Meghan Hodges
The world's oceans are drowning in plastic. A recent study estimates that there are 171 trillion plastic particles in the oceans, which weigh around 2.3 million tons. This plastic smog is a result of the rapid increase in single-use and disposable plastics, which has made plastic pollution one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. The largest trash site in the world, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is a stark reminder of the extent of this problem. Covering twice the surface area of Texas, it contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, outnumbering sea life 6 to 1. While plastic pollution affects the entire planet, marginalized communities bear the brunt, with those living near plastic production and waste sites facing increased health risks. The only long-term solution is to reduce the use of single-use plastics and improve waste management, especially in low-to-middle-income countries where mismanaged waste tends to be higher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total plastic in the ocean | 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste; 171 trillion plastic particles; 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste |
| Plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch | 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic; twice the surface area of Texas |
| Plastic entering the ocean annually | 8 million tons; 11 million tons; 14 million tons |
| Plastic in the ocean per square mile | 46,000 plastic pieces |
| Plastic in the ocean per person | 21,000 pieces of plastic |
| Plastic in the ocean per year by 2040 | Increase by 2.6 times |
| Plastic in the ocean by 2050 | Outweigh the amount of fish |
| Plastic in the ocean from land | 9.5 million tons |
| Plastic in the ocean from the fishing and shipping industry | 1.75 tons |
| Plastic in the ocean from middle-income countries | 86% |
| Plastic in the ocean from Asia | 86% |
| Global plastic production | 300 million tons; 400 million tons |
| Global plastic waste | 79% sent to landfills or the ocean; 9% recycled; 12% incinerated |
| Plastic waste in the UK | 90 billion pieces of plastic packaging annually |
| Plastic waste in the US | Significant waste per person contribution |
| Plastic waste in China | Ranked #1 for mismanaged waste and plastics |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste in oceans
The plastic waste in oceans takes various forms, from large items such as bottles and bags to microplastics and nanoplastics formed through the breakdown of plastic waste. These smaller plastic particles are challenging to clean up and can spread globally, even reaching remote waters and the deep sea. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located halfway between Hawaii and California, is a notable example of the accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans. It is estimated to contain 100 million kilograms of plastic and has a mass of plastic 180 times higher than that of marine life in the region.
The impact of plastic waste in oceans is far-reaching. Marine life can become entangled in larger plastic waste or mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion of toxic chemicals. Plastic pollution also affects marine ecosystems by absorbing and releasing toxins, further endangering aquatic organisms and entering the food chain. Additionally, plastic waste can smother marine life, leading to suffocation.
The sources of plastic waste in oceans are diverse, with China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries contributing significantly. Asia is a significant source of mismanaged plastic waste, and middle-income countries with growing plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems play a crucial role. The production and consumption of single-use plastics are major contributors to the issue, with 50% of the 300 million tons of plastic created annually being single-use.
Addressing plastic waste in oceans requires a multifaceted approach. While cleanup efforts are ongoing, the focus is shifting towards upstream solutions, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics and improving waste management practices. International policy interventions and legally binding instruments are being developed to tackle plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
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Plastic waste sources
Plastic waste in the ocean comes from thousands of sources all over the world. The primary sources of plastic pollution in the ocean are littering and improper waste management. People use disposable plastic items (food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, bottles, etc.) and do not dispose of them properly, causing them to end up in waterways and, eventually, in the ocean. In fact, according to data from the European Parliament, single-use plastics are responsible for 49% of all marine pollution.
The probability that mismanaged plastic waste enters the ocean varies across the world, depending on factors such as the location and length of river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns. A 2017 study estimated that Asian countries contributed 86% of plastic emissions to the ocean. Middle-income countries, particularly across Asia, are the most significant contributors to plastic in the ocean, as plastic usage is growing, but waste management systems are lacking.
Another source of plastic waste in the ocean is industrial activities, which account for about 20% of the ocean's plastic pollution. Plastics and microplastics are also the product of improper manufacturing processes. In the marine environment, plastic pollution originates primarily from land runoff, but includes paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and more.
Finally, increasing consumption and the fossil fuel industry's plans to increase plastic production will contribute to the plastic pollution crisis. The industry plans to increase plastic production by 40% over the next decade, which will result in more plastic in our oceans.
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Plastic waste impact
Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges faced globally today. The production of plastic has increased rapidly over the years, with around 300 million tons of plastic being created yearly, weighing the same as the entire human population. This plastic ends up in landfills, the ocean, or is incinerated, with only 9% being recycled.
