essay on plastic waste

Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, presenting a major threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health on a global scale. Defined as the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, this issue has reached alarming levels due to the pervasive use of single-use plastics and inadequate waste management systems. For instance, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, spanning an area twice the size of Texas, is a stark reminder of the scale of this problem. As plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, they degrade into smaller particles known as microplastics, infiltrating even the most remote ecosystems. This essay will examine the effects, reasons, and remedies for plastic pollution , emphasizing the immediate necessity for collective action to tackle this worldwide crisis.

Significance of the Issue

The significance of plastic pollution extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass economic, social, and health implications. Here are several key points outlining its significance:

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Environmental Degradation: Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems, harming wildlife through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. It contaminates soil, waterways, and oceans, altering natural landscapes and threatening biodiversity .
Human Health Risks: Plastics release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and water and pose health risks such as hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and cancer.
Economic Costs: Plastic pollution imposes significant economic burdens on communities and industries, including costs associated with cleanup efforts, damage to tourism and fisheries, and losses in agricultural productivity.
Marine Debris: Plastic debris in oceans severely threatens marine life. Millions of seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals perish yearly due to consuming or becoming entangled in plastic waste.
Microplastic Contamination: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have infiltrated marine and terrestrial environments, entering the food chain and potentially exposing humans to harmful toxins.
Global Scale: Plastic pollution is a global issue, transcending national borders and affecting all continents. The interconnected nature of marine currents means that plastic waste generated in one region can travel thousands of kilometers, exacerbating the problem on a global scale.
Long-term Persistence: Plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, accumulating over time and exacerbating the problem of pollution. This persistence makes plastic pollution a long-term and challenging issue to address.
Environmental Justice: Plastic pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities and developing countries with limited waste management resources, exacerbating social inequalities and environmental injustices.

Types of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution comes in various forms, each with its own set of environmental impacts. Here are some common types of plastic pollution:

Single-Use Plastics: Manufacturers design items like plastic bags, straws, bottles, and packaging for one-time use before users discard them. They majorly contribute to plastic pollution due to their widespread consumption and improper disposal.
Microplastics: These are minute plastic particles measuring less than 5mm, either intentionally produced for specific uses (such as microbeads in cosmetics) or generated through the degradation of larger plastic items. Microplastics are widely distributed in the environment, existing in oceans , soil , and even the air .
Macroplastics: Larger plastic items, such as fishing nets, buoys, and packaging materials, contribute to visible pollution in water bodies and on land. These items can entangle marine life and pose a hazard to wildlife.
Nurdles: Nurdles are small, pellet-like plastic raw materials used in manufacturing plastic products. Accidental spills during transportation or handling can lead to nurdle pollution in waterways, where they can be mistaken for food by marine animals.
Plastic Bags: The convenience of lightweight, long-lasting plastic bags for shopping and packaging comes at a cost: significant environmental pollution . This is because they are rarely recycled and often thrown away improperly.
Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Styrofoam products, such as food containers and packaging materials, are lightweight and easily carried by wind and water, leading to widespread pollution in urban and natural environments.
Plastic Packaging: Excessive packaging, especially non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle materials, contributes to plastic pollution by generating large amounts of waste that often end up in landfills or the environment.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Human activities and a combination of societal, economic, and environmental factors primarily cause plastic pollution. Here are some key causes of plastic pollution:

Poor Waste Management: Inadequate waste management systems, including insufficient recycling infrastructure and improper disposal practices, litter plastic waste or end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans.
Plastic Production and Consumption: The increasing production and consumption of plastics, driven by consumer demand and industrial processes, lead to a higher volume of plastic waste entering the environment.
Lack of Recycling: Many plastics need to be recycled due to low recycling rates, limited recycling facilities, and the complexity of recycling certain types of plastics.
Plastic Packaging: Excessive and unnecessary plastic packaging contributes to plastic pollution. Packaging materials often become waste after a single use, adding to the plastic waste stream.
Mismanagement of Plastic Waste: Illegal dumping, littering, and inadequate waste collection and disposal practices contribute to plastic pollution, especially in urban areas and developing countries with limited waste management infrastructure.
Plastic in Rivers and Waterways: Plastic waste from inland sources can be transported through rivers and waterways to the ocean, where it accumulates and contributes to marine plastic pollution.
Loss and Abandonment of Fishing Gear: Discarded or lost fishing gear, such as nets and lines, is a significant source of marine plastic pollution, posing entanglement and ingestion risks to aquatic life.
Microplastics from Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers from clothing, textiles, and personal care products can shed microplastic particles during use and washing, contributing to microplastic pollution in the environment.
Lack of Awareness and Education: Insufficient awareness of plastic pollution’s harmful environmental effects and the importance of proper waste disposal can lead to unsustainable habits and actions.

Human Health Implications

Plastic pollution has several human health implications, primarily due to the toxic chemicals present in plastics and the potential for ingestion of microplastics. Here are some key ways in which plastic pollution can impact human health:

Chemical Exposure: Plastics contain a variety of chemicals, such as bisphenols (e.g., BPA) and phthalates, which are known to be endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can potentially migrate out of plastics and into food, drinks, and the surroundings, potentially exposing humans to harmful substances.
Food and Water Contamination: Plastic packaging and containers can contaminate food and water with chemicals from the plastic, especially when exposed to heat or acidic conditions. This contamination can lead to ingesting harmful chemicals, posing risks to human health.
Microplastic Ingestion: Microplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, can be ingested through food, water, and air. Over time, these particles can accumulate in the body and may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and other adverse health effects.
Respiratory Issues: Burning plastic waste, a common disposal method in some areas, releases toxic fumes and particulate matter into the air. Breathing in these pollutants can cause respiratory issues and worsen pre-existing conditions.
Endocrine Disruption: Some chemicals found in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols, can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health effects.
Cancer Risk: Certain chemicals found in plastics, such as styrene and vinyl chloride, are classified as carcinogens and may increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.
Immune System Effects: Exposure to chemicals in plastics can affect the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and other immune-related disorders.
Children’s Health: Children are especially susceptible to the health consequences of plastic pollution because of their developing bodies and behaviors that could lead to increased exposure, such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact

Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

In recent years, global efforts to combat plastic pollution have gained momentum, with various initiatives and actions taking place at international, national, and local levels. Here are some key global efforts to address plastic pollution:

United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA): The UNEA has highlighted the issue of plastic pollution and called for action to address it. In 2019, the UNEA adopted a resolution on marine litter and microplastics, urging countries to take measures to reduce plastic waste.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP has launched several initiatives to combat plastic pollution, including the Clean Seas campaign, which aims to reduce marine litter and raise awareness about the issue.
Plastic Pollution Coalition: This global alliance of organizations, businesses , and individuals is working to reduce plastic pollution through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
Ocean Cleanup Projects: Several organizations and initiatives are working on technologies and projects to remove plastic waste from the oceans, such as the Ocean Cleanup project and various beach cleanup efforts.
International Agreements: Global agreements like the Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention, and Rotterdam Convention tackle the cross-border transport of hazardous waste, including plastic waste, with the goal of minimizing its impact on human health and the environment.
Plastic Bag Bans: Numerous countries and regions have enforced prohibitions or limitations on single-use plastic bags to diminish plastic waste and promote the adoption of reusable alternatives.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Initiatives aimed at advancing a circular economy, characterized by more efficient resource utilization and waste reduction, can aid in curtailing plastic pollution by ensuring that plastics are reused, recycled, or composted rather than being discarded as waste.
Industry Initiatives: Many companies and industries are taking steps to reduce their use of plastic and promote recycling and reuse of plastics in their products and packaging.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Public education and awareness initiatives are vital in mitigating plastic pollution by motivating individuals to decrease their reliance on single-use plastics and embrace more sustainable behaviors.
Research and Innovation: Continued research and innovation are essential for developing new technologies, materials, and solutions to address plastic pollution and promote a more sustainable approach to plastic use.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

Tackling plastic pollution necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses reducing plastic production and consumption, enhancing waste management systems, advocating for recycling and reuse, and fostering innovation in materials and technologies. Here are some key solutions to plastic pollution:

Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Encourage individuals and businesses to reduce the use of single-use plastics such as bags, straws, and bottles by opting for reusable alternatives.
Improve Recycling Infrastructure: Invest in and expand recycling facilities and programs to ensure more plastics are recycled rather than ending up in landfills or the environment.
Promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and disposal, to incentivize the development of more sustainable packaging and products.
Ban or Restrict Problematic Plastics: To reduce their environmental impact, implement bans or restrictions on certain types of single-use plastics, such as microbeads, styrofoam, and plastic bags.
Encourage Innovation: Support research and development of alternative materials to plastics and innovative technologies for recycling and upcycling plastic waste.
Clean-up Initiatives: Support and participate in clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste from the environment, especially in rivers, oceans, and coastal areas.
Education and Awareness: Increase awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices among individuals, businesses, and communities.
Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing policies and regulations at all levels to reduce plastic pollution, including single-use plastic bans and mandatory recycling, is crucial.
Invest in Sustainable Alternatives: Support developing and adopting sustainable alternatives to plastics, such as compostable materials and biodegradable plastics.
Behavioral Change: To reduce plastic pollution, encourage changes in consumer behavior, such as choosing products with less packaging and properly disposing of plastic waste.

