Kiera Jefferson
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that has become one of the most serious threats humanity faces. The story of plastic pollution began decades ago, and the first scientific findings of marine plastic debris were published in the journal Science in 1972. Plastic pollution has since been found in the air, soil, freshwater, and the sea, with 60% of all plastic ever produced becoming plastic waste by 2015. Plastic pollution is a design, production, consumption, and disposal challenge that requires a comprehensive solution. It has negatively impacted marine ecosystems, food supplies, and people's livelihoods, with marine animals suffering from ingestion and entanglement in plastic waste. The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, has been widely recognised since the 1990s, with the development of scientific research and policy movements to address this global crisis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First man-made plastic | Parkesine, 1862 |
| First fully synthetic plastic | Bakelite, 1907 |
| Plastic pollution observed in oceans | 1960s |
| Plastic bottles patented | 1973 |
| Plastic defined | A polymeric material, a material whose molecules are very large, often resembling long chains made up of a series of interconnected links |
| Plastic pollution defined | Accumulation of synthetic plastic products in the environment to the point that they create problems for wildlife, their habitats, and human populations |
| Plastic waste management | 25% of plastic waste is mismanaged, not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills |
| Plastic waste in oceans | 1-2 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans yearly |
| Plastic waste source | Most plastic flowing into the ocean comes from middle-income countries, particularly across Asia |
| Plastic waste solutions | Improved waste management strategies, better product design, reduction in manufacturing single-use plastics, use of reusable water bottles or straws |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution in the ocean
The 20th and 21st centuries have been dubbed the "Plastics Age", with plastic becoming an ever-present material in modern society. Plastic pollution in the ocean has become a global crisis, with billions of pounds of plastic found in swirling convergences that make up about 40% of the world's ocean surfaces. While it is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons entered the ocean in 2010. This number is projected to increase, with the fossil fuel industry planning to increase plastic production by 40% over the next decade.
Rivers are the primary source of ocean plastic pollution, with major rivers acting as conveyor belts that pick up trash as they move downstream. Once in the ocean, plastic debris is trapped in huge subtropical oceanic areas called gyres, which are massive circular currents. The most polluted gyre is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California. This garbage patch is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and contains around 100 million kilograms of plastic, with items originating from various countries, including Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China.
The accumulation of plastic in the ocean is a result of increasing consumption and improper waste management practices. While high-income countries have effective waste management systems, lower-income and middle-income countries often lack adequate infrastructure, resulting in higher emissions of plastic waste. Improving waste management strategies and reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastics are crucial steps in mitigating ocean plastic pollution.
The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the global plastics industry. However, rapid growth in plastic production occurred in the 1950s, particularly after World War II, when plastic replaced more expensive materials in throwaway items such as consumer packaging. Today, plastic is ubiquitous in our daily lives, and the widespread adoption of plastics has had significant consequences for the environment and human health.
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Plastic production and pollution post-WWII
The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the global plastics industry. However, rapid growth in global plastic production didn't occur until the 1950s, with a 230-fold increase in annual production over the next 70 years. The production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II, transforming modern life to an extent that life without plastics would be unrecognizable today.
During World War II, the United States witnessed a 300% increase in plastic production, as plastics provided synthetic alternatives to scarce natural resources. After the war, Americans were eager to spend, and much of what they bought was made of plastic. Companies like DuPont began to advertise plastic products for civilian use, promoting a future of wonderment and fascination. For example, DuPont sponsored full-colour ads for Earl Tupper's tumblers made from polyethylene, a plastic developed for insulating electrical wiring in wartime devices.
In the postwar years, plastic began to replace more expensive materials like paper, glass, and metal in throwaway items, such as consumer packaging. This shift from traditional materials to plastic was driven by plastic's low cost, safety, and versatility. However, it also led to a throwaway culture, with single-use plastics accounting for 40% of the plastic produced annually. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used for mere minutes but persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
The negative perception of plastic began in the postwar years, with Americans becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues in the 1960s. Plastic debris in the oceans was first observed during this decade, and the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson exposed the dangers of chemical pesticides. By the 1970s and 1980s, anxiety about plastic waste increased, with activists targeting disposable plastic bags in particular.
Today, plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue, with one to two million tonnes of plastic entering our oceans yearly and affecting wildlife and ecosystems. The health implications of microplastic deposits in our bodies are not yet fully understood, but they have entered the fossil record. To address plastic pollution, scientists and conservationists advocate for improved waste management systems, better product design, and a reduction in manufacturing single-use plastics.
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The realisation in the 1970s that plastic doesn't break down
Plastic pollution has become a pressing issue in the modern world. The 20th and 21st centuries have been dubbed the "Plastics Age" due to the widespread adoption of plastics in various aspects of society. From pillows and toothbrushes to containers and packaging, plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, this widespread use of plastics has also led to significant environmental and health concerns.
