Meghan Hodges
The world is currently grappling with the problem of plastic pollution, which has been exacerbated by the fact that only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. Plastic pollution is a relatively new phenomenon, with the first synthetic plastic being produced in the early 20th century. The post-war period saw a significant increase in plastic usage, as it replaced more expensive materials such as paper, glass, and metal in throwaway items. By the 1960s, plastic debris in the oceans was observed, and the persistence of plastic waste began to trouble observers. The realisation that plastic does not go away and that it breaks up into microplastics, which can pollute our oceans, air, and ecosystems, further heightened concerns. Today, the annual production of plastics has increased nearly 230-fold since the 1950s, with a significant amount ending up as waste in our oceans and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First synthetic plastic | Bakelite, produced in 1907 |
| Plastic pollution in oceans first observed | 1960s |
| Plastic waste generation tripled | 1970s-1990s |
| Rise of single-use plastics | 1950s onwards |
| Plastic resin identification code developed | 1980s |
| Global plastic production | Doubled in the last two decades |
| Annual plastic production in 2019 | 460 million tonnes |
| Plastic waste management | 25% of plastic waste is mismanaged |
| Plastic waste in oceans | 1-2 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans yearly |
| Plastic waste composition | Cigarette butts, drink bottles, bottle caps, food wrappers, grocery bags, drink lids, straws, stirrers |
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What You'll Learn
The Plastics Age
The story of The Plastics Age began in the 19th century, with the emergence of synthetic plastics. The first manufactured plastic, Parkesine, was patented in 1862 by Birmingham-born Alexander Parkes. This plastic, a substitute for ivory or tortoiseshell, was affordable and colourful, making items like combs and billiard balls accessible to the masses. While natural plastics like horn, tortoiseshell, amber, rubber, and shellac had been utilised since ancient times, Parkesine marked a turning point.
By the 1960s, scientists began to uncover the alarming extent of ocean dumping, with over 100 million tonnes of waste polluting our oceans. This realisation, coupled with the understanding that plastic does not break down but persists as microplastics, brought the issue of plastic pollution into sharp focus. Between the 1970s and 1990s, plastic waste generation more than tripled, exacerbating the problem.
Today, plastic pollution poses severe threats to marine life, human health, and the planet. While legislative attempts, such as the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, have been made to address this issue, our reliance on plastic remains strong. Improving waste management strategies and reducing plastic production are critical steps towards mitigating the environmental and health impacts of The Plastics Age.
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Post-war plastics
The post-war period, particularly after World War II, saw a significant increase in plastic pollution. During this time, plastic began to replace more expensive materials such as paper, glass, and metal in throwaway items like consumer packaging. This shift towards plastic can be attributed to its cost-effectiveness and versatility.
The surge in plastic pollution during the post-war era was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the development of new plastic materials played a significant role. For example, polyethylene, a strong, flexible, and heat-resistant plastic, became widely used for items such as shopping bags and Tupperware. Nylon and Teflon, introduced in the 1930s, also gained popularity, with nylon stockings becoming an immediate worldwide sensation.
Additionally, the post-war economic boom and the growth of consumer culture contributed to the increase in plastic production and consumption. As populations recovered from the war, there was a rising demand for convenient and affordable products, which plastic goods could provide. This led to a sharp rise in plastic production worldwide, with the rate of plastic production mirroring the growth in population.
The consequences of this rapid increase in plastic usage became evident over time. Oceans, in particular, have borne the brunt of plastic pollution, with scientists from the National Academy of Sciences reporting in the 1960s that more than 100 million tonnes of waste had been dumped into the ocean. This issue was further exacerbated by the realisation that plastic does not break down but instead breaks up into microplastics, persisting in the environment and causing harm to marine life and ecosystems.
While legislative attempts have been made to address plastic pollution, such as the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act in the US, our reliance on plastic has proven challenging to overcome. The development of recycling codes and improvements in waste management strategies are crucial steps towards mitigating plastic pollution. However, the impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the oceans, as microplastics have been detected in the air, landscapes, and even the human body, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.
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Ocean dumping
While the exact amount of plastic in the ocean is difficult to determine, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons entered the ocean in 2010. This problem has only worsened since then, with the ocean becoming a dumping ground for plastic, sewage, industrial, and chemical waste. The realisation of the extent of ocean dumping came in the 1960s when scientists from the National Academy of Sciences revealed that over 100 million tons of waste had been dumped into the ocean. This report primarily focused on chemical, industrial, and sewage waste as plastic had only recently become a mainstream material.
The history of plastic pollution can be traced back to the post-World War II period when plastic started replacing more expensive materials like paper, glass, and metal in disposable items. 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, with a nearly 230-fold increase in annual production by 2019.
In the 1960s, scientists began to uncover the alarming state of ocean pollution, specifically highlighting the issue of marine pollution caused by human activities. Marine pollution refers to waste, particularly chemical and trash, that ends up in the ocean, adversely affecting marine life and ecosystems. While ocean dumping likely occurred before the 1960s, it was during this decade that scientists first attempted to research and address the issue.