Various stakeholders must coordinate their efforts and overcome several obstacles to address plastic pollution. Here are some of the key challenges in combatting plastic pollution:

Complexity of the Issue: Plastic pollution is a multifaceted problem with diverse sources, pathways, and impacts, making it challenging to address comprehensively.
Global Nature: Plastic pollution transcends national borders and requires coordinated action at the international level, making it difficult to implement unified policies and regulations.
Limited Recycling Infrastructure: Inadequate recycling infrastructure and low recycling rates in many regions hinder efforts to manage and recycle plastic waste effectively.
Lack of Alternatives: While alternatives to plastics exist, such as biodegradable or compostable materials, they may only sometimes be readily available or economically viable, limiting their adoption.
Consumer Behavior: Changing consumer behavior and reducing reliance on single-use plastics require significant education, awareness-raising, and incentivization efforts.
Economic Factors: The production and use of plastics are deeply entrenched in global economies, and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives may face resistance from industries and businesses.
Plastic Production: The continued growth of plastic production, driven by demand from various industries, poses a challenge to reducing plastic pollution.
Policy Implementation: Enacting and enforcing policies and regulations to address plastic pollution may face political and logistical challenges, including opposition from stakeholders and the need for enforcement capacity.
International Cooperation: Achieving meaningful progress in combating plastic pollution requires cooperation and collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders, which can be challenging to achieve.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for addressing plastic pollution includes challenges, opportunities, and potential advancements. Here are some key aspects of the future outlook for combating plastic pollution:

Increased Awareness and Action: There is growing global awareness about the severity of plastic pollution and its impacts on the environment and human health. This heightened awareness drives increased action at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to international agreements.
Policy and Regulatory Changes: Governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution, including bans on single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility schemes, and incentives for recycling and waste reduction.
Technological Innovations: Technological advances, such as new materials, recycling technologies, and waste management systems, hold promise for more effectively addressing plastic pollution. Innovations such as biodegradable plastics, chemical recycling, and ocean cleanup technologies have the potential to reduce plastic waste significantly.
Shift Towards Circular Economy: There is a growing recognition of the need to move away from a linear economy, which involves consuming products and disposing of them, towards a circular economy that focuses on using resources more efficiently and reducing waste. This shift towards a circular economy model can help reduce plastic pollution by promoting reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency.
Consumer Behavior Change: Changing consumer attitudes and behaviors toward plastics, including reducing consumption, opting for reusable alternatives, and properly disposing of plastic waste, will be crucial for effectively addressing plastic pollution.
Industry Action: Businesses and industries increasingly recognize the importance of addressing plastic pollution and are taking steps to reduce their plastic footprint. These initiatives include redesigning packaging, investing in recycling infrastructure, and incorporating recycled materials into products.
International Collaboration: Addressing plastic pollution requires coordinated action at the global level, involving collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders. International agreements and partnerships, such as the Basel Convention and the Global Plastic Action Partnership, play a crucial role in driving collective action.
Research and Education: Continued research on the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, alongside public education and awareness initiatives, will be vital for shaping policy decisions, fostering innovation, and garnering public support for action.

Addressing plastic pollution is imperative for safeguarding the environment, wildlife, and human health. While the challenges are significant, there is growing momentum and action at global, national, and local levels to tackle this issue. By implementing a combination of strategies, including reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management systems, promoting recycling and innovation, and fostering behavior change, we can make meaningful progress in reducing plastic pollution. It will require cooperation and commitment from governments, industries, communities, and individuals to transition towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future. Together, we can strive towards a cleaner, healthier planet for both present and future generations.

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The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Conservation

Children Play among Plastic

While plastic pollution is a worldwide problem it is most obvious in less-wealthy African and Asian nations, like the Philippines. Here, children play among plastic waste on the shore of Manila Bay.

Photograph by Randy Olson

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also have trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations. How Did this Happen? Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II to the extent that life without plastics would be unimaginable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and lessening pollution —and saved lives with helmets, incubators , and equipment for clean drinking water. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: Today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used for mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastics by the Numbers Some key facts:

Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

How Plastics Move around the World Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream . Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. On Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre , a circular ocean current. Microplastics Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than half a centimer (one-fifth of an inch) across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench, the deepest trough . Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers (or the even smaller nanofibers), meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air. Harm to Wildlife Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics. Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings. Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation. Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death. Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to reproductive systems , prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations. Stemming the Plastic Tide Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel, a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society—say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

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Introduction

The problem of plastics

Plastic pollution in oceans and on land
Pollution by plastics additives
Solving the problem

What are the abiotic and biotic components of the biosphere?
What is pollution?
Does pollution cause climate change?
How can we reduce pollution?

Environmental problem of plastic rubbish pollution in ocean

plastic pollution

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National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Plastic Pollution: A Perspective on Matters Arising: Challenges and Opportunities
IUCN - The plastic pollution crisis
Table Of Contents

Recent News

plastic pollution , accumulation in the environment of synthetic plastic products to the point that they create problems for wildlife and their habitats as well as for human populations . In 1907 the invention of Bakelite brought about a revolution in materials by introducing truly synthetic plastic resins into world commerce. By the end of the 20th century, plastics had been found to be persistent polluters of many environmental niches , from Mount Everest to the bottom of the sea . Whether being mistaken for food by animals , flooding low-lying areas by clogging drainage systems, or simply causing significant aesthetic blight , plastics have attracted increasing attention as a large-scale pollutant .

Plastic is a polymeric material —that is, a material whose molecules are very large, often resembling long chains made up of a seemingly endless series of interconnected links. Natural polymers such as rubber and silk exist in abundance, but nature’s “plastics” have not been implicated in environmental pollution , because they do not persist in the environment . Today, however, the average consumer comes into daily contact with all kinds of plastic materials that have been developed specifically to defeat natural decay processes—materials derived mainly from petroleum that can be molded, cast, spun, or applied as a coating. Since synthetic plastics are largely nonbiodegradable , they tend to persist in natural environments . Moreover, many lightweight single-use plastic products and packaging materials, which account for approximately 50 percent of all plastics produced, are not deposited in containers for subsequent removal to landfills , recycling centres, or incinerators . Instead, they are improperly disposed of at or near the location where they end their usefulness to the consumer. Dropped on the ground, thrown out of a car window , heaped onto an already full trash bin, or inadvertently carried off by a gust of wind , they immediately begin to pollute the environment . Indeed, landscapes littered by plastic packaging have become common in many parts of the world. (Illegal dumping of plastic and overflowing of containment structures also play a role.) Studies from around the world have not shown any particular country or demographic group to be most responsible, though population centres generate the most litter. The causes and effects of plastic pollution are truly worldwide.

According to the trade association PlasticsEurope, worldwide plastic production grew from some 1.5 million metric tons (about 1.7 million short tons) per year in 1950 to an estimated 275 million metric tons (about 303 million short tons) by 2010 and 359 million metric tons (nearly 396 million short tons) by 2018; between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons (5.3 million and 14 million short tons) are discarded into the oceans annually by countries with ocean coastlines.

Compared with materials in common use in the first half of the 20th century, such as glass , paper , iron , and aluminum , plastics have a low recovery rate. That is, they are relatively inefficient to reuse as recycled scrap in the manufacturing process, because of significant processing difficulties such as a low melting point, which prevents contaminants from being driven off during heating and reprocessing. Most recycled plastics are subsidized below the cost of raw materials by various deposit schemes, or their recycling is simply mandated by government regulations. Recycling rates vary dramatically from country to country, and only northern European countries obtain rates greater than 50 percent. In any case, recycling does not really address plastic pollution, since recycled plastic is “properly” disposed of, whereas plastic pollution comes from improper disposal.