The realisation that plastic doesn't break down and persists in the environment occurred in the 1970s. During this period, there was a growing awareness that plastic pollution was accumulating in the oceans and causing harm to marine life. Scientists discovered that plastic broke up into smaller pieces called microplastics, which polluted our oceans, air, and ecosystems. This realisation led to a negative perception of plastics, as the public became anxious about the longevity of plastic waste in the environment.
The plastic industry came under scrutiny, and it was argued that they should have been aware of the environmental impact of their products by this time. Despite this knowledge, the industry fought regulation and denied responsibility for decades, mirroring the tactics of the petrochemical industry in the climate change debate. This period also saw a significant rise in plastic production, which exacerbated the pollution problem.
The unique challenge posed by plastics is their longevity and accumulation in the environment. Unlike organic materials that degrade over time, plastics persist for hundreds of years. This realisation has prompted efforts to improve waste management strategies and reduce the use of single-use plastics. However, the problem of plastic pollution is not solely a consumer issue, as hundreds of billions of dollars from the petrochemical industry continue to fuel new plastic production.
To effectively address plastic pollution, a global and binding treaty is necessary to regulate plastic production and disposal throughout its lifecycle. While recycling and waste management improvements are crucial, they are not enough without addressing the root causes of plastic pollution and the powerful industries behind it. The realisation in the 1970s that plastic doesn't break down was a pivotal moment in understanding the magnitude of the plastic pollution crisis.
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Plastic waste in the environment
The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the Plastics Age. Since then, plastic has become an integral part of our lives, from pillows and toothbrushes to keyboards and food containers. However, the convenience of plastics has led to a throwaway culture, with single-use plastics accounting for about 40-50% of the plastic produced annually. This has resulted in plastic waste in the environment, especially in the oceans, posing a significant threat to marine life, biodiversity, and human health.
Plastic pollution in the oceans mainly originates from land, with rivers acting as conveyor belts, picking up trash as they move downstream. Once in the ocean, plastic waste is transported by currents, spreading around the globe. Marine plastic pollution breaks down into microplastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries, affecting wildlife and ecosystems and even entering the human food chain.
The mismanagement of plastic waste, particularly in low- to middle-income countries, contributes significantly to ocean plastic pollution. Inefficient or non-existent garbage collection systems in developing Asian and African nations exacerbate the problem. However, developed countries also struggle with proper plastic waste collection and recycling.
To address plastic waste in the environment, improving waste management strategies, enhancing recycling infrastructure, and reducing single-use plastic production are crucial. Individual actions, such as opting for reusable items and ensuring effective recycling practices, can also help reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, legislative efforts, like the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act passed by the U.S. Congress, aim to de-pollute the oceans and remove plastic from waterways.
While plastic pollution has become a global issue, it is important to recognize that solutions exist. By combining improved waste management, recycling, and reduced single-use plastic consumption, we can make significant strides in mitigating the impact of plastic waste on our environment and health.
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Plastic pollution and human health
The Plastics Age, as the 20th and 21st centuries are known, has witnessed a pervasive presence of plastics in our daily lives. From pillows to toothbrushes and keyboards, it is impossible to escape this material. However, our widespread adoption of plastics has had consequences for both the environment and human health.
The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the global plastics industry. However, it was after World War II that plastic production and development truly accelerated, replacing more expensive materials like paper, glass, and metal in throwaway items. This throwaway culture has resulted in single-use plastics accounting for 40% of the plastic produced annually, with a lifespan of just minutes to hours yet persisting in the environment for hundreds of years.
Plastic pollution has infiltrated our oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe. Mismanaged waste, which is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills, contributes to environmental pollution. This mismanagement is more prevalent in low- to middle-income countries due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. As a result, plastic waste flows into our oceans, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.
The health implications of plastic pollution are significant and far-reaching. Humans are exposed to toxic chemicals and microplastics through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact. These toxic substances can lead to endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased reproductive health. The adverse effects are particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and marginalized communities. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Health (2023) highlighted increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, birth defects, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer associated with plastic pollution.
While research into the health impacts of microplastics is still evolving, the limited evidence suggests that a precautionary approach is warranted. The complex nature of the plastic lifecycle, from production to disposal, demands a comprehensive understanding to address this crisis effectively. The current piecemeal approach, focusing solely on plastic components while ignoring additives and exposure pathways, is inadequate. To protect human health and the environment, a reduction in plastic production and improved waste management strategies are imperative.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pollution has been an issue for decades, but the term "plastic pollution" to describe the growing environmental issue only came about in the last decade or so.
The first fully synthetic plastic was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. It was called Bakelite and was the first plastic to contain no molecules found in nature.
Plastic pollution became a widely known issue in the 1970s when it was realised that plastic doesn't break down but instead breaks up into smaller pieces called microplastics.
Plastic production increased significantly in the 1970s and after World War II, when a lot of plastic innovations emerged.
