low-cost to farm, and it does not require land, making it a promising candidate to replace plastic at a large scale. B'zeos, a Norwegian startup, was the first company to use seaweed to develop sustainable packaging, including an edible drinking straw, biodegradable condiment packets, cutlery, and plastic wrap.
Other alternatives include compostable plastics, which are biodegradable under specific conditions, and plant-based plastics or bioplastics, which are considered a greener alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. PHA, or polyhydroxyalkanoates, is a type of biodegradable plastic produced by microorganisms through bacterial fermentation fueled by plant sources. It is industrially compostable and can also be easily composted at home.
While these alternatives exist, it is important to note that simply replacing disposable plastic with another material may not significantly reduce the burden on the environment. The best alternative is to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and instead opt for reusable and refillable packaging or buying unpackaged goods.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is harmful to human health and wildlife. It has been found throughout the human body and has been linked to various health risks, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and cancer. Over 700 species are threatened by plastic pollution through ingestion.
Plastic waste pollutes our water, harms wildlife, and contributes to climate change. It also alters habitats and reduces ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change, affecting food production and social well-being.
Alternatives to plastic include natural materials such as plants that can be composted and returned to the soil. Individuals can also use reusable water bottles, natural fiber clothing, and reusable containers for food storage.
Individuals can reduce plastic consumption by making lifestyle changes such as recycling, using reusable items, and being thoughtful about shopping habits to cut their plastic footprint. Businesses can also take action by offering plastic-free alternatives and finding alternatives to plastic packaging.
Reducing plastic usage is challenging due to complex national politics and corporate interests. Additionally, plastic is pervasive, and plastic pollution has already impacted the environment significantly. However, collective action and global agreements can help address these challenges.
