Plastic Pollution: A Global Crisis

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, threatening the environment, human health, social justice, and wildlife. It refers to the harmful accumulation of synthetic plastic products in nature, which do not biodegrade and persist for centuries. Plastic debris, from bottles to microplastics, has infiltrated ecosystems worldwide, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. The production and disposal of plastic contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. The improper disposal of plastic waste, which often ends up in oceans, lakes, and rivers, has severe ecological and economic consequences, altering habitats and impacting millions of livelihoods. Plastic pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exposing them to air, water, and soil pollution, with serious health implications, including cancer, respiratory issues, and reproductive problems. With plastic production projected to triple by 2060, urgent action is needed to address this crisis.

Plastic pollution is a global problem

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, threatening the natural world, biodiversity, human health, and socio-economic stability. It is caused by the harmful accumulation of synthetic plastic products in the environment, which do not biodegrade. The average consumer now encounters plastic materials daily, specifically designed to resist natural decay, and derived mainly from petroleum.

The throw-away culture of single-use plastics has led to a global crisis, with plastic waste leaking into aquatic ecosystems and impacting habitats, natural processes, and human and animal life. An estimated 19-23 million tons of plastic waste enters lakes, rivers, and seas annually, with 4.8-12.7 million tons discarded into the oceans by countries with coastlines. Plastic pollution is not limited to the oceans; it has been found at the highest and lowest points on Earth, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench.

The production, use, and disposal of plastics contribute to climate change and environmental injustice. Plastic production requires significant energy, often sourced from fossil fuels, increasing the carbon footprint of each piece of plastic. The manufacturing process also emits harmful chemicals and industrial waste, impacting communities near petrochemical and plastics infrastructure. Furthermore, plastic waste is often mismanaged, with only 9% of plastic ever produced being recycled. The rest is burned, buried, or left to pollute the environment, breaking down into microplastics and nanoplastics that persist for centuries.

Microplastics have been found in drinking water, the air, and even human blood, lungs, and feces, with scientists urgently investigating the health impacts. Plastic pollution also disproportionately affects Black, Brown, Indigenous, rural, and low-income communities, who are more exposed to air pollution, waste incineration, and illegal dumps.

Addressing plastic pollution requires collective action and systemic change. Initiatives such as the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) aim to tackle plastic pollution through scientific research, stakeholder engagement, and global collaboration. Reducing plastic demand, implementing circular approaches, and improving waste management are crucial steps towards mitigating this global crisis.

Plastic is harmful to human health

Plastic is a human health concern. It does not biodegrade but breaks apart into microplastics and nanoplastics, which have been found in the environment and human bodies. Humans are constantly inhaling and ingesting microplastics through contaminated seafood, tap and bottled water, beverages, and even commonly consumed products like salt.

The chemicals used in plastics, such as vinyl chloride, bisphenols (BPA), parabens, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are potentially harmful to human health. These chemicals are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. When plastic enters our food and bodies, these chemicals can leach out, leading to serious health issues such as endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, and cancer.

Research has shown that exposure to BPA, a chemical found in plastics, is linked to diabetes, heart disease, irregular liver enzyme levels, and an increased risk of breast cancer. BPA interferes with endocrine function and the reproductive system, impacting puberty, ovulation, and fertility. Studies have also found links between microplastics and cardiovascular disease, premature births, and other health complications.

Additionally, plastic factories are harmful as humans can develop cancer or other diseases like asthma due to chemical exposure. The burning of plastic releases toxic chemicals and gases, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxide, contributing to air pollution, acid rain, and global warming.

While the full extent of the health impacts of microplastics is still unknown, the growing consumption of plastic and our increasing exposure to microplastics are concerning. It is essential to manage plastic waste, reduce plastic usage, and transition to a more sustainable and resilient environment to protect human health and the planet.

Plastic waste disposal and recycling

The total amount of plastic produced worldwide until 2015 is estimated at 8.3 billion tonnes, of which approximately 6.3 billion tonnes ended up as waste. Only 9% of this waste has been recycled, and only 1% has been recycled more than once. The low recycling rates in the plastic industry are partly due to economic and technical challenges. For instance, polystyrene (PS) is rarely recycled because it is not cost-effective and requires more energy to recycle than it yields.