Children play on the shore of Manila Bay in the Philippines, which is polluted by plastic waste.

ENVIRONMENT

The world's plastic pollution crisis, explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Why was plastic invented?

Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II, so transforming the modern age that life without plastics would be unrecognizable today. In plastic, inventors found a light, durable material that can be used in everything from transportation to medicine.

Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and pollution—and saved lives with helmets, incubators, and equipment for clean drinking water.

The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Plastics by the numbers

Some key facts:

Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 20 years.
Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
Every year, about eight million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

How plastics move around the world

Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers , which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream. Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world.

On Henderson Island , an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre, a circular ocean current.

Microplastics—a new health threat

Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than one-fifth of an inch across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench , the deepest trough.

The world’s nations agree to fix the plastic waste crisis

How a dramatic win in plastic waste case may curb ocean pollution

The Haunting Art of Plastic Pollution

Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers, meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air.

It's no surprise then that scientists have found microplastics in people. The tiny particles are in our blood, lungs, and even in feces . Exactly how much microplastics might be harming human health is a question scientists are urgently trying to answer. ( Learn more. )

Harm to wildlife

Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics.

Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales , turtles, and other animals are strangled by abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings . Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation.

Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death .

Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to reproductive systems, prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations.

Stopping plastic pollution

Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel , a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover.

The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society —say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling , better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and a reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

We Made Plastic. We Depend on It. Now We’re Drowning in It.

In a first, microplastic particles have been linked to heart disease

One Stanley bottle helps the environment. But a whole collection?

‘Forever chemicals’ are hiding in your kitchen. Here’s where—and what you can do

We got rid of BPA in some products—but are the substitutes any safer?

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How Can We Reduce Plastic Pollution?

This article was reviewed by a member of Caltech's Faculty .

Plastic is incredibly useful in modern life, but its widespread use may impair human sustainability. The production and disposal of plastic generates greenhouse gases and hazardous waste. Plastic and the chemicals it emits are building up on land and in oceans, lakes, rivers, ice, and air, and the resulting damage to human and ecological health is currently poorly understood. Most plastic is not recyclable and the vast majority does not biodegrade. Further, plastic products often break down into very small fragments called microplastics that can pollute ecosystems and harm organisms.

Why Plastic Pollution Is a Problem

Plastic is everywhere, from bags and single-use bottles and packages to car parts, pipes, and siding. Likewise, plastic waste is ubiquitous . It has been found, for example, in Arctic sea ice , beer , farm soil , trout and other wild freshwater fish , shrimp and other shellfish , songbirds and seabirds , human placentas , the Great Pacific Garbage Patch , midoceanic atolls , sea caves , the air and rain , and national parks and wilderness areas . While the impact of plastic pollution on sea life is well documented, scientists are just beginning to measure plastic's effects on humans and human fertility , land ecosystems , and crops and other plants .

The United States alone generated 35.7 million tons of plastic waste in 2018. Of that, 27 million tons was landfilled, 5.6 million tons incinerated, and three million tons, or 8.7 percent may have been recycled. (Some reports suggest that plastic scrap shipped abroad for recycling may instead end up in landfills and waterways.)

Researchers estimate that nearly 7,000 million tons of virgin plastic have been manufactured around the world as of 2015. Of that, 9 percent may have been recycled, 12 percent has been incinerated, and the rest is in landfills, still in use, or in our environment. Globally, about one fourth of plastic waste is never collected . In less wealthy countries, waste plastic is sometimes burned in the open, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

What is plastic made of?

The main ingredients in plastic come from oil and natural gas processing . Different molecules are used to make different types of plastic, giving them distinctive properties and chemical structures. Manufacturers also mix in additives to give specific products their desired qualities. These chemicals, such as colorants, plasticizers, flame-retardants, stabilizers, fillers, reinforcing fibers, and biocides sometimes contain hazardous substances, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium compounds, as well as BPA .

Caltech chemists and their colleagues are designing molecules and nanoscale catalytic devices that may make it possible to produce plastic from chemicals derived from carbon dioxide rather than fossil fuels, with the goal of reducing the climate impact of plastic manufacturing .

What types of plastic can be recycled?

Many consumer plastic products are imprinted with triangular recyclable symbols . But only two kinds of plastic commonly end up recycled : #1, PET or polyethylene terephthalate, and #2, HDPE or high-density polyethylene, and within those, usually only bottles, tubs, and jugs (generally not, for example, salad containers, berry boxes, or clamshell packages). Together, these account for a small fraction of all plastic waste .

Plastics that are recyclable are typically downcycled rather than fully recycled. This means that they are turned into products of lesser value that often cannot be recycled again. When plastic waste is turned into a more valuable product, such as clothing or shoes, that is called upcycling.

Recycling results in a product of equivalent value that can be recycled multiple times. However, the number of times a plastic can be effectively recycled is currently limited.

Recycling Innovation

Chemical recycling is an emerging method that chemists are trying to develop. It would break plastics down into their basic, raw materials, sometimes through the use of customized enzymes , so that they can be remade and recycled an infinite number of times. Using similar approaches, polymers that are more difficult to recycle could potentially be turned into biodegradable compounds and used in cleaning products.

Because different types of plastics have varying properties, plastic products need to be sorted before they can be recycled. Some packaging, usually used to keep food fresh, cannot be sorted or recycled because it is made from layers of different types of plastic. Scientists are working on solvents that could separate multilayer packaging into its component polymers, which could then be used instead of new plastic. Others are making molecules that would allow multiple types of polymers to mix and still create viable recycled materials.

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Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Plastic Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction.

Plastic pollution is a global problem. It refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment, which negatively impacts wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Effects of plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution can be harmful to animals and humans. Animals often mistake plastic for food, which can lead to health problems. For humans, it can affect the quality of air, soil, and water.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

To reduce plastic pollution, we can recycle, reuse, and reduce our plastic use. We can also participate in clean-up activities and advocate for laws to limit plastic production and use.

250 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution, a critical environmental issue, is escalating at an alarming rate. It represents the excessive accumulation of plastic products in the environment, leading to adverse effects on wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

The Ubiquity of Plastic

The versatility, durability, and low cost of plastic have made it an integral part of our lives. However, these same properties contribute to its persistence in the environment. Single-use plastic items, in particular, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, are major culprits.

Environmental Impact

Plastic pollution has devastating effects on the environment. It chokes waterways, pollutes oceans, and harms wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic for food, causing starvation and death. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, pose a particularly insidious threat. They are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and ultimately being consumed by humans.

Human Health Risks

The health effects of plastic pollution on humans are increasingly becoming apparent. Chemicals leached from plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors. Moreover, microplastics in the food chain have potential implications for human health, although the full extent of these effects is still under investigation.

500 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution represents a significant environmental crisis in the contemporary world. It is a global issue that transcends national boundaries, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Despite growing awareness, plastic pollution continues to intensify due to our reliance on single-use plastic items and inadequate waste management systems.

The Scale of the Problem

Plastics, due to their durability and slow degradation rate, have become a persistent pollutant. Approximately 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and around 60% of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the natural environment. In the oceans alone, it is estimated that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris. The scale of the problem is daunting and poses a significant challenge to global environmental sustainability.

Impacts on Marine Life

Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. Sea creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This results in physical harm, starvation, and often death. Furthermore, plastic debris acts as a transport medium for invasive species and pathogens, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems.

Impacts on Human Health

The threat of plastic pollution extends to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, can enter the food chain and human bodies. These particles can carry toxic chemicals, which may accumulate over time and pose potential health risks. The full extent of these risks is not yet fully understood, underscoring the need for further research.

Addressing Plastic Pollution

Addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there is an urgent need to reduce plastic production and consumption. This can be achieved through policy measures such as bans on single-use plastics, and through promoting a culture of recycling and reuse.

Lastly, there is a need for more research to understand the full impacts of plastic pollution and to develop innovative solutions. This includes the development of biodegradable plastics and technologies to clean up plastic waste from the environment.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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The plastic pollution crisis

Plastics only began to be produced in large quantities following the second world war – but plastic pollution has since become one of the most serious threats humanity faces. By 2015, 60% of all plastic ever produced had become plastic waste, and in today’s world, plastic waste is ubiquitous – it’s in the air, in the soil, in freshwater, and in the sea.

