Stopping Plastic Pollution: Solutions For A Cleaner World

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing the planet, with plastic accounting for nearly 85% of marine pollution. The problem is expected to worsen, with plastic production projected to double over the next 20 years. While plastic has its uses, from consumer goods to hygiene applications and safety equipment, its versatility and durability mean it is not biodegradable and is causing irreversible damage to our oceans, wildlife, and climate. So, what can be done to stop plastic pollution?

Reduce use of single-use plastics

Reducing the use of single-use plastics is one of the most effective ways to tackle plastic pollution. Single-use plastics are used for mere minutes but can take up to 500 years to disappear, and they make up half of the plastic we use annually.

The first step to reducing single-use plastic is to recognise how often we use it. Plastic bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, coffee cup lids, and grocery bags are all examples of single-use plastics. Take note of how often you use these items and aim to replace them with reusable versions. For example, you could take your own tote bag to the supermarket, or a reusable water bottle to work.

Avoid products with excess or unnecessary plastic packaging. Opt for products with eco-friendly packaging, or buy in bulk and store food in glass or steel containers. You could also try shopping at zero-waste stores and bringing your own containers to fill up.

Say no to plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and disposable plastic bags. Choose wooden alternatives, such as wooden pegs or a wooden cutting board, and adopt reusable items such as shopping bags, keep cups, and travel cutlery.

Microplastics are another concern, as they are often too small to be recycled and can end up in our oceans and inside marine life. Avoid products that contain microplastics, such as some cosmetics and toothpastes, and opt for natural alternatives instead.

Finally, spread the word about the importance of reducing single-use plastic consumption. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same, and support businesses that are taking steps to reduce plastic waste.

Avoid products with excess packaging

Excess packaging involves the unnecessary use of packaging materials. According to the Institute of Packaging Professionals, overpackaging occurs when the materials used to package a product exceed what is required for its proper storage, protection, transportation, and sale. This often includes the excessive use of plastic, which is harmful to the environment.

To avoid excess packaging, you can:

• Buy unpackaged products: Fruit and vegetables, for example, don't need to be wrapped in plastic.
• Buy in bulk: Buying larger containers of products such as yoghurt, grains, flours, nuts, beans, and cleaning products reduces the amount of packaging consumed per unit.
• Choose second-hand products: Pre-loved items save the resources used in the production and transportation of new items, as well as the extra resources used for packaging.
• Avoid takeaway food: Takeaway food and drinks often come with a lot of unnecessary packaging. Instead, bring your own reusable containers, bottles, and bags.
• Reuse packaging: Reuse containers, boxes, or bags whenever possible, and opt for refillable products.
• Recycle all your packaging: Get to know your local recycling program and recycle everything you don't reuse.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your consumption of natural resources and minimise the amount of waste going into landfill.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

While plastic has transformed our everyday lives, the volume of plastic and its long lifespan make it one of the biggest waste problems in the world. The simplest way to reduce plastic waste is to avoid unnecessary and single-use plastics, support businesses that are reducing plastic waste, and reuse existing plastic. However, this alone is not enough to solve the problem.

To effectively tackle the issue of plastic pollution, it is crucial to support legislation aimed at curbing plastic production. This involves advocating for laws that restrict plastic use, hold manufacturers accountable for their waste, and promote sustainable alternatives. Here are some ways to support legislation to curb plastic production:

Support Bag Taxes or Bans

Urge local and national governments to implement legislation that discourages the use of plastic bags. This can include taxes or fees on plastic bags, as well as complete bans on certain types of single-use plastic bags. For example, over 500 cities, counties, and states in the United States have introduced laws to make plastic bag use less desirable, resulting in significant reductions in plastic bag pollution.

Ban Single-Use Plastic Products

Encourage lawmakers to ban or restrict the use of specific single-use plastic products, such as plastic straws, disposable cutlery, plastic bottles, and expanded polystyrene foam food containers. These items are commonly found in the environment and contribute significantly to plastic pollution.

Hold Manufacturers Accountable

Support legislation that establishes "extended producer responsibility" schemes, which hold plastic manufacturers and corporations accountable for the waste they create. This can include requiring manufacturers to take back their products for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal, ensuring they are responsible for handling plastic waste responsibly.

Reduce Consumption

Advocate for policies that curb plastic consumption by promoting reusable and recyclable alternatives. This can include providing incentives for businesses to reduce plastic waste and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food storage containers.

