In reality, the more people that are investing in the fossil fuel industry now means the growth and expansion of these companies, more production of plastics, more pollution, etc. This is leading toward a pretty grim future. Pepsico responded that they want to decrease "virgin plastic in our beverage business by 35% by 2025" and also expanding reuse and refill practices what should prevent 67 billion single use bottles by 2025. [56] Major plastic waste generator and polluter countries Share of plastic waste that is inadequately managed Per capita mismanaged plastic waste (in kilograms per person per day) Plastic waste generation Our chances of controlling harmful effects on the environment increase as soon as we switch to non-plastic bags. 2) Start using wooden bottles

In 2020, a study revised the potential 2016 U.S. contribution to mismanaged plastic; [20] It estimated that U.S.-generated plastic might place the U.S. behind Indonesia and India in oceanic pollution, or it might place the U.S. behind Indonesia, India, Thailand, China, Brazil, Philippines, Egypt, Japan, Russia, and Vietnam. In 2022, it was estimated all OECD countries (North America, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, S. Korea) may contribute 5% of oceanic plastic pollution, with the rest of the world polluting 95%. [65] Since 2016 China ceased importing plastics for recycling and since 2019 international treaties signed by 187 countries restricted the export of plastics for recycling. [66] [67]In 2016, Illinois adopted the legislation and established "Recycle Thin Film Friday" in effort to In 2019, The House of Representatives of Nigeria banned the production, import and usage of plastic bags in the country. [256] Spain

These kinds of large corporations are targets for hedge funds and superannuation accounts. Are your investments contributing to the plastic pollution problem? However, the bottom line is that by saying no to plastic, you are contributing to a healthy environment, learning more about sustainable living, creating less waste, and even making more space in your house!

Plastic pollution has also greatly negatively affected our environment. "The pollution is significant and widespread, with plastic debris found on even the most remote coastal areas and in every marine habitat". [75] This information tells us about how much of a consequential change plastic pollution has made on the ocean and even the coasts. Individuals do have some influence in how plastics are made and used, but without systemic change the power of anyone acting alone is limited. People can ‘ vote with their dollars ’, by preferring more sustainable products when they shop, provided they are given enough information and transparency. In sufficient numbers, this market signal can shift what companies produce to meet that demand. In Israel, two cities: Eilat and Herzliya, decided to ban the usage of single use plastic bags and cutlery on the beaches. [252] In 2020 Tel Aviv joined them, banning also the sale of single use plastic on the beaches. [253] Kenya Resource depletion: The production of plastic requires significant amounts of fossil fuels and other natural resources, contributing to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Research into freshwater plastic pollution has been largely ignored over marine ecosystems, comprising only 13% of published papers on the topic. [114]

However, the times have changed now. All over the world, scientists are working on plastic alternatives. Meanwhile, simple plastic-free solutions are already available to people worldwide. Identifying largest sources of ocean plastics in high fidelity may help to discern causes, to measure progress and to develop effective countermeasures. Plastic is an incredibly dangerous threat to our environment at this time. People are consuming plastic more than ever before, leading to more plastic waste, more manufacturing demand, and a more toxic place for wildlife to exist. Why You Should Say No to Plastic The United States is the world leader in generating plastic waste, producing an annual 42 million metric tons of plastic waste. [57] [58] Per capita generation of plastic waste in the United States is higher than in any other country, with the average American producing 130.09 kilograms of plastic waste per year. Other high-income countries, such as those of the EU-28 (annual per capita generation 58.56kg), also have a high per capita plastic waste generation rate. Some high-income countries, such as Japan (annual per capital generation 38.44kg), produce far less plastic waste per capita. [59] [60] Plastic pollution

8. Use fabric napkins and handkerchiefs

The food chain can actually allow plastics to enter human tissues. Microplastics are small particles created when large pieces of plastic break down. A grain of sand is about the size of one of these particles. Non-biodegradable materials and bags are made of plastic. We, therefore, face the greatest challenge when it comes to disposing of these plastics. Their degradation produces small particles that enter the soil and water bodies; however, they do not fully decompose. In addition to polluting the ground at the Earth’s surface, it decreases soil fertility and lowers vegetable and crop production. Harmful effects on the environment Despite global efforts to reduce the generation of plastic waste, losses to the environment are predicted to increase. Modelling indicates that, without major interventions, between 23 and 37 million tonnes per year of plastic waste could enter the oceans by 2040 and between 155 and 265 million tonnes per year could be discharged into the environment by 2060. Under a business as usual scenario, such increases would likely be attributable to a continuing rise in production of plastic products, driven by consumer demand, accompanied by insufficient improvements in waste management. As the plastic waste released into the environment already has a significant impact on ecosystems, an increase of this magnitude could have dramatic consequences. [34] There are many different types and sizes of plastic. When plastics are exposed to the environment for a long period of time, they become microplastics. There are many microplastic particles that are smaller than sand grains. Microorganisms may consume them, thereby affecting the food chain. New Zealand announced a ban on many types of hard-to-recycle single use plastic by 2025. [255] Nigeria