Much of the world’s plastic waste – from large items down to barely visible microplastic particles – ends up in the ocean, where it can persist for hundreds of years. Here it has negative effects on marine life of all kinds, and ultimately causes harm to humans too. Up to 12 million tonnes of plastic debris is entering the global ocean every year: 2 the UN calls it ‘a planetary crisis’.

The highly populated, semi-enclosed Mediterranean basin is one of the global hotspots for marine plastic pollution. Urgent and wide-ranging action is required to radically reduce the amounts of plastic that reach the sea and bring the situation under control – but for this to happen, we need to build as full a picture as possible of what’s actually going on.

Where does ocean plastic come from?

Overall, 80% of marine plastic debris comes from land, and 20% is produced by ocean-based sources such as fishing, shipping and aquaculture. 3 Much of it is comprised of industrial and domestic waste from metropolitan and urban areas with poorly managed collection and disposal systems. Rubbish finds its way into rivers and other waterways, sometimes through storm drains and sewage outfalls, and these take it all the way to the sea. It’s estimated that 94% of the plastic pollution that enters the Mediterranean comes in the form of macroplastics, but microplastic pollution is significant too. Land-based sources of microplastics include agricultural polyethylene sheets that fragment from weathering, biosolids and sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, and grey water from washing clothes made with synthetic fibres. 4 Sewage entering municipal treatment systems is high in microfibres from textiles, microplastics from personal care products, and degraded consumer products.

Above view of mountains of plastic waste from the greenhouses in Andalusia

Between 80 and 90 percent of microplastics entering treatment systems remain in residual sewage sludge. This sludge is often used as fertilizer in agriculture, resulting in plastic being deposited on agricultural fields where it can remain for long periods of time – or be washed into the rivers and out to sea. Based on a recent study, microplastics can persist in soils for more than 100 years, due to low light and oxygen conditions 5 .

The plastics life cycle

Plastic pollution is a design, production, consumption and disposal challenge that must be tackled across plastic’s entire life cycle. Many factors contribute to the issue, most obviously unsustainable consumption patterns, non-existent or ineffective legislation, inefficient waste management systems, and a lack of coordination between different sectors.

The impacts of plastic pollution on biodiversity and human health

Plastic pollution has adverse impacts on ocean ecosystems, the integrity of food supplies, and people’s livelihoods.

Entanglement and ingestion are the most common hazards for marine species, almost all of which – from microscopic zooplankton to the largest marine mammals – will come into contact with plastic waste during their lives. Entanglement in plastic ropes, lines and discarded fishing gear injures and kills all kinds of marine animals; while ingestion at every stage of the food chain can cause fatalities or have major impacts on physiological functions including nutrition, growth, behaviour and reproduction.

Once microplastics and nanoplastics are ingested by marine animals they become part of the food web, and can ultimately enter the human food chain.

Confronting the issue: a harmonised methodology and a global agreement

Plastic leakage is a complex issue, involving multiple sources and actors, and addressing it requires stakeholders to join forces and intervene at various levels. Before this can happen, though, countries and cities face an initial knowledge gap: they need to establish the magnitude of the challenge they face, and gain an understanding of the processes involved. Resolution No. 6 on marine plastic litter and micro-plastics adopted at the Fourth Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) in 2019 highlighted the importance of a h armonised methodology to measure plastic flows and leakage along the value chain, and generate actionable data.

Once these facts are established, countries need practical and legislative tools to address the root sources of the problem. With this in mind, the Fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) created an expert group on marine litter and microplastics. The group is “reviewing the present situation and analysing the effectiveness of existing and potential response options related to marine plastic litter and microplastics”. It developed and signed “a new global agreement , to provide a legal framework of global response and to facilitate national responses especially for those countries with limited resources and capacities that could contain either legally binding and/or non-binding elements”.

The Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MEDPOL) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) for the Pollution and Litter and Noise clusters. MED POL supports the Contracting Parties in the formulation and implementation of pollution control and prevention policies as well as regulatory measures. MED POL also undertakes regular activities to promote capacity-building and provides technical assistance on monitoring and assessment, implementation and enforcement. Its purpose is to assist Mediterranean countries in the implementation of three major protocols of the Barcelona Convention:

The Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources
The Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft
The Protocol on the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

The Mediterranean: plastic pollution hotspot

The Mediterranean Sea is a global hotspot for plastic pollution, its semi-enclosed basin concentrating marine litter at levels comparable to those found in the five subtropical gyres 7 ,the most notorious being the ‘Great Garbage Patch’ of the North Pacific.

The need for knowledge: PlastiMed project

In order to improve knowledge of the origins, distribution and leakage of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, a quantitative study on the impact of microplastics in the Mediterranean ecosystem was conducted. The research was based on samples collected during two main expeditions, ExpeditionMED and Tara Méditerranée 2014 . In the latter, 75,000 microplastic particles were collected and analysed, making it the largest study of this kind in the Mediterranean to date. Following the expeditions, a database of Mediterranean plastic polymer types, including their geographical distribution, was completed, and a modelling study of the circulation of plastic debris in the Mediterranean was developed.

The recent IUCN report Mare Plasticum : The Mediterranean provides information about the quantity of plastics leaking into the Mediterranean Sea every year, also highlighting the countries and cities with the highest plastic leakage rates. This map is a combination of both studies, merging information gathered through fieldwork and desk-based analysis.

Taking action

The Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed) initiative was launched in 2019 to develop and support a network of stakeholders committed to implementing concrete solutions for the prevention of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean. By raising awareness of the issue, bringing together companies and organisations who can contribute to the project’s aims, and spreading best practices in the field, BeMed is an important umbrella for much of the work going on in the Mediterranean today.

In 2019, IUCN-Med launched the Plastic Waste-Free Islands Mediterranean project, as part of its global Close the Plastic Tap programme. The initiative’s overarching goal is to drive the circular economy agenda forward and to reduce plastic waste generation and leakage from islands. The programme of work focuses on tackling plastic pollution at its source by engaging a wide range of stakeholders – including governments, industries and society – and on addressing plastic pollution knowledge gaps.

Surfrider Europe has been advocating for enhanced environmental policies to tackle plastic pollution and raising awareness among citizens to change their behaviour.

Tara Foundation conducted a 2019 expedition along nine major European rivers to research the origins and flux of microplastic waste, using its scientific expertise to raise awareness and educate the general public, as well as mobilise political decision-makers at the highest level.

In 2017, Région Sud (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) established the Zero Plastic Waste Pledge to enable local authorities, companies and associations to commit to reducing plastic waste at sea and on land. Région Sud and the IUCN signed a joint declaration at the World Conservation Congress, reflecting strong engagement and the beginning of coordinated action against plastic pollution.

Co-developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the IUCN, the National Guidance on Plastic Pollution Hotspotting and Shaping Action contributes to filling gaps in knowledge. It provides a methodological framework and practical tools applicable at national level. Beyond the quantification and qualification of plastic pollution, the guidance offers an effective interface between science-based assessments and policy-making. The guidance maps plastic leakage and its impacts across the value chain by collecting and analysing data on plastic production, consumption, waste management and disposal, and prioritises hotspots for action. It enables governments to collaborate with key stakeholders to identify and implement corresponding interventions and instruments in these hotspots, ensuring that action takes place in the areas that need it most. Once decision-makers are equipped with reliable knowledge through use of the guidance, they can set targets, agree and implement actions, and monitor progress.

Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science advances , 3 (7), e1700782. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700782
Boucher, J., & Friot, D. (2017). Primary microplastics in the oceans: a global evaluation of sources (Vol. 43). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 43pp.
Mendenhall, E. (2018). Oceans of plastic: a research agenda to propel policy development. Marine Policy, 96 , 291-298. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2018.05.005
Horton, A. A., Walton, A., Spurgeon, D. J., Lahive, E., & Svendsen, C. (2017). Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities. Science of the total environment , 586 , 127-141. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.190
Azoulay, D., Villa, P., Arellano, Y., Gordon, M. F., Moon, D., Miller, K. A., & Thompson, K. (2019). Plastic & health: the hidden costs of a plastic planet . Geneva: CIEL;
Peng, L., Fu, D., Qi, H., Lan, C. Q., Yu, H., & Ge, C. (2020). Micro-and nano-plastics in marine environment: Source, distribution and threats—A review. Science of the Total Environment , 69 8. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134254
Cózar, A., Sanz-Martín, M., Martí, E., González-Gordillo, J. I., Ubeda, B., Gálvez, J. Á., ... & Duarte, C. M. (2015). Plastic accumulation in the Mediterranean Sea. PloS one , 10 (4). DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0121762
Kedzierski, M., Palazot, M., Soccalingame, L., Falcou-Préfol, M., Gorsky, G., Galgani, F., ... & Pedrotti, M. L. (2022). Chemical composition of microplastics floating on the surface of the Mediterranean Sea. Marine pollution bulletin , 174 , 113284. DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113284
Pedrotti Maria Luiza, Lomard Fabien, Baudena Alberto, Galgani François, Kedzierski Mikaël, Elineau Amanda, Henry Maryvonne, Bruzeau Stéphane, Reverdin Gilles, Boss Emmanuel, & Gorsky Gabriel. (2021). Tara Mediterranean surface plastic quantitative dataset [Data set]. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5538238 .
Boucher, J., Billard, G., Simeone, E. and Sousa, J. (2020). The marine plastic footprint. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. viii+69 pp.
Boucher, J. & Bilard, G. (2020). The Mediterranean: Mare plasticum. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. x+62 pp.

Acknowledgements

This web story has been edited by IUCN Med and its partners, with financial support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation .

Produced and designed by Swim2Birds & IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation.

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Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Updated on
Feb 12, 2024

Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Plastic is everywhere. From our clean bedrooms to large ocean bodies, our life is surrounded by plastic. Did you know that the world annually produces around 35 crore tonnes of plastic waste?

In the modern world, plastic has become one of the major sources of pollution. Plastic is a non-biodegradable component, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Most of the used plastic ends up in landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the soil and water. The burning of plastic causes air pollution, as it releases volatile organic compounds.

Essay on beat plastic pollution is one of the most common essay topics assigned to school and college students. An essay on beat plastic pollution must cover the causes of plastic pollution, its consequences, and mitigation strategies. Below, we have provided all the details to add to an essay on beating plastic pollution.

Table of Contents

1 What is Plastic Pollution?
2.1 1. Single Use Plastic
2.2 2. Lack of Recycling Infrastructure
2.3 3. Improper Disposal
2.4 5. Overconsumption of Plastic Products
2.5 6. Inadequate Regulations
3.1 1. Water Pollution
3.2 2. Soil Contamination
3.3 3. Harm to Wildlife
3.4 4. Microplastic Contamination
3.5 5. Disruption of Ecosystem
3.6 6. Risk to Human Health
4 How to Beat Plastic Pollution?

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

What is Plastic Pollution?

The accumulation of plastic substances and objects in our natural environment, like waterbodies, soil, etc. is known as plastic pollution. This pollution hurts the natural environment, our resources, and even on animals around us. According to a UN report, more than 100 million marine animals die every year due to plastic waste alone. Some of the common plastic wastes are cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, etc.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Several causes can be cited as reasons for plastic pollution. It is our improper disposal and management of plastic materials that causes plastic pollution. Plastic is often called ‘unnatural’ as it is created by humans and negatively affects the environment. Plastic is cheap and its elements are in abundance.

1. Single Use Plastic

It is the major cause of plastic pollution. Most of the plastic produced is used only once. Hence, named single-use plastic. The billions of plastic bags, bottles, food packaging and trays produced end up in landfills and water bodies. Even if we try our best to stop this single-use plastic, it will still end up in the same place.

2. Lack of Recycling Infrastructure

In developing and underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of plastic recycling infrastructure, which threatens the environment. These countries lack the necessary infrastructure for plastic waste disposal, which results in landfills and water pollution.

3. Improper Disposal

Improper disposal of plastic waste affects our food chain. Inadequate waste management and improper disposal of plastic items are major contributors to plastic pollution. Littering, dumping plastics in landfills, and improper disposal practices can result in plastic entering water bodies, soil, and the air.

5. Overconsumption of Plastic Products

Since its invention, plastic demand has always reached a new peak, driven by factors like population growth and consumer preferences, leading to higher production and disposal of plastics. This contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste in various ecosystems.

6. Inadequate Regulations

Not everybody considers plastic a threat to the environment. That’s why, there are weak or insufficient regulations on the production, use, and disposal of plastic products. Lack of enforcement and oversight allows for improper disposal and management practices.

Consequences of Plastic Pollution

Our environment is not the only victim of plastic pollution. Our ecosystems, wildlife and our health are also affected by plastic waste. Plastic chokes marine wildlife, killing millions of marine animals every year. Plastic production is energy-intensive as the machines used require a significant amount of energy.

1. Water Pollution

Every year, around 14 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine environment and animals. The accumulation of plastic waste in water bodies can have long-term ecological consequences.

2. Soil Contamination

Improper disposal of plastic waste results in soil contamination. Plastics release harmful chemicals as they break down, affecting soil quality and potentially harming plants, animals, and microorganisms.

3. Harm to Wildlife

Domestic animals are often fed food entangled in plastic items. In India, a large number of cows and buffalos die as most people often have their food wrapped in plastic bags. The ingestion of plastic can lead to internal injuries, blockages, malnutrition, and death. Marine animals, in particular, are at risk as they can easily ingest or become entangled in plastic debris.

4. Microplastic Contamination

Although plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, the larger plastic items break down into smaller particles called microplastics. Microplastics can contaminate water bodies, soil, and air, posing risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They can also enter the food chain, potentially affecting human health.

5. Disruption of Ecosystem

Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and their interactions. The presence of plastic debris in natural habitats can lead to changes in biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem function.

6. Risk to Human Health

Microplastics and the chemicals associated with plastics can enter the human food chain, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food items.

How to Beat Plastic Pollution?

Remember the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle strategy? Here’s a little different approach introduced by the United Nations Environment Protocol (UNEP): Reuse, Recycle, and Reorient. Through this approach, the UNEP has planned to reduce plastic waste by 80% in the next two decades.

We as plastic producers and consumers must take environmentally friendly actions and effectively implement this approach in our daily lives.

Firstly, we must eliminate unnecessary plastic, such as plastic packaging, reusing refillable water bottles, and every single-use plastic item.
Reducing plastic production will be the next step. We must advocate and support policies that regulate the plastic production, use, and disposal of plastics. Encouraging local representatives can greatly reduce overall plastic production and promote anti-plastic pollution measures
Promoting and implementing recycling programs and guidelines will help reduce the overall production of plastic waste. It can be done by practising the separation of recyclables from non-recyclables and ensuring their proper disposal.
Identification of which plastic item is useful and which is not must be done. Recycling is a great way to beat plastic pollution, but it alone cannot achieve the desired goals.
Avoiding microplastics can help in combating plastic pollution. We must choose personal care products that do not contain microbeads. The plastic clothes are made of synthetic fabrics, which shed microfibers during washing.

To eliminate plastic pollution, we must unite as one and take immediate action. We only have one home and we must do everything in our power to save it from such harmful events.

Ans: The accumulation of plastic substances and objects in our natural environment, like waterbodies, soil, etc. is known as plastic pollution. This pollution hurts the natural environment, our resources, and even on animals around us.

Ans: Plastic is everywhere. From our clean bedrooms to large ocean bodies, our life is surrounded by plastic. Did you know that the world annually produces around 35 crore tonnes of plastic waste? In the modern world, plastic has become one of the major sources of pollution. Plastic is a non-biodegradable component, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Most of the used plastic ends up in landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the soil and water. The burning of plastic causes air pollution, as it releases volatile organic compounds.

Ans: Improper disposal of plastic waste results in soil contamination. Every year, around 14 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine environment and animals. In developing and underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of plastic recycling infrastructure, which threatens the environment. Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and their interactions. Microplastics and the chemicals associated with plastics can enter the human food chain, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food items.

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Plastic Pollution Essay

Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste makes its way from our homes and offices to landfills and bodies of water, causing contamination. For the sake of health and the environment, it is important to properly dispose of such plastic waste and to reduce its widespread use. Here we have provided both a Long and Short essay on plastic pollution for students of Class 1 to 12.

Students can refer to these plastic pollution essays in English to gain some insights on the topic as well as a reference for writing their essays.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is becoming more of a global problem. Governments, foundations, and some social media organizations are all attempting to raise awareness about this issue. Plastic goods are commonly used in industry because they are more effective and less costly than other materials.

