As far as environmental problems rank in importance, plastic pollution has now surpassed climate change in surveys conducted to gauge American’s concerns over environmental issues.
Shelton Group, a full-service sustainability marketing agency, conducts targeted ad campaigns and explores sustainability communication strategies. Their work aims to better understand the relationship between sustainability and environmental issues, and human perception and understanding.
During a survey they conducted, surveyors were shown a list of 10 different environmental issues. Data concluded that 65% of Americans expressed feeling very concerned or extremely concerned about plastics in the ocean, compared to 58% who felt very or extremely concerned about climate change.
This figure promotes some hope, especially since the U.S is the top plastic polluter in the world. National Geographic places this rate at roughly 41 million metric tons of plastic waste each year. The reasoning behind this perception change is thought to be due to plastic’s visibility: any of us can confirm seeing plastic debris on our favourite beach or outdoor area. The problem is easy to spot.
Our World in Data, Plastic Pollution. Hannah Ritchie, Max Roser 2018
Plastic pollution, both marine and terrestrial, cause detrimental effects to the environment, wildlife, and human health. Every year, the amount of plastic released into the environment increases. The Ocean Conservancy estimates that 8 million metric tons of plastics enter our oceans each year, while 150 million metric tons currently circulate marine environments.
Wildlife are significantly disadvantaged when avoiding plastics. They face serious risks when coming into contact with plastic debris, including suffocation, strangulation, starvation (due to mistaking plastics for food, unable to digest their plastic meals), and death. Animal welfare has aided in public awareness regarding plastic pollution.
However, the growingly publicized crisis has begged activists to ask the fundamental question: where does plastic come from in the first place? Who is responsible?
The World’s Largest Plastic Producers
For starters, the largest sectors worldwide for plastic production are the packaging and textile industries, producing 141 million tons and 42 million tons per year, respectively. Plastics are not only harsh on the environment after disposal, but the process of creating virgin plastics has a stark environmental cost as well.
Derived from petroleum-based compounds, plastic production consumes 12 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), or roughly 12 percent of total oil demand, based on 2017 figures. This figure is forecasted to grow to almost 18 million bpd by 2050 without intervention. Plastic production directly contributes to chemical pollution and climate change.
While we are consumers of plastics, producers and distributors of plastics are being more closely watched. Interestingly, a few companies around the world are responsible for much of the plastic pollution that exists. According to global audits completed by Break Free From Plastic, an international movement community envisioning a future free from plastic pollution, three massive companies have ranked as the top plastic polluters for two consecutive years.
Four hundred and eighty-four clean-ups in over 50 countries and 6 continents organized by Break Free From Plastic, in conjunction with their volunteers, made these eye-opening audits possible. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestlé companies have been spotlighted for their top three rankings in global plastic pollution in the wake of these audits.
To make matters worse for the brands, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Unilever were responsible for half a million tonnes of plastic pollution in six developing countries each year.
The Guardian
Oil companies such as ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell plan to invest in new petrochemical plants in the coming decades, betting on the rising demand for plastics in emerging economies, many of whom are disproportionately affected by climate change and plastic pollution overall.
What Can Be Done?
Plastic pollution is an environmental problem that must be addressed on all fronts; societal, political, scientific, ethical, and so on. Various places around the globe have begun developing and implementing regulations to limit plastic waste and promote more sustainable habits. For example, bans on plastic bags and single-use plastic items.
These initiatives have become more popular not simply through governmental interference but also through demand by the public. As more and more individuals become both inspired and disturbed by plastic pollution, more outcry for change occurs. Certainly, social media has accelerated the potential for massive outreach campaigns, and more than ever, people are ready to explore options that are better for the environment.
3 Ways You Can Help the Plastic Pollution Problem
1. Reusable Swaps
Skip the plastic water bottles, utensils, and packaging as often and creatively as you can. Invest in reusable options that will not only save you money over time but will directly lower your plastic waste.
2. Advocacy
In any way you feel inspired to, practice advocacy for regulations that will support reducing plastic waste. Particularly, future laws and limits that will be targeted at the largest plastic polluting businesses in the world to hold them accountable for their impacts.
3. Get Involved
Becoming involved in opportunities like beach clean-ups, marches, and fundraisers is rewarding and effective. They create conversations and chances to inspire others to learn more about the importance of protecting the environment from plastic pollution. If you can’t physically join in, donating to organizations you believe are doing great work to end plastic pollution is equally effective and appreciated.
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