Quick Summary
- With global plastic production having doubled since the beginning of the century to almost 400 million metric tons per year in 20211, the crisis is escalating at an alarming rate.
- One of the most effective strategies to combat plastic pollution is reducing plastic use5.
- By improving these systems, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.
Introduction
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. With global plastic production having doubled since the beginning of the century to almost 400 million metric tons per year in 20211, the crisis is escalating at an alarming rate. The world produces around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, and between 1 and 2 million tonnes of this plastic enter the oceans annually2. This means 0.5% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean2.
The Impact of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution has a devastating impact on marine wildlife and ecosystems. Plastics can persist for many decades, continuously degrading into microplastics3. These can be ingested by wildlife and later enter the human food chain3. The highly populated, semi-enclosed Mediterranean basin is one of the global hotspots for marine plastic pollution4.
Strategies for a Cleaner Ocean
Reducing Plastic Use
One of the most effective strategies to combat plastic pollution is reducing plastic use5. This involves a concerted effort to redesign products to maximize usable life and recyclability, shift to sustainable alternative materials, and eliminate the use of hard-to-recycle and toxic plastics6.
Improving Waste Management
Improving waste management is another crucial strategy5. Much of the plastic waste is comprised of industrial and domestic waste from metropolitan and urban areas with poorly managed collection and disposal systems4. By improving these systems, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.
Large-Scale Cleanup
Large-scale cleanup efforts are also essential5. Organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing and scaling technologies to rid the oceans of plastic3. They aim to clean up 90% of floating ocean plastic pollution3. Their strategy involves intercepting plastic in rivers to cut the inflow of pollution, and cleaning up what has already accumulated in the ocean3.
Conclusion
The plastic pollution crisis is a global problem that requires global solutions. By reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and conducting large-scale cleanups, we can make significant strides towards a cleaner ocean. However, these strategies require the collective effort of individuals, corporations, and governments worldwide. With concerted effort and innovative solutions, a future with cleaner oceans is within our reach.
References
2: Our World in Data 1: Statista 3: The Ocean Cleanup 4: IUCN 5: The Ocean Cleanup 6: Pew Trusts