To improve recycling rates, the European Union (EU) has implemented measures such as setting targets for recycled content in plastic bottles and reducing packaging waste. In 2012, the EU collected 25.2 million tonnes of post-consumer plastic waste, with more than 60% recovered and 40% disposed of as municipal solid waste. Europe leads in plastics recycling, reusing about 26%. However, half of the collected plastic for recycling is exported to non-EU countries due to capacity, technology, and financial constraints.

While recycling is a crucial solution, it is not the only one. The concept of a circular economy goes beyond recycling and focuses on reducing waste and redesigning products to maximize material recycling. Additionally, feedstock recycling converts waste plastic into its starting chemicals, which can then be used to create fresh plastic. This method, however, involves higher energy and capital costs.

Another method is incineration, which is the dominant form of plastic waste disposal in some countries with landfill diversion policies. However, incineration releases toxic chemicals, such as dioxins, into the air and leaves behind hazardous ash and residues that further contaminate the environment. Biodegradation, or the biological conversion of waste into CO2, H2O, or biomass, is another waste management approach. While it is often perceived as ideal, it does not account for the embedded energy and chemistry in the polymer and is more of a waste destruction option.

Plastic's impact on wildlife and ecosystems

Plastic pollution is a global issue, with plastic waste accumulating in the environment, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world's oceans. Plastic pollution has a significant impact on wildlife and ecosystems, causing harm to various species and disrupting natural habitats and processes.

Plastics are persistent large-scale pollutants, with a lifespan of hundreds of years, yet many single-use plastic products are used for just minutes or hours. These plastics do not biodegrade and are designed to defeat natural decay processes. As a result, they accumulate in the environment, with around 4.8 to 12.7 million metric tons ending up in the oceans each year. This plastic waste can smother habitats and alter natural processes, impacting the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, have been found in every corner of the globe, from the air to the deepest oceans. They enter ecosystems through sewage, with 80-90% of plastic particles in sewage persisting in the sludge, and can also be spread by wind and water currents. These microplastics can be ingested by animals, leading to health issues such as liver and cell damage, hormone disruption, and reproductive problems. They can also release additives like phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), disrupting the hormone systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates.

The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife is devastating, with millions of animals killed each year. Marine animals, such as seals, whales, turtles, and birds, are particularly affected by plastic waste. They can become entangled in abandoned fishing gear or six-pack rings, leading to strangulation or starvation. Nearly every species of seabird consumes plastics, and plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species.

Plastic pollution also affects terrestrial wildlife and forests. Animals can mistake plastic for food, ingesting toxic chemicals and suffering health consequences. The concentration of microplastics in food chains can have long-term negative effects on ecosystems, including soil and freshwater systems. Reducing plastic consumption, reusing plastic, and responsible recycling can help mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and ecosystems.

Efforts to reduce plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is the harmful accumulation of synthetic plastic products in the environment. Plastics are persistent large-scale pollutants, and plastic debris, such as bottles, straws, containers, and plastic wrap, has been found everywhere from Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. Plastic pollution is a global problem, with 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaking into aquatic ecosystems every year, polluting lakes, rivers, and seas.

Reduce Plastic Use

The first step towards reducing plastic pollution is to reduce plastic use. This can be achieved by buying used plastic items, selling or donating unwanted plastic items that are still in good condition, and choosing to borrow items instead of buying new ones.

Reuse and Repurpose

Individuals can reuse and repurpose plastic items such as containers, water bottles, and toys to extend their lifespan and prevent plastic waste. Reusable bags, containers, and dishes can also help reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Recycling

Although recycling alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis, it is still important to recycle plastic items properly. Individuals can check with their local recycling programs to understand which types of plastics they accept and how to recycle plastic bags, wraps, and films. Purchasing products made from recycled plastic materials can also help.

Advocacy and Policy Change

Advocating for a global plastics treaty that limits plastic production and use is crucial. Greenpeace and other organizations are pushing for a legally binding treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics. Individuals can support such initiatives and demand action from governments and corporations to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.

Proper Disposal

Properly disposing of plastic waste is essential, as most plastic pollution comes from improper disposal. Individuals can ensure they dispose of plastic waste in designated containers and recycling bins. Additionally, avoiding littering and dumping garbage into oceans or waterways can help prevent plastic pollution from spreading.

Frequently asked questions