Most plastic does not fully disappear and it turns instead into tiny particles called microplastics. These microplastics remain in the environment for centuries, which results in severe damage to ecosystems. Plastic pollution threatens ocean health, food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism. (7)

The most disturbing impacts of plastics are the ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. Tiny plastic particles have been identified in tap water, marine organisms and even our food systems, which can be a health hazard for human and marine health. Additionally, as plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, when plastic waste is incinerated, it releases CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. (8) Many plastic applications are really unnecessary, and so, to get rid of plastic waste, the best solution is to eliminate its use altogether.

Photo source: Freepik

Plastic is a cheap material, and its applications are endless, so it is essentially used across every sector: for example, it is used to create synthetic fibers for the textile and transportation industries, construction materials, and electronic pieces. However, most plastic is not biodegradable. On top of that, half of the plastic produced globally is designed to be used only once and then thrown away (single-use plastics). (6) About one million plastic drinking bottles are bought every minute, while 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used annually at a global level. Only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled and about 12% has been incinerated. The remaining 79% has accumulated in landfills, dumps, or the natural environment. (UNEP)

Plastic shampoo bottles are a part of our everyday life; however, they contribute to the plastic waste issue. About 552 million shampoo bottles end up in landfills in the US every year (7), which take an average of 450 years to decompose. (WWF) The issue of plastic waste from shampoo bottles tends to be overlooked, as they can be recycled. However, even the recycling efforts are ineffective and most shampoo bottles are dumped in landfills.

Photo source: UNEP

Most plastic does not fully disappear and it turns instead into tiny particles called microplastics. These microplastics remain in the environment for centuries, which results in severe damage to ecosystems. Plastic pollution threatens ocean health, food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism. (7)

The most disturbing impacts of plastics are the ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. Tiny plastic particles have been identified in tap water, marine organisms and even our food systems, which can be a health hazard for human and marine health. Additionally, as plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, when plastic waste is incinerated, it releases CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. (8) Many plastic applications are really unnecessary, and so, to get rid of plastic waste, the best solution is to eliminate its use altogether.

Photo source: Freepik