It’s Time to Really Focus on Combating Plastic Pollution

It’s no secret that plastic pollution is a serious environmental threat, but a recent study underlined the need to get this issue under control — and fast.

If things don’t change, a study recently published in Science revealed that 13 billion tons of plastic waste will be dumped on and in bodies of water by 2040. Additionally, more than 2.2. billion tons of plastic will be burned.

However, the researchers believe a concerted global action could make this issue significantly more manageable.

Tackling Plastic Pollution

According to the study, one of the main causes of plastic pollution is a lack of waste collection services. To be specific, researchers noted that 5.5 billion people have their waste collected, but the remaining 2 billion do not.

Consequently, uncollected plastic is often set on fire, leading to the 2.2. billion tons of plastic that could be burned by 2040, as noted above. The researchers determined the most effective way to reduce aquatic pollution is to get a waste collection service started for the 2.2. billion people currently without one.

Of course that alone won’t completely resolve the plastic pollution issue. Researchers found additional actions — i.e., reducing demand for single-use and non-recyclables and improving mechanical recycling — are needed.

Plastic Pollution Stats

According to National Geographic, half of all plastics ever manufactured have been created in the past 15 years. If you think that’s bad, production is expected to double by 2050.

This is having a massive impact on oceans around the world, as approximately 8 million tons of plastic finds its way into these bodies of water each year. National Geographic compares this to the equivalent of setting five garbage bags on every foot of coastline around the globe. Some plastics can take up to 400 years to break down, so this problem cannot be ignored.

COVID-19 and Single-Use Disposables

Before COVID-19 hit the U.S., bans on single-use disposable objects had become the norm in many parts of the country. Items such as plastic bags, utensils, straws, and beverage cups have come under scrutiny, as lawmakers worked to reduce waste.

However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many bans have been reversed, as businesses mandate single-use items once again, for the safety of employees and customers. Only time will tell if bans on single-use disposables can be quickly reenacted, or if environmental activists will be back to square one on the issue.

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