The use and production of plastic have seen exponential growth over the last 50 years. This growth is mainly because of the high flexibility and convenience plastic offers. From coffee cups to wrapping, the material is used extensively in many industries.
However, it is a well-known fact that plastic is harmful to the environment. Many nations have already imposed policies to control the use of plastic. Some countries have even banned single-use plastic items such as plates, cups and cutlery. Yet, despite these efforts by policymakers and other environmental organizations, we still see widespread use of the material.
Many people wonder if the harm done by plastic to the environment is irreversible at this point. After all, the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”, an island three times the size of France made entirely of garbage (mostly plastic) wasn’t an overnight occurrence. If the current rate of plastic production continues, it is estimated that there would be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. This is obviously disconcerting to hear. However, there’s hope because we’ve still got time before the use of plastic becomes an imminent threat.
To help you understand the gravity of the situation, we’ve compiled 10 facts about plastic pollution that are guaranteed to make your jaw drop.
- A million plastic bottles are bought every minute
Plastic bottles have always been convenient. However, it was quite a shock when an article by “The Guardian” claimed that over a million bottles were bought every minute worldwide. The article further states that around 480 billion bottles were bought in 2016 alone worldwide and that only 7% of recycled plastic turned into new water bottles.
- Over 500 billion plastic bags are used annually
This is another astounding statistic. It reveals that the usage of plastic bags is over 71 times the world’s population.
- The production of plastic has increased over 200 times since 1950
According to National Geography, the production of plastic has increased from 2.1 million tonnes in 1950 to 406 million by 2015. Further, over the last 10 years, we’ve produced more plastic than in the last 100 years.
- Over 90% of plastic produced isn’t recycled
It’s quite clear that the use and production of plastic have increased drastically. Yet, research shows that only 9%-10% of the produced plastic is recycled, while only 12% is incinerated.
- Around 50% of all plastic produced is single-use plastic
Despite all the plastic produced, most plastic items are for single-use only. Thus, they become garbage faster than the time taken to produce, package and ship them.
- 10 rivers carry 95% of the plastic polluting the ocean
Based on research by the “World Economic Forum” 10 rivers across Asia and Africa carry 95% of the plastic waste polluting the ocean. These rivers are the Yangtze, Indus, Yellow, Hai He, Ganges, Pearl, Amur, and the Mekong found in Asia plus the Niger and Nile found in Africa.
- Over 5 trillion pieces of plastic float in our oceans
Because of the low rate of recycling plastic, it’s estimated that there are over 5 trillion pieces of plastic floating in our oceans. These pieces of plastic are extremely harmful to aquatic fauna.
- The largest market for plastic is packaging material
Despite the actions taken by many to limit the use of plastic, the material is used in bulk for packaging purposes. It is estimated that nearly half of the plastic waste generated globally is because of packaging.
- Some plastics are non-recyclable
Certain types of plastics are non-recyclable. Two commonly used non-recyclable plastics are clingfilm and blister packaging.
- Some plastic takes over 500 years to decompose
Plastic can take between 20 to 500 years to decompose depending on its type. Some might even take over 1000 years. Thus, it is undeniably terrible to use plastic, especially when it’s for single use.