Plastic, on the other hand, triggers a slew of environmental issues. Plastic pollution has several negative effects on our climate, but the three most important are ocean pollution, land pollution, and food pollution.

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on the oceans, and it's getting worse every year. Some governments are imposing strict regulations to discourage the use of plastic goods so that people are aware of the effect of plastic waste on the environment. As a result, action must be taken to address this issue before it is too late.

Plastics come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are commonly used in our everyday lives. Today, it's difficult to find a substance that isn't made of plastic. Thermosets, also known as thermoplastics, are used in several products.

The following are a few examples of plastic objects that people typically use in their daily lives:

PET fabric and polyester condensers.

Plastic tapes–fabrics, garments, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings, tarpaulins, etc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–used in water bottles, tubes, detergent bottles, food trays in microwaves.

PET fabric and polyester condensers, LCDs, and plastic tapes–fabrics, clothes, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings have frequently broken FAQor or wall corsets made of polyvinyl chloride, automobile instrument boards, electrical wiring sheaths, games, syringes, cloth covers, window frames, and other high-density polyethene building materials Plastic bags, trash bags, prescription bottles, empty food containers, bottles, and milk bottle liners are all examples of items that can be recycled.

While it might seem that addressing chemical waste issues is as simple as recycling or washing empty bottles, the reality is that polluting plastic can vary in size from large to small.

Even if you don't want it on those products, plastic is all around us. Milk boxes are stuffed with cardboard, water bottles are strewn around, and some items can also contain small plastic pieces. Chemical pollutants are more likely to enter the environment and cause harm each time one of these items is discarded or swept away.

Plastic is one of the many widely available but overused items in today's world due to its low cost. When burned in the open, this does not decompose quickly and pollutes the underlying soil or groundwater.

Commercial fisheries are an unavoidable requirement in many parts of the world, but many people consume fish daily. Nonetheless, this industry has culminated in a variety of solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. Plastic is often used in the nets used by certain large-scale troll operations. Second, they spend a lot of time submerged in water, where they can freely release contaminants, but they are frequently dissolved or killed, leaving them to live wherever they land. It not only destroys and threatens native animals, but it also allows chemicals to swim away and contaminate nearby fish.

The majority of the items are made of plastic, but most of the materials are not biodegradable, making disposal difficult. There were no natural methods in place to recycle non-biodegradable plastics. It cannot be recycled or left to starve in the manner in which traditional waste is discarded or spilt.

Also, reuse does not reduce steel use because it recycles existing plastics in a new shape. In a variety of ways, the method of paper recycling can result in the release of plastic allergens.

Short Plastic Pollution Essay in English

Plastic waste has long-term social, economic, and ecotoxicological effects. Entanglement, swallowing, and starvation are some of the physical effects on sea life. Chemical influence: the accumulation of residual chemical contaminants like PCBs and DDT.

It's easy to see how this amount of oil, which isn't meant to penetrate, can harm the environment over time, causing long-term problems for plants, animals, and humans. The following are a few of the major long-term consequences of pollution:

Upsets the Flow of Food - Polluting materials, which come in smaller and larger dimensions, impact even the tiniest species on the earth, such as plankton. When these species become contaminated as a result of plastic ingestion, it poses a threat to larger animals that depend on them for food. Any move further along the food supply chain can cause a slew of problems. Furthermore, it means that plastic is present in the fish that so many people consume daily.

Groundwater Pollution - Chemicals are released into the soil and leak into groundwater, resulting in groundwater pollution (also known as groundwater contamination). Such a type of water pollution may also occur naturally as a result of the presence of a minor and undesirable component, contaminant, or impurity in underground water, in which case it is more likely to be referred to as waste rather than pollution. Plastics are responsible for almost all the waste and pollution that pollutes the world's oceans. It will have devastating effects for a variety of marine animals, with repercussions for those that consume fish or other sea life for food, such as humans.

Land Pollution - Once dumped in landfills, the plastic reacts with water or forms toxic chemicals. If these pollutants flow deep into the water, they degrade its efficiency. The stench wafts through the litter and transports waste from one place to the next. They can also become entrapped in posts, traffic lights, trees, walls, houses, and other structures, as well as predators that may arrive in the area and suffocate to death.

Air Pollution - Air pollution appears to be a mix of solid particles and gases in the atmosphere. Pollutants from automobiles, plants, smoke, pollen, and mould spores can all be stored as particulate matter. Ozone is a chemical that contributes significantly to urban air pollution. Smog is the term for when ozone causes air pollution. Some of the toxins in the air are poisonous.

Plastic trash disposal that isn't done properly would have a huge environmental effect. To ensure that the environment remains free of plastic waste, waste disposal using green technologies and proper waste management must be strictly controlled. The preservation of the environment from rising plastic contamination is the responsibility of every human being.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastic can be found in everything from milk cartons to water bottles. Plastics are inexpensive, simple to manufacture, and extremely durable. Toxic contaminants have a greater probability of infiltrating the environment and causing harm every time one of these plastic objects is disposed of or rinsed down the drain.

It is one of the most commonly available and overused items in the world today because it is less expensive. Demand for low-cost plastics is increasing because of rising urbanization and population increase.

Because they're so inexpensive, they're also easily discarded. When burned in the open air, it does not degrade quickly and pollutes the ground and air nearby.

Waste is frequently carried by the winds. Plastic, because it is lightweight, is carried away by gentle winds and washed into sewers, rivers, streams and, eventually, the oceans. Natural disasters, such as floods, should also be taken into account as sources of plastic pollution.

Commercial fishing is a necessary economic industry in many regions of the world, but it has contributed to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans in several ways. Plastic nets are commonly utilized in certain large-scale fishing activities. They are frequently broken apart or misplaced and can rot wherever they fall. Marine animals become entangled in nets and/or ingest the poisonous particles.

FAQs on Plastic Pollution Essay

1. What do we Mean by Plastic Pollution?

Plastic Pollution occurs when synthetic plastic goods accumulate in the atmosphere to the point that they pose a threat to wildlife and their ecosystems, as well as human populations.

2. What are the Ways in Which we can Avoid/Control Plastic Pollution?

The reality is that the only way to fix this problem is for people and businesses all over the world to agree to and enforce pollution-reduction policies. The best plastic pollution solutions to control and avoid it are listed below.

Shop Friendly - Plastic bags have become a daily convenience, but they can be easily replaced with plastic bags, some of which are elegantly structured and lightweight. Simply add up how many things you typically carry out of a store and divide by the number of times you shop there. It's a substantial sum of money! Take a bag and, if you have any, just use plastic bags as much as you can.

Get Rid of Bottled Water - Drinking plenty of water is recommended every day, and giant water bottles are becoming a popular way to stay hydrated during the day. Furthermore, some of these are only licenced for individual use, meaning that any full container will end up in the trash. Several companies are now selling recycled water bottles as a substitute, reducing plastic waste and the availability of leaky bottles.

Reduce the Usage of To-go Containers - You'd be amazed to hear how much plastic is used in the manufacture and storage of food containers. Though the cafe's drink cup is documented and usually wrapped in acrylic for padding (for either a cup of coffee or a piece of cardboard to see what's going on). Plastic food plates, lids, and cookware can all be quickly replaced with recycled materials, resulting in a substantial reduction in waste from only one meal.

3. Why is plastic pollution on the rise?

The accumulation of plastic in the environment causes plastic pollution. Primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, are classified as primary, whereas secondary plastics, which emerge from the decomposition of primary plastics, are classified as secondary. Its world production is increasing at an exponential rate. Plastic pollution is on the rise because of people's persistent need to use plastic. Its outstanding features, including simplicity of shape, low cost, and mechanical resistance, all contribute to its success. It is both inexpensive and readily available. Furthermore, plastic does not decompose in the soil or water; it persists for over a century, contributing to an increase in plastic pollution. Plastic is practically everywhere because it is the suitable material for packaging. Natural disasters, such as floods, should be considered plastic pollution sources.