Pause Permits for New Plastics Plants

Support legislation that pauses or restricts the approval of new plastics plants. This can help control the overall production of plastic and give time to implement better waste management practices and develop more sustainable alternatives.

Collaborate Globally

Encourage international collaboration and global treaties to address plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is a global issue that requires a coordinated response. Support initiatives like the UN Environment Assembly's legally binding treaty to stop the global plastic pollution crisis, which covers both plastic production and recycling.

Avoid products containing microbeads

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and one way to tackle it is to avoid products that contain microbeads. These are tiny plastic particles, measuring 1mm in diameter or less, that are added to cosmetics, personal care items, and cleaning products. They are used as exfoliants, bulking agents, and abrasives, but they have harmful effects on the environment and human health. Here are some ways to avoid products containing microbeads:

Understand the Harm Caused by Microbeads

Microbeads are an environmental hazard and a threat to marine life and human health. Once washed down the drain, they enter wastewater systems, which cannot filter out these minuscule particles. As a result, microbeads are released into oceans, lakes, and rivers, where they remain due to their non-degradable nature. Marine animals ingest these particles, mistaking them for food, leading to toxic effects, diseases, reproductive issues, and starvation. Additionally, microbeads can make their way up the food chain, potentially impacting human health.

Check Product Ingredients

To identify products containing microbeads, carefully read the ingredients list. Common microbead ingredients include Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Acrylates copolymer. These synthetic polymers are used in various products, including facial scrubs, toothpaste, body wash, lipstick, eyeliner, sunscreen, deodorant, and nail polish. Be cautious and vigilant when checking the ingredients of your personal care and cosmetic products.

Utilize Online Resources

Beat the Microbead is a helpful online resource and app that provides an extensive database of products containing microbeads. You can search for specific products or scan a product's barcode to determine if it contains microbeads. This resource is supported by numerous NGOs from 38 countries and offers valuable information to make informed choices.

Contact Manufacturers

If you are unsure about the presence of microbeads in a product, consider contacting the manufacturer directly. Cosmetic manufacturers are required to list their products' ingredients, but in some cases, only active ingredients and potential allergens may be disclosed. By reaching out to the manufacturer, you can inquire about the presence of microplastics or microbeads in their products and make an informed decision before purchasing.

Support Legislation and Campaigns

Get involved in campaigns and support legislation aimed at banning or reducing the use of microbeads. For example, the International Campaign Against Microbeads in Cosmetics has compiled a list of products that likely contain microbeads, raising awareness and encouraging consumers to make informed choices. Additionally, some countries have implemented bans or voluntary agreements to phase out microbeads. Stay informed about local and global initiatives to support these efforts and hold manufacturers accountable.

Opt for Natural Alternatives

Choose natural alternatives to products that traditionally contain microbeads. Instead of purchasing exfoliating scrubs, opt for natural exfoliants like oatmeal, salt, sugar, coffee grounds, or ground rice. These alternatives provide the same function without contributing to plastic pollution. You can even make your own DIY body scrubs by mixing abrasive natural ingredients with oil.

Support organisations addressing plastic pollution

There are several organisations working to address plastic pollution, and there are many ways to support them.

One way is to support local recycling operations, such as those run by informal litter pickers in developing nations, who recover recyclable plastics from landfills. For example, GIVO (Garbage In Value Out), a project supported by Chatham House, delivers modular containers to support local processing of plastic waste. Each centre can recycle 109,500 kilograms of plastic a year, and GIVO hopes to create 20,000 operational locations.

You can also support organisations like 4Ocean, which was founded by two surfers who wanted to address the plastic pollution they found in the ocean. 4Ocean offers bracelets made from recycled materials to fund the removal of plastic from the ocean. Similarly, Parley for the Oceans, based in New York, is a global collaboration network that works with companies to convert plastic waste into materials for clothing items.

You can also support organisations that are pushing governments to ban single-use plastics. Greenpeace, for example, is a non-profit organisation that works with governments to advocate for a ban on single-use plastics and better recycling techniques.

Another way to support the fight against plastic pollution is to urge your elected officials to introduce or support legislation that discourages plastic bag use, as has been done in San Francisco, Chicago, and more than 500 other cities, counties, and states.

Finally, you can support organisations like the Plastic Bank, which buys plastic waste from people in poor communities to encourage the reduction of plastic pollution and form a currency that can be used by the communities for goods and services.

Frequently asked questions