It’s Plastic Free July! So, what is the problem with plastic pollution?

Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel on Unsplash

Plastic Free July™ is a global movement, ran by the Plastic Free Foundation, that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Find out more here.

In this blog we’ll briefly explain the problem with plastic pollution then, in our second blog, we’ll give you some handy tips for beginning your plastic free journey!

🥤What is plastic pollution?

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing global environmental issues. It refers to the overwhelming accumulation of plastic waste in the environment which affects ecosystems, wildlife, and even human health.

A key driver of the crisis is the rapid rise in the production of disposable plastic products. Whilst these products offer convenience, they have led to a throw-away culture with single-use plastics now accounting for 40% 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.

🐢What is the problem with plastic pollution?

• Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year including birds, fish, and other marine organisms. Plastics have also been consumed by large land-based animals including zebras, tigers, and elephants which, in some cases, causes death.

•  Microplastics, defined as plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres (mm) in diameter, have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels. These microplastics then enter the food chain and have been found in people’s stomachs.

• The impact of microplastic consumption on human health is not fully known however, there is concern that it could lead to many different health problems including lung cancer, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

• Once in the ocean or soil, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Whilst mechanical systems or humans can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, once they break down into microplastics they are virtually impossible to recover.

• Plastic pollution is a social justice issue. This is because it disproportionally affects marginalised communities and communities living in close proximity to plastic production waste sites. The crisis is felt most by the world’s poorest countries and is exacerbated by the world’s richest countries exporting their plastic waste to other, poorer, countries.

Now that you’ve learned about the plastic pollution problem, return for our second blog in which we’ll give you tips for beginning your plastic free journey 🌍

💻Want more information? Follow the links below:

·       The world’s plastic pollution crisis, explained | National Geographic

·       Plastic pollution is an environmental injustice to vulnerable communities – new report