Plastic waste has a direct and deadly effect on marine wildlife. Marine animals such as birds, whales, fish, and turtles ingest plastic, mistaking it for food, and get entangled in it. This leads to internal and external injuries, reducing their ability to swim and fly, and causing starvation and death. Endangered wildlife such as Hawaiian monk seals and Steller sea lions are among the species affected by plastic pollution.
Plastic waste also impacts human health. Microplastics have been found in human blood, placentas, food, drinks, and even tap water. The chemicals used in plastic production are known to be carcinogenic and can cause developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. People living near plastic production and waste sites are more exposed to hazards such as groundwater contamination, toxic spillages, and air pollution, increasing the risk of health issues.
The accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean also has economic impacts. The build-up of plastic litter can affect a country's economy and trade systems, with income declines in sectors such as small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism, and the informal sector. Additionally, the removal of plastic waste from the ocean and the prevention of further pollution require significant public and private investment.
To address the problem of plastic waste, it is essential to reduce plastic production, redesign products and packaging to use less plastic, improve recycling infrastructure, and change consumer behaviour. Global cooperation between governments, industries, scientists, and consumers is necessary to tackle this issue effectively.
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Plastic waste solutions
The world's oceans are polluted by a "plastic smog" composed of an estimated 171 trillion plastic particles, according to a recent study. This figure is likely to increase by 2.6 times by 2040 if no action is taken. The majority of plastic waste is microscopic, making it nearly impossible to retrieve once it has entered the ocean.
Reduce Plastic Consumption
One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is to cut down on the use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics are items that are designed to be used only once before being thrown away, such as plastic bags, straws, and disposable water bottles. By choosing reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated.
Improve Waste Management
Proper waste management is crucial in preventing plastic pollution. This includes implementing effective recycling programs, improving landfill management, and promoting proper disposal of plastics that cannot be recycled. Additionally, introducing extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation can be enacted, making plastic producers and distributors responsible for the proper disposal and recycling of their products and packaging.
Support Policy Intervention
International policy intervention is necessary to address the plastic waste crisis effectively. The United Nations has agreed to create a legally binding global plastics treaty by 2024, which will address the entire life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal. Supporting and advocating for such policies can help ensure their successful implementation and enforcement.
Participate in Cleanups
Organizing or participating in cleanups of local beaches, rivers, or waterways can be a direct and rewarding way to fight plastic pollution. This can be done individually or by joining local or international organizations dedicated to removing plastic waste from the environment, such as The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization aiming to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.
Educate and Raise Awareness
Spreading awareness about the issue of plastic pollution and its consequences is essential. Educating communities, especially those marginalized and vulnerable to the impacts of plastic pollution, can empower them to make informed choices and take action. Hosting documentary screenings, sharing information on social media, and discussing the issue with friends and family can all contribute to raising awareness and fostering a collective sense of responsibility.
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Other ocean pollutants
The ocean is severely polluted by plastic, with an estimated 171 trillion plastic particles in the ocean, weighing around 2.3 million tons. This plastic pollution is a result of the mass production of plastic, with 300 million tons of plastic being created yearly, and a rapid increase in single-use and disposable plastics.
However, plastic is not the only pollutant in the ocean. Here are some other significant ocean pollutants:
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution occurs when excess nutrients, usually nitrogen and phosphorus, enter bodies of water and act as fertilisers. These nutrients cause an overgrowth of algae, which restricts sunlight and oxygen from entering the water, leading to the creation of "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive. This type of pollution is often a result of agricultural runoff or wastewater generated from lawns.
Industrial Pollution
Industrial pollution refers to any waste generated from industry, such as factory runoff or chemical contamination. This includes pollutants such as acids, alkaline, scrap metals, sludge, and coal ash. Industrial pollution can have severe impacts on both animal and human life, including poisoning and an increased risk of developing various health issues such as cancer and respiratory diseases.
Light Pollution
Light pollution disrupts the natural cycle of the moon, impacting the migration, reproduction, and feeding patterns of aquatic animals. Studies have shown that artificial light can even prevent clownfish eggs from hatching.
Noise Pollution
The persistent noise created by ships, sonar devices, and other industrial activities can drown out the communication of marine mammals, which rely on sound to migrate, hunt, and reproduce. This type of pollution can lead to temporary or permanent deafness in marine animals, severely impacting their survival.
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Frequently asked questions
There are an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste in the ocean, weighing around 2.3 million tons.
An estimated 8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean every year, with some estimates as low as 1 million tons.
A 2017 study estimated that Asian countries contributed 86% of plastic emissions to the ocean.
Beverage plastic bottles are the most prevalent type of plastic pollution in the ocean.
