The Problem
Overwhelmed? Let’s talk about the facts
Navigating the complexities of plastic pollution can feel overwhelming, with numerous factors contributing to the crisis. From production and recycling challenges to the pervasive issue of greenwashing, it’s hard to keep track of everything. However, the following facts provide a clear overview of the critical issues we need to tackle to combat plastic pollution effectively.
As you read through these insights, reflect on the significance of each point and share your favourite fact that resonates with you!
The Problem with Plastic
99% of plastic is made from fossil fuel
Oil, gas, and coal are the fossil-fuel building blocks of plastics. Extraction, transportation and refining of these fossil fuels is a carbon-intensive activity releasing damaging greenhouse gases. Plastics will account for 20% of oil consumption by 2050.
Plastic doesn't break down, it breaks up
Unlike organic matter that breaks down or decomposes over time, plastic breaks up into smaller pieces called micro or nano plastics which never go away. Instead, they end up in our air, water and foods. And eventually, us.
The plastic industry is booming
Since the 1970s we have seen a continued rise of plastic production. We purchase one million plastic bottles a minute globally and a report by Tearfund in 2020 showed plastic from Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé and Unilever products could cover 83 football pitches every day.
The carbon problem
The production of plastic is a major contributor to carbon emissions, releasing substantial greenhouse gases at every stage—from extraction to manufacturing. This carbon footprint exacerbates climate change, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives.
The Problem With Traditional Recycling
Linear instead of circular
Mechanical recycling can recycle plastic 3 to 5 times (depending on the plastic type) before its quality decreases to the point that it can no longer be used. This means that it still ends up in landfill. It’s like a bandaid on a bone fracture. Sweet but it’s not going to fix it in the long run.
Incompatibility of Plastics
With thousands of plastic types, each having unique compositions, recycling them together is impossible. This lack of compatibility results in many plastics being sent to landfills instead of being recycled.
Sorting Challenges
The recycling process requires extensive sorting, and the diverse forms of plastic complicate this. Many mixed batches cannot be properly sorted, leading to significant waste ending up in landfills.
Fabric Recycling Crisis
Less than 1% of clothing is recycled, largely due to the complex blends of synthetic and natural fibres. Traditional recycling methods struggle with these materials, resulting in most textiles being discarded.
The Carbon Problem
Recycling plastic, while beneficial in theory, still generates significant carbon emissions. The processes of collection, sorting, and reprocessing require substantial energy, often derived from fossil fuels. This ongoing carbon output diminishes the environmental benefits of recycling, emphasising the need for more efficient and sustainable recycling technologies.
The Problem with Greenwashing
Vulnerability due to lack of knowledge
Consumers often lack understanding of material complexities and supply chains, making them easy targets for greenwashing by brands.
Regulations favour the positive
Current regulations highlight eco-friendly claims, like “cruelty-free” or “80% recycled,” while allowing brands to obscure negative practices. What if we mandated transparency, like labelling products with “tested on animals” or “20% virgin plastic”?
The erosion of trust
When brands greenwash, it undermines trust in all companies striving to be responsible. This makes it challenging for genuinely sustainable brands to gain consumer confidence, even when they are making an effort.
A harmful distraction
Greenwashing often distracts from the actual environmental damage caused by a product or brand. This can lead to a false sense of security among consumers, who may overlook the broader ecological consequences of their purchases, ultimately hindering real progress toward sustainability.
The Problem with Accountability
We should all be held accountable
All stakeholders in the waste cycle must be held accountable. Consumers blame governments and brands, while brands point to the industry. Ultimately, everyone plays a role in driving cultural change.
Corporate Responsibility
Brands and companies must go beyond just selling products. They should design for longevity and circularity, creating programs that allow consumers to return items for repair, reuse, or recycling.
Consumer Impact
Every action matters. Your keep cup may seem insignificant, but if reusable options became the norm, we could eliminate single-use cups altogether. Demand change, and companies will respond.
Governmental Action
Governments can enact legislation to curb plastic use, like banning fossil fuel-derived plastics in packaging or single-use coffee cups. Such measures would push brands to seek alternatives, prompting consumers to adapt their habits.
The Problem with the Environment
Ocean Pollution
Approximately 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. Litter dropped on the street, landfill and other parts in our environment doesn't stay there. Rainwater and wind carries this waste into streams and rivers, ending up accumulating to one truckload of plastic pouring into our oceans every minute.
Landfill Overflow
About 91% of plastic waste is not recycled. In the U.S. alone, around 27 million tons of plastic end up in landfills annually.
Ineffective (traditional) recycling
Only about 9% of all plastic produced globally has ever been recycled, with many types of plastic not accepted in curbside recycling programs. In traditional recycling items can only be recycled 3 to 5 times before they still end up in landfill.
Every minute truckload of plastic is dumped into the ocean.
The production of plastics accounts for approximately 4% of global oil consumption, with projections suggesting this could rise to 20% by 2030.