The Problem
Plastic pollution is a global crisis. While plastic is essential to modern life, poor management harms ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. However, to fix the problem, we must first understand it.
Over 14 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year, devastating marine ecosystems and wildlife.4
Over 900 marine species are known to have been affected by plastic pollution, through entanglement, ingestion, or habitat destruction.5
The United States generates 46 million tons of plastic waste every year, almost double the plastic waste of the second-largest producer, India.6 This overwhelming amount of plastic contributes to overflowing landfills, pollution in urban areas, and contamination of wildlife habitats worldwide.4
A significant source of microplastics is synthetic textiles.9
Every time these materials are washed, tiny plastic fibers are shed and released into wastewater, eventually making their way into rivers and oceans.9 In fact, studies show that Arctic ice contains up to 12,000 microplastic particles per liter of water, with 92% of these particles coming from clothing fibers released during washing in North America and Europe.10 11
Plastic Is Everywhere—And It's Becoming Part of Us
Plastic's ubiquity is a testament to its versatility. From life-saving medical devices to the clothes we wear and the food we eat, its applications are seemingly endless. This remarkable material, designed for durability, convenience, and affordability, also poses one of the planet's biggest threats. Plastic's persistence means it doesn't simply disappear after its intended use. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, ultimately becoming microplastics that permeate our air, our water, and even our own bodies.13
Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste overwhelm our ecosystems.4 This isn't just about unsightly litter accumulating in our parks and oceans; it's about the insidious infiltration of microplastics into the food chain, impacting wildlife from the smallest plankton to the largest whales.14 These tiny particles have even found their way into our own bloodstreams, lungs, and brains, raising serious concerns about long-term health consequences.3 Furthermore, the vast majority of plastic produced is never truly recycled.1 With global recycling rates stagnating at less than 10%, the sheer volume of plastic waste continues to mount, exacerbating the problem.16
Addressing the plastic crisis requires prioritizing reusability and refillability, which are among the most effective solutions. Next, in order to reuse plastic and prevent it from leaking into the environment, it's crucial to improve waste management infrastructure and recycling participation around the world. Finally, we need continued innovation to improve the recyclability of plastic products and packaging.
Real impact is possible if we act together, now.
Explore the facts, understand the scale of the problem, and join the movement to help create a future free from plastic pollution.
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