The Plastic Crisis

Single-Use Plastic, MicroPlastics & Water Pollution

Image from gCaptain

Globally, we are currently experiencing a plastic crisis- through overuse and improper recycling of single-use plastics. The use and production of plastics is vaster than our ability to properly dispose of, or for them to break down naturally in the environment. Single-use plastics are primarily made up of materials derived from fossil fuel chemicals and boomed in popularity after WWII, making way for many innovations. Some single use plastics are essential- such as medical supplies like gloves and IV tubing, as well as some technological supplies. The reality though, is that these two sources make up an exceedingly small portion of single-use plastic waste- the largest contributor being items like plastic wrappers, straws, bottle caps, bags, and packaging. 

The convenience of plastic products has resulted in the development of a throwaway culture. Many items do not make their way to the proper disposal destination, because they are two small and get lost on the way or are merely thrown away since they are not recyclable. Single-use plastics make up 40% plastic produced per year- only used for a moment but not breaking down for hundreds of years (Parker, 2019). In current times with COVID-19, single-use plastic use has increased with demand for supplies such as gloves and masks, as well as plastic packaging and food supplies, with an increase in online shopping and take-out food deliveries. 

Plastic pollution that makes its way into the environment, is carried to the ocean by smaller waterways. These items either end up moving into costal waters, being ingested by marine life, or being carried by currents through the world. Pollution from a variety of countries have been found on remote islands around the world. These remote areas often do not have adequate waste removal services, if any at all- and phenomena like garbage island have formed due to the excessive quantity of pollution worldwide and the inability to keep up with disposal. 

Microplastics occur after plastic items have been in water over time and begins to break down a bit with the natural erosion process. These plastics break down to microscopic sizes (typically under 1/5” in diameter) and spread through global water with the natural tides and current. Microplastics have been found by scientists at the both the highest and lowest altitudes of the world. Microplastics can be found in our drinking water, animals, our bodies and even in the air! For both our health, as well as preservation of the environment- we must work to cut out single-use plastic in our society and opt in for ecofriendly, reusable alternatives!

References:

Lindwall, C. (2020, January 19). Single-Use Plastics 101. Retrieved from NRDC: www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101

Parker, L. (2019, June 7). The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained. Retrieved from National Geographic: www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/plastic-pollution