Have you ever stopped and thought about the immense amount of plastic pollution in our world? From concentrations of microplastics hidden in our food and water to huge swells of trash floating out at sea – it’s impossible to ignore how detrimental plastic has been to our environment.
For those who are passionate about preserving this beautiful planet we call home (like those of us here at Bottleless Nation), understanding the impact of plastic is key. So today, we’ll be diving into 10 shocking facts regarding plastic pollution that will certainly leave you awestruck!
1. From the Year 2015 to 2030, Pollution From Plastic Is Expected to Double
According to a report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), plastic pollution will be double what it was in 2015 by the year 2030 unless we take drastic action. This means that if we don’t reduce our consumption of single-use plastics and use more environmentally friendly alternatives such as compostable or recyclable materials, then we’ll suffer the consequences of overwhelming plastic pollution soon.
2. Humans Use Over 1.2 Million Plastic Bottles a Minute
At the rate we’re consuming single-use plastic bottles, it’s no surprise that the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans continues to grow. In fact, research has found that humans are using over 1.2 million plastic bottles a minute. This means that we’re continuously dumping hundreds of thousands of tons of plastic materials into our oceans each year.
3. More Than 8 Million Metric Tons of Plastic End up in the Marine Environment
That’s a whopping 6 billion pounds of debris every single year. To put this into perspective, one garbage truck full of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute. This figure does not even include the impacts of microplastics that are too small to be collected in our oceans.
4. Plastic Waste Makes up 80% Of All That Is in Our Ocean
From tiny microplastics to large debris, plastic waste is the most prevalent type of pollutant found in our oceans. In fact, research has found that plastic waste makes up 80% of all ocean pollution, making it the number one source of pollution in the world’s oceans. This presents a huge problem as plastic does not biodegrade and will remain in the environment for hundreds of years or for generations to come.
5. Half of the Plastic We Use Is Single-Use or Disposable
Single-use and disposable plastics are made for convenience. However, they’re also becoming a huge contributor to plastic pollution. It’s estimated that half of all plastic produced is for single-use and disposable items today.
6. There Are Over 5 Trillion Pieces of Plastic Debris in Our Oceans
You’ve likely heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a huge patch of garbage, mostly made up of plastic pollution, that is floating in the Pacific Ocean. But did you know that the patch is just one of many areas that are polluted by plastic mass and the presence of microplastics? In fact, according to National Geographic, it’s estimated that there are over 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in our oceans, and the number is continuing to grow.
7. Some of the Worst Offenders Are Plastic Bags, Straws, To-Go Coffee Cups, and Water Bottles
The lifestyle of convenience has resulted in an increase in the role of plastic. Single-use items such as plastic bags, straws, to-go coffee cups, and water bottles make up a huge portion of all plastic waste. For instance, it’s estimated that 500 million straws are used and discarded in the United States alone each day.
8. The WWF Says That if We Do Not Take Action Against Ocean Plastic Pollution by 2025, It Will Outweigh Fish
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has issued a warning that if we do not take action against ocean plastic emissions by the year 2025, it will outweigh species of fish and other marine animals. This is an alarming statistic, and it shows that the damage caused by plastic pollution is far greater than many of us realize
9. Recycling One Ton of Plastic Can Save 5,774 Kwh of Energy, Which Is Equivalent to 1 Month’s Worth of Electricity for an Average Household in America
One of the best ways to help reduce plastic pollution in our oceans is to recycle. Recycling one ton of plastic can save 5,774 kWh of energy, which is equivalent to one month’s worth of electricity for an average household in America. We must all make better decisions when it comes to the plastic products we buy, use, and dispose of in order to help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans.
10. Plastic Bottles Take Approximately 1,000 Years to Degrade
Finally, it’s important to remember that plastic can take a very long time to break down. Plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to break down, and plastic bottles take an estimated 450-1,000 years. This means that the plastic we use today could still be in our environment in the year 3000. And this means that the effects of the plastic we discard today will still be felt generations later.
What Can You Do?
Now that you know more about the plastic pollution problem in our oceans, it’s time to take action. Here are a few ways you can help reduce the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans:
- Bring your own reusable shopping bag when you go grocery shopping.
- Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug.
- Choose products with minimal packaging.
- Say no to plastic straws, plastic bottles, and single-use cutlery.
- Recycle all of your plastic waste.
- Support businesses and organizations that are making an effort to reduce plastic pollution.
- Spread the word about ocean plastic pollution, effective waste management systems, and how we can all do our part to help.
Every step you take, no matter how small, can make a difference in the fight against ocean plastic pollution. Let’s all work together to make a positive change for our oceans and marine life!
Help Curve Plastic Usage With Bottleless Nation!
As our world becomes more aware of the environmental impact of single-use plastic, it’s important that we take steps to reduce our own plastic usage. That’s where Bottleless Nation comes in. By partnering with our organization, you’ll have access to industry experts who are dedicated to helping businesses like yours make the switch to more sustainable practices.
Joining Bottleless Nation is your first step towards reducing your plastic usage and making a positive impact on the environment. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how you can help make a difference. Together, we can help curve plastic usage and protect our oceans.