The realisation of the persistence of plastic came in the 1970s when it became clear that plastic does not "go away" but instead breaks up into microplastics. During this period, plastic production and waste generation also increased significantly, exacerbating the problem of plastic pollution. By the early 2000s, the amount of plastic waste generated in a single decade had surpassed the previous 40 years, highlighting our growing reliance on plastic.
Legislative attempts have been made to address ocean plastic pollution, such as the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act passed by the U.S. Congress. Additionally, the Society of the Plastics Industry developed the plastic resin identification code in the 1980s to facilitate recycling and proper disposal. However, the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans, marine life, and ecosystems remains a critical issue that requires ongoing efforts to mitigate. Strategies to address plastic pollution include improving waste management practices, reducing plastic use, and technological innovations for ocean cleanup.
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Mismanaged waste
Plastic waste is considered "mismanaged" when it is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills. Instead, it is dumped in the environment, often ending up in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Mismanaged plastic waste is a significant contributor to marine litter and poses a severe threat to marine life, human health, and the planet.
The probability of mismanaged plastic waste entering the ocean varies depending on factors such as the location and length of river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns. Most plastic flowing into the ocean today comes from middle-income countries, particularly in Asia. This is because these countries tend to have poorer waste management infrastructure.
The amount of plastic waste that is mismanaged varies across the world. On average, about one-quarter to one-fifth of plastic waste is mismanaged. However, in low-to-middle-income countries, the rate of mismanaged plastic waste is much higher. This highlights the importance of improving waste management strategies globally, especially in poorer countries, to reduce plastic pollution.
While legislative attempts, such as the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act in the US, and the development of the plastic resin identification code by the Society of the Plastics Industry, have been made to de-pollute the oceans and improve plastic waste management, our reliance on plastic has already taken hold. The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) drinks bottle, first patented in 1973, is a significant contributor to plastic waste due to its popularity for transporting beverages, including water.
To effectively tackle the issue of mismanaged plastic waste, a combination of improved waste management systems, tighter waste collection processes, and well-designed legal frameworks, economic instruments, and public outreach campaigns is necessary. Additionally, addressing profit-first business models and resource-hungry industries that contribute to poor municipal waste handling is crucial.
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Plastic pollution solutions
Plastic pollution has been a growing concern since the 1960s, when scientists from the National Academy of Sciences discovered that more than 100 million tonnes of waste had been dumped into our oceans. While plastic pollution has been a pressing issue for generations, the solutions to this crisis lie in systemic change and individual action.
Improving Waste Management
The mismanagement of plastic waste, such as the lack of recycling or proper disposal, is a significant contributor to plastic pollution. To address this, it is essential to improve waste management strategies, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries where waste management infrastructure may be lacking. This includes implementing domestic policies, foreign investments in waste management infrastructure, and supporting legislation that holds plastic producers and distributors accountable for their products' end-of-life.
Reducing Plastic Production and Usage
While improving waste management is crucial, it is also essential to reduce plastic production and usage. This involves advocating for legislation that curbs plastic production and promotes sustainable alternatives. Individuals can embrace plastic-free principles in their daily lives, such as carrying reusable bottles, opting for products with natural exfoliants, and being cautious about cosmetics that may contain microplastics.
Education and Awareness
Educating oneself and others about plastic pollution is essential. Staying informed and sharing knowledge about the issue can help create a broader movement for change. Hosting viewing parties for documentaries like "A Plastic Ocean" or "Garbage Island: An Ocean Full of Plastic" can raise awareness and inspire action.
Supporting Organisations and Initiatives
Several organisations are dedicated to reducing and eliminating plastic pollution, including the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Plastic Soup Foundation, among others. Supporting and donating to these organisations can help advance their important work. Additionally, individuals can join coalitions or networks advocating for systemic change and participate in initiatives like the global plastics treaty supported by hundreds of organisations and businesses.
Policy Enforcement and Business Practices
Enacting and enforcing strong policies that address plastic pollution prevention, improving business practices, and shifting societal values and culture are also crucial solutions. This includes holding corporations accountable for their deceptive tactics and false solutions, such as "greenwashing," and ensuring that solutions are non-toxic, equitable, and accessible to all.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pollution has been an issue since the post-war period when plastic began to replace the more expensive paper, glass, and metal materials used in throwaway items. The first synthetic plastic was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the global plastics industry.
Plastic is a term used to describe materials that can be formed and moulded under heat and pressure. Polymers are the chemical class of materials that make up all modern plastics.
Plastic pollution has a number of negative effects on the environment. Plastic clogs sewers, provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests, and can increase the transmission of vector-borne diseases. Plastic pollution also poses a threat to marine life, with single-use plastics being the biggest contributors to marine litter.
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