4. How does plastic pollution affect the environment?

Plastic pollution has a range of effects on the environment. Plastic stays in the ecosystem for a long time, causing a hazard to wildlife and spreading pollutants. Plastic also majorly contributes to global warming. Almost all plastics are made from chemicals used in the manufacturing of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. To begin with, it pollutes our water. So, there is a scarcity of clean water and everyone's needs for clean water can’t be fulfilled. It is also eroding our soils and fields. Disease-carrying insects are accumulating in plastic landfills, and soil fertility is worsening. Plastics are also released into the atmosphere when they are burned in incinerators, releasing greenhouse gases and hazardous air pollution. Plastic has an impact on all organisms in the food chain, from microscopic plankton to whales.

5. Where can I get a collection of long and short essays for my school?

Vedantu has a good collection of long and short essays to help students from Class 1 – 12. Vedantu's online educational platform will provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. You will be able to chat with some of the instructors with adequate expertise to coach you for school exams, competitive exams, and so on through our live interactive teaching sessions. In addition to coaching classes, we provide revision notes for grades 6 to 12. You can also easily download them and access them as per your convenience. Students who are looking for good quality study material, can download that from Vedantu website in PDF format with no extra cost. You can also get more resources for free by downloading the Vedantu app.

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What is plastic pollution?

How plastics damage our lives and the environment—and why recycling is not the answer..

Plastics: we can't live without them, or so it seems.

While using plastics in some cases may be unavoidable, we can take steps to reduce our constant consumption and discarding of the chemical-laced material.

The U.S. produces 234 pounds of plastic waste per person per year, and hardly any of it is recycled.

Here's a comprehensive introduction to plastic waste and plastic pollution, how we got here, and what we can do about it.

How does plastic cause pollution?

An excavator pushes through a landfill. About 79% of plastic is ending up in landfills or as litter in our environment. (Credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels)

Plastics are an untamed and unmanaged beast:

More than 1 million plastic bags are used every minute , with an average "working life" of only 15 minutes
500 billion plastic bags are used annually—and that's just plastic bags.
Of all plastics the world has produced, only 9% of the nine billion tons has been recycled —most ends up in landfills, dumps, or in the environment.
The ocean is expected to contain 1 ton of plastic for every 3 tons of fish by 2025 and, by 2050, more plastics than fish (by weight).
Studies suggest that the total economic damage to the world's marine ecosystem caused by plastic amounts to at least $13 billion every year.
If current consumption habits continue, we're on pace to have discarded 12 billion tons of plastic waste into landfills and our environment by 2050.

Why is plastic a problem?

Two marketing strategies employed by the plastics industry have successfully propelled plastic to regular household use:

Promoting throwaway culture
Creating eco-campaigns that shift blame to the individual.

These strategies, along with the lack of legislation preventing mass consumption, have caused single-use plastics to flourish.

What is throwaway culture?

Food in disposable plastic packaging is a common sight in grocery stores.

Throwaway culture is a modern phenomenon that was slowly impressed upon the consumer after the Great Depression and war-era years of frugality. Through advertisement, the plastics industry had to convince the public that single-use plastics were possible, acceptable, and even necessary.

Today it's hard to imagine a world without single-use plastics: our "to-go," "hustle," and "convenience" cultures have adopted and even celebrated the ease of disposables.

In 2013, the plastics industry put 78 million tons of plastic packaging on the market, with a total value of $260 billion.
95% of that plastic packaging's material value, or $80 billion to $120 billion annually, is lost to the economy after a short first use—but the ease and low cost of churning out more disposables prevents the effort to maintain that value after it's sold.

In detail: This captivating article by Rebecca Altman highlights the lobbying efforts that led to the eternal existence of the plastic bag. "If the plastics industry wants to drive sales ... it must teach customers how to waste."

How do eco-campaigns encourage plastic pollution?

The recycle symbol—a sign of environmental activism—also encourages consumption. (Credit: ready made/pexels)

The recycling logo—one of the most recognizable images of the environmental movement—was created in a contest held by a plastics company.

It's an icon that persuades consumers we can continue to consume products and materials, because the cycle will create an ecological balance between production and consumption that mitigates the environmental impact.

Failure to recycle is placed on the individual consumer, not on the manufacturer—even though many common plastics can't be recycled, and the fact that 91% of plastic not being recycled suggests a systematic failure.

Stat: For all its campaigns, the United States recycles less than 10% of its plastics.

Campaigns such as "Keep America Beautiful" were also funded by companies that produce plastic waste, such as Coca-Cola and Dixie Cup.

The message suggests individual responsibility to keep litter out of our environment, and invokes individual guilt and shame for the pollution that is there.

Again, it effectively shifts blame from corporations mass-producing pollutants, the root cause of the issue.

Are there laws against plastic pollution?

Plastic shopping bags are one of the greatest contributors to plastic waste. (Credit: Peteruetz/Wikipedia)

Another reason plastic waste and pollution has amassed so quickly is the lack of legislation regulating plastics. As of May 2020, there are currently no federal laws restricting single-use plastics, the single highest contributor to plastic waste.

Congress could work to shape federal policy by modeling legislation after existing local and state laws passed to tackle the plastics problem.

For example, in 2015, Congress passed a federal act banning plastic microbeads in health and beauty products after several states did the same.

Today, however, the plastics problem remains unregulated and continuously building. The recent coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a ban on reusable bags in grocery and retail stores, prompting greater usage of single-use plastic bags that activists have worked so hard to discourage.

In detail: Focusing on BPA , this article from our founder Pete Myers discusses why chemical regulation, thought to stifle innovation, is key to reversing today's epidemic of chronic diseases.

About plastics

Plastic was first invented in 1862 as a substitute for ivory.

During World War II, plastics gained popularity as military resources. After the war ended, the plastics industry began marketing to consumers: in the 1950s, polyester and polypropylene were introduced into consumer products, and plastics took off from there.

In detail: This article from the Science History Institute covers the rise of the plastic empire, from origins to looking into the future.

A variety of chemical building blocks are used to construct plastics; the resulting wide range of unique properties is what makes plastic so versatile.

However, its benefits were quickly discovered and mass-produced without concern for the detriments:

Plastic doesn't biodegrade, instead, it breaks into smaller and smaller fragments of plastic—known as microplastics— that are much more difficult to remove from the ocean and appear in our drinking water, food, and air.
The very same chemicals that make plastic so useful can also release toxics into your food, body, and overall lifestyle.

In detail: Our year-long investigation into the common plastic additive BPA reveals dangerous neglect by the federal government to protect our health.

How does plastic pollution affect humans?

Many chemicals found in plastics can have adverse effects on human health, including increased risk of infertility.

Exposure to microplastics, as well as the chemicals added to plastics during processing, harm our health.

Stat: Microplastics have been found in 90% of bottled water and 83% of tap water .

Many chemicals used in plastics are known endocrine disruptors, causing reproductive issues such as infertility, hormonal imbalances, and greater risk of cancer.

For example, the phthalate DEHP, added to plastic goods to make them more flexible (garden hoses, shower curtains, medical equipment, etc) is a probable human carcinogen.

In detail: This article by Pete Myers demonstrates the issues (read: toxics) that can arise with recycling plastics into food packaging.

How does plastic waste affect the environment?

Plastic pollution that has washed up on the shores of Ghana. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Plastic causes an overabundance of problems when discarded into our environment.

Plastic bags block waterways and clog sewers, providing breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes that in turn proliferate the risk of diseases such as malaria.
In poorer countries, plastic waste is burned as heat for cooking, exposing people to toxic emissions and contributing to poor air quality.
Floating plastic debris serves as a vehicle for alien species to hitchhike to unfamiliar parts of the world, becoming invasive species and threatening biodiversity.

Plastics are also one of the main end products of fracking—a practice linked to water and air contamination. Fossil fuels are used to make plastic, so as the demand for plastics increases, it supports the natural gas and oil industry.

In detail: This piece published for World Environment Day visually demonstrates just how much plastic ends up in our waterways, and this story from Jessica Knoblauch emphasizes the environmental toll of plastics .

How is plastic killing animals?

Seabirds using plastic waste to build nests. It's estimated that 99% of seabirds will have ingested plastic waste by 2050. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Many marine species, such as turtles and dolphins, mistake plastic fragments for food. Ingesting plastic is often fatal to animals—too much plastic blocks their digestive tracts, causing them to starve.

Stat: Plastic fragments have been found in 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species .

Styrofoam products, containing possible carcinogens such as benzene and styrene, are highly toxic when ingested and can damage animals' lungs, nervous systems, and reproductive organs.

Chemicals ingested by these animals can make their way up the food chain onto our dinner plates.

