Greta Jimenez
Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth's surface, and human industrial and consumption activity is adversely impacting the oceans and their complex ecosystems. Plastic pollution, in particular, has received much attention in recent years, with images of plastic-covered beaches and animal deaths causing public outrage. While individual consumers are making efforts to reduce their plastic consumption, corporations are still flooding the planet with throwaway plastic. According to a 2019 list by 24/7 Wall St., Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé are among the top 20 corporations producing the most ocean pollution. These companies, along with hundreds of other multinational brands, are contributing to the global plastic pollution problem, with a truckload of plastic entering the ocean every minute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Earth's surface covered by oceans | 70% |
| Number of corporations responsible for most ocean pollution | 20 |
| Example of corporations responsible for most ocean pollution | Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestlé, ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron |
| Common sources of ocean pollution | Plastic, oil, chemicals, agricultural pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, greenhouse gas emissions |
| Impact of ocean pollution | Species extinction, global weather pattern changes, harm to marine life and ecosystems |
| Efforts to address ocean pollution | Beach cleanups, brand audits, public pledges to reduce plastic usage, transitioning to clean energy |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution by corporations
Plastic pollution is one of the most serious problems facing the world today, due to the growing production and difficulty of disposing of this material. Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth's surface, and some corporations treat them better than others.
A recent study found that 56 companies are responsible for half of the world's plastic pollution. The top five plastic polluters are Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlè, Danone, and Altria-Philip Morris International. Notably, Coca-Cola has pledged to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. Similarly, Danone has reiterated its intention to reduce its plastic footprint by focusing on recycling efficiency, claiming to have reduced its plastic use by 8% between 2018 and 2023.
Another study found that just 20 companies account for more than half of all single-use plastic waste generated worldwide. Exxon Mobil, the energy giant, tops the list, followed by Dow Chemical Co. and China's Sinopec. Together, these three companies contributed 16% of all waste from single-use plastics such as bottles, bags, and food packaging.
To address plastic pollution, greater action is needed by the private sector. While some companies have made strides towards reducing their plastic waste, there is a dominant focus on recycling, with less attention given to other stages of the plastic life cycle. To solve this problem, we need to change the entire system, from how products are made to what happens when we're done with them. Corporations need to provide more sustainable choices and be part of the solution.
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Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Nestlé are top polluters
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Nestlé have been named the world's top plastic polluters for three consecutive years. In 2021, Coca-Cola was ranked the world's number one plastic polluter by Break Free From Plastic in its annual audit, with its beverage bottles being the most frequently found discarded on beaches, rivers, parks, and other litter sites in 51 out of 55 nations surveyed. The audit, undertaken by 15,000 volunteers around the world, identified the largest number of plastic products from global brands found in the highest number of countries. Coca-Cola was found to be worse than PepsiCo and Nestlé combined, with 13,834 pieces of plastic bearing its branding, compared to 5,155 for PepsiCo and 8,633 for Nestlé.
In 2020, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé were found to be responsible for half a million tonnes of plastic pollution in six developing countries each year in a survey by NGO Tearfund. The companies were criticized for continuing to produce harmful single-use plastic packaging instead of finding real solutions to reinvent how they deliver their products. Abigail Aguilar, Plastics Campaign Regional Coordinator for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, stated that these multinationals must end their addiction to single-use plastic packaging and move away from fossil fuels.
In 2024, a study published in the journal Science Advances identified 56 companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Danone, as being responsible for over half of the branded plastic pollution globally. Coca-Cola was the largest contributor, accounting for 11% of the branded plastic pollution worldwide. The study found a direct relationship between a company's production of plastic and the amount of branded plastic waste found in the environment.
While these companies have made commitments and set goals to reduce their plastic waste and increase recycling, they continue to face criticism for not doing enough to address the plastic pollution crisis and for opting for false solutions.
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Oil and gas companies and ocean pollution
Oil and gas companies have a significant impact on ocean pollution, both directly and indirectly. Directly, oil spills during drilling can contaminate large areas of the ocean, with severe consequences for marine life and ecosystems. For example, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 released approximately 134 million gallons of oil into the ocean, harming sea creatures and ecosystems and rendering seafood unsafe to eat.
The exploration and drilling processes can also disturb marine ecosystems. Seismic techniques used to explore for oil under the ocean floor can harm fish and marine mammals. Drilling often requires clearing an area of vegetation, damaging habitats such as seagrass beds, kelp forests, coral reefs, and deep-sea ecosystems. Oil and gas operations may also release toxic chemicals and mercury into the water, further damaging marine life.
In addition, the infrastructure required for oil and gas extraction, such as pipelines, rigs, and roads, can destroy important habitats and negatively impact coastal communities that rely on a healthy ocean environment for industries like fishing and tourism. The noise from seismic surveys can disorient and even kill marine mammals like dolphins and whales, which use sound to navigate and communicate.
