It’s a sad fact that the Earth is now drowning in plastic. From remote islands to deep oceans, from the Arctic to Antarctica, there are now more pieces of plastic than fish (by some estimates).
The latest research suggests we may have as many as 150 million tons of it on the planet. And if we don’t stop adding to this total—nearly 8 million tons every year—we will soon be faced with an absolute inundation and catastrophe.
One day there will be more bits of synthetic polymers than natural organisms on earth. We need to act fast or we risk turning our entire world into one vast, uninhabitable garbage dump.
According to a 2017 study, there may be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans by 2050. This is a major issue as plastic pollution can have harmful effects on marine life and the environment. These plastic pollution quotes aptly break down the impact of plastic pollution and what we would face if actions are not taken sooner.
There are many different factors that can lead to plastic becoming an issue for the world. One is the durability of plastics when they are in water. Plastics do not biodegrade in water, instead they photodegrade which means they break down when exposed to sunlight and oxygen over time.
This then leads to microplastics or small pieces of plastics that end up contaminating the oceans. These particles then move up through the food chain that leads into all living organisms causing problems wherever it goes.
There is also an increase in what is known as "micro-fragmentation" which is when these tiny pieces of plastic get so small that there are no longer any visible chunks. Instead, the plastic has turned into a powder that can be inhaled or ingested by marine life and humans.
Some of the other dangers of plastic pollution include the fact there are numerous toxins that are released when plastics degrade. These toxins can then enter the food chain and cause health problems in both marine life and humans consuming them.
Plastic pollution is a major concern around the world. But there are many things that we can do to help solve this growing problem. Try these tips:
- Avoid using plastic straws and utensils.
- Use reusable cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic ones.
- Practice proper recycling by sorting plastics from other items. This helps reduce contamination and waste.
- Bring your own shopping bag when going to the store, and try not to use a disposable one if you can't avoid it. Even better, bring your own containers with you when going to the store so that you aren’t tempted to buy any packaging or to purchase items in bulk at Costco or Sam’s Club stores.
- Don’t take “free” pens or notebooks from hotels and stores – they often come with a large amount of unnecessary packaging. If you really need one, buy it.
- Buy only as much as you need - don’t stock up on huge quantities of bottled water or soda.
- Recycle and properly dispose of what you do use.
- Pick up plastic litter or trash whenever you see it on the ground – even if it is not yours.
- Learn about your community’s recycling program so you know what can and cannot be recycled.
- Donate old clothes, shoes, toys, etc., to organizations that help people who need them - reused items are better for the environment than new ones.
- Utilize public transportation or carpool where appropriate.