Where we’re at with plastic pollution

Global plastic bag bans, July 2019. Source: UNEP

The tide of plastic waste has yet to be stemmed. However, attention given to the issue has dramatically increased in recent years. Countries across the world have taken steps to ban single-use plastics and ramp up access to recycling.

In detail: This article by Stephen Buranyi for The Guardian looks at "the worldwide revolt against plastic" - and whether "our rage" will be enough to make a difference.

We're getting there. In Sweden, only 4% of household waste ends up in landfills—the rest is either recycled or used as fuel in waste-to-power energy plants.

The success in Sweden has led to waste-to-energy initiatives in four other European countries. Kenya's strict plastic bag ban has led to so much success that other east African nations are considering following suit.

The EU approved a single-use plastic ban, and countries such as Canada and Peru have plans in place as well. Eight U.S. states have plastic bag bans , with additional major cities following suit.

Progress is being made. However, change at the corporate level is of the utmost importance for large-scale effects.

In detail: Look into the future of plastic and plastic waste with our founder and Chief Scientist, Pete Myers.

How can plastic pollution be reduced?

If this matters to you, say something. Contact your local government, pressure your representatives , find others in your community that also care.

To be clear, change doesn't have to start with federal legislation: it can begin in your home and in your consumption habits.

Forgo plastic in favor of glass and metal alternatives, from water bottles to food storage containers.
Use a reusable water bottle and avoid sending 167 plastic bottles per year to the landfill.
Using plastic wrap? Switch to tinfoil or beeswax wraps.
Plastic sponges are inefficient and get destroyed easily. Instead, use a bristle brush or steel wool.
There are so many other plastic alternatives out there—growing consumer demand is changing the market. Do your research and make the change for your health, your wallet, and the environment.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for our free Plastic Pollution weekly newsletter, sponsored by Plastic Pollution Coalition , for the most up-to-date information about plastics.

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12 July 2023

Plastic waste is everywhere — and countries must be held accountable for reducing it

You have full access to this article via your institution.

A gull picks up a piece of trash that washed up along the bank of the San Gabriel River, Pacific ocean.

Plastic waste is damaging ecosystems around the world. Credit: Mark Rightmire/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty

Globally, some 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced each year 1 . Plastics have infiltrated some of the planet’s most remote and pristine areas, as two papers published in Nature show to dramatic effect 2 , 3 .

Veronica Nava and her colleagues systematically assess the extent of plastic contamination in diverse freshwater lakes and reservoirs across 23 countries , and find them to be widely contaminated with plastic 2 . Meanwhile, Hudson Pinheiro and his colleagues show that larger pieces of plastic litter, known as macroplastics, represent the largest share of anthropogenic debris found in shallow and deep coral reefs at 25 locations across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian ocean basins. Even the deeper reefs, lying at depths of 30–150 metres, were found to be polluted; until now, the impact of plastics on these reefs has been little studied 3 .

Both studies will be important to talks, now under way at the United Nations, on a treaty to eliminate plastic pollution. This is an ambitious goal that will require a radical rethink of plastics production, recycling, remediation and disposal. Experience gained from decades of UN environmental treaties shows that trusted and effective measurement and compliance mechanisms are as important as the agreements themselves. So far, however, the negotiations do not include a specific plan to hold countries accountable for the pledges and promises they make on behalf of their plastics producers, exporters and recyclers. It is clear that this must change — and fast.

Multi-level problem

The research published this week highlights the multi-level problem that negotiators face. Pinheiro and his colleagues found debris in 77 of the 84 coral reef sites they surveyed globally. Larger pieces of debris, bigger than 5 centimetres across — mainly discarded or broken fishing equipment — were more prevalent in deeper reefs. This highlights complex trade-offs that treaty negotiators will have to grapple with to deliver a comprehensive solution to the plastics problem. Simply banning plastic nets and other fishing gear could harm livelihoods. Subsidies or incentives might be needed to enable communities that rely on fishing to switch from using gear that causes damage to deep reefs.

Large-scale collaborations uncover global extent of plastic pollution

The study by Nava and her colleagues highlights another facet of any meaningful treaty: getting measurements right. Countries will need to discuss and agree a standard or system for how they measure plastic pollution. Nava et al. developed a protocol for categorizing and measuring plastic pollution in freshwater samples and applied it to samples collected at the surface of 38 lakes and reservoirs, most of them in the Northern Hemisphere. The authors also collected data on the size of the population near each lake, the lake’s depth and how much of the land supplying inflow water is urban. Plastics in the samples were classified by shape, colour and size, and a subset were analysed using spectroscopic methods to identify the chemical composition of their polymers. This and other knowledge needs to feed into treaty talks.

The plastics treaty is on a supercharged schedule. Talks began in March 2022 and are due to conclude with a final text in 2024. If that happens, countries are expected to incorporate the treaty into national laws in 2025.

Environmental treaties often take between 5 and 15 years to complete, and accelerating the process could compel nations to focus on the essentials. However, at the most recent negotiating session, which concluded last month in Paris, countries spent most of the week discussing (and struggling to agree on) how they would make decisions. To adhere to the rapid timetable, subsequent sessions will need to get down to detail more quickly. But a downside of a fast-track approach is that there is less time for researchers and campaigners to influence the process.

Protecting the ocean requires better progress metrics

The talks are being organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), based in Nairobi. It is inviting observers, including researchers, to make written submissions by 15 August, ahead of the publication of the treaty’s first draft text, or ‘zero draft’. Researchers should take this opportunity to urge negotiators to establish an expert group on measurement and compliance as part of the talks.

UNEP told Nature that there is no dedicated expert group looking at measurement or accountability. However, a representative said that negotiators will “consider how other multilateral agreements provide for monitoring and suggest best practice”. Studying how other agreements manage monitoring is important, but monitoring is not the same thing as compliance. There is a risk that, in a rush to meet the timetable, negotiators will settle for a treaty that demands little or nothing in the way of compliance.

For the treaty negotiations to be successful, countries must commit to being held accountable. Not having a group within the negotiations charged with ensuring measurement and compliance could be a costly error. The time between now and the next session, due to be held in Nairobi in November, offers a valuable and urgent opportunity for researchers to get their voices heard — so that we can finally start to reduce the stark toll of plastic pollution on the global environment.

Nature 619 , 222 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02252-x

Lampitt, R. S. et al. Nature Commun. 14 , 2849 (2023).

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Nava, V. et al. Nature 619 , 317–322 (2023).

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Pinheiro, H. T. et al. Nature 619 , 311–316 (2023).

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Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction

Significance of the Issue

Types of Plastic Pollution

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Human Health Implications

Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

Future Outlook

The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

Children Play among Plastic

Media Credits

Production Managers

User Permissions

Interactives

Related Resources

The problem of plastics

plastic pollution

Recent News

The world's plastic pollution crisis, explained

Why was plastic invented?

Plastics by the numbers

How plastics move around the world

Microplastics—a new health threat

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The Haunting Art of Plastic Pollution

Harm to wildlife

Stopping plastic pollution

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In a first, microplastic particles have been linked to heart disease

One Stanley bottle helps the environment. But a whole collection?

‘Forever chemicals’ are hiding in your kitchen. Here’s where—and what you can do

We got rid of BPA in some products—but are the substitutes any safer?

History & Culture

How Can We Reduce Plastic Pollution?

Why Plastic Pollution Is a Problem

What is plastic made of?

What types of plastic can be recycled?

Recycling Innovation

Dive Deeper

Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

Evaluating Scenarios Toward Zero Plastic Pollution

Caltech and UCLA Researchers Discover Effective Pathway to Convert Greenhouse Gas into Valuable Products

Plastic Pollution

Featured Events

Reports & Publications

Press Releases

Further resources

Essay on Plastic Pollution

100 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

250 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

The Ubiquity of Plastic

Environmental Impact

Human Health Risks

500 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

The Scale of the Problem

Impacts on Marine Life

Impacts on Human Health

Addressing Plastic Pollution

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

CORE COMPONENTS

The plastic pollution crisis

Where does ocean plastic come from?

The plastics life cycle

The impacts of plastic pollution on biodiversity and human health

Confronting the issue: a harmonised methodology and a global agreement

The Mediterranean: plastic pollution hotspot

The need for knowledge: PlastiMed project

Taking action

Acknowledgements

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Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

What is Plastic Pollution?

Causes of Plastic Pollution

1. Single Use Plastic