Furthermore, oil and gas companies contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis. Microplastics are released during the extraction process and have been found in the lungs of fish and even in the deepest parts of the ocean, such as the Mariana Trench. Oil rigs also produce wastewater, which can leak into the ocean, causing further pollution.
While there have been efforts to mitigate the impact of oil and gas operations on the ocean, such as the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the International Maritime Organization's double-hull standards for new oil tankers, the industry continues to pose serious threats to the health of our oceans.
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Nonpoint source pollution and its impact
Corporations play a significant role in polluting the oceans, particularly through plastic pollution. For instance, a cleanup project by Greenpeace and the Break Free From Plastic movement identified the top ten multinational brands contributing to plastic pollution globally. These include Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which have been highlighted as two of the 20 corporations producing the most ocean pollution.
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is a significant issue affecting ocean waters and coastal areas. NPS pollution arises from land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, drainage, seepage, or hydrologic modification. As rainfall or snowmelt moves over and through the ground, it picks up and carries pollutants to water bodies such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and oceans. This type of pollution has various sources, including urban runoff, agricultural practices, forestry, and boating activities.
The impact of nonpoint source pollution on coastal areas and communities can be significant. It can affect the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters, making them less appealing to tourists and impacting the local economy. It can also contaminate drinking water supplies and harm fisheries and wildlife. For example, motor oil and other oil-based chemicals from parking lots and roads can contaminate waterways, creating a rainbow-coloured sheen on the water's surface. This form of pollution can be challenging to control due to its multiple and variable sources.
Agricultural practices contribute to nonpoint source pollution through the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Excess nutrients from fertilizers can lead to over-fertilization of water bodies, causing excessive algae growth. When the algae die, they are broken down by bacteria that consume oxygen, making it difficult for fish and other aquatic life to survive. Sediment from farm fields, construction sites, and streambanks can also enter water bodies, reducing water clarity and harming aquatic organisms' feeding, spawning, and breathing.
To address nonpoint source pollution, organizations like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program have developed control plans and fact sheets to help states and communities identify and mitigate the impacts of this type of pollution. These include recommendations for reducing urban runoff, improving agricultural practices, managing forestry impacts, and controlling pollution from boating activities and households.
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How individuals can help tackle pollution
While corporations are major contributors to ocean pollution, individual actions can collectively make a significant impact in tackling this issue. Here are some ways individuals can help:
Reduce Plastic Consumption and Waste
One of the most effective ways to tackle ocean pollution is to reduce plastic consumption and waste. Refuse single-use plastics like plastic bags, straws, plastic bottles, and takeout containers. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles, and reusable containers. Support businesses that offer sustainable packaging and let companies know that you appreciate their efforts towards environmental friendliness.
Proper Waste Disposal and Recycling
Properly dispose of waste, especially items like herbicides, pesticides, and cleaning products that can contain harmful chemicals. Recycling is crucial, but it's important to recycle properly. Additionally, when it comes to plastic waste, break it down into smaller pieces before disposal to prevent it from making its way into the ocean and harming marine life.
Support Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices
Choose eco-friendly products and support sustainable practices. This includes selecting natural cleaning products and non-toxic health and beauty products that don't contain harmful chemicals. Opt for sustainable seafood choices and support responsible fishing practices. Support brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact and advocate for legislation that encourages eco-friendly practices.
Conserve Water and Energy
Conserve water to prevent excess runoff and wastewater from flowing into the ocean. Use fuel-efficient vehicles, carpool, or opt for biking to reduce your carbon footprint. Choose energy-efficient light bulbs and be mindful of your thermostat settings to conserve energy. These small changes can collectively make a difference in reducing pollution and preserving our oceans.
Volunteer for Cleanups and Raise Awareness
Participate in beach and community cleanups to remove trash and plastic pollution from the environment. You can also contribute to brand audit projects like the one conducted by Greenpeace and the Break Free From Plastic movement to hold corporations accountable for their plastic waste. Utilize social media to raise awareness about plastic pollution and call out brands that are contributing to the problem.
Remember, while individual actions are important, systemic change is also necessary. Advocate for legislation that addresses plastic production, waste management, and corporate accountability to create a more sustainable future for our oceans.
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Frequently asked questions
A truckload of plastic enters the ocean every minute, and 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans.
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé are the world's biggest plastic polluters. However, there are hundreds of multinational brands contributing to plastic pollution across the globe.
Corporations pollute the ocean through plastic pollution, runoff from agricultural pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Individuals can advocate for change by picking up plastic, taking a photo, and sharing it on social media with #IsThisYours while tagging the brand. Additionally, consumers can demand more sustainable choices and support organizations like Greenpeace that are working to tackle plastic pollution.
