Ontario’s recycling revamp falls short, critics say

Ontario finalized changes to blue box recycling Thursday, aiming to shift costs away from municipalities and taxpayers by making companies that create waste pay for the program.

The revamped rules are a “bold step” that would standardize recycling across most of Ontario, keep more types of packaging away from landfills and encourage industry to be more efficient, provincial Environment Minister Jeff Yurek said. But critics say the new targets aren’t high enough and might leave costs in the hands of consumers.

“Ontarians will still be dealing with messes of plastic packaging we can’t recycle,” Environmental Defence plastics program manager Karen Wirsig said.

Right now, recycling in Ontario happens through more than 250 local programs, many with differing rules. That system is largely stalling: nearly three-quarters of the province’s waste ends up in dumps, and a significant portion of it is exported to landfills in Michigan.

“The system obviously wasn’t working,” Yurek told reporters Thursday. “The goal of the regulation is to ensure our blue box program remains convenient, affordable and right for communities.”

The new program ⁠— to be phased in from 2023 to 2025 in all communities outside of the Far North ⁠— will combine the patchwork of systems into one with consistent standards. It would also accept more commonly used items, like paper and plastic cups and straws.

Shifting the costs of that program to packaging producers would save municipalities an estimated $156 million annually, the province said.

Dave Gordon, a senior policy adviser with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, said the change would be a boon for local governments struggling with the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

“I think it’s a big win for both the environment and the economy,” he said.

Ontario’s new recycling system is a “bold step” that would shift costs to industry and keep more packaging away from landfills, the province says. But critics say the burden could be passed to consumers, and that new targets are too low. #onpoli

Mike Chopowick, the CEO of the Ontario Waste Management Association, which represents the recycling sector, said the change is a crucial step. The province is running out of landfill space, but is facing an opportunity to do much better, he added.

“We don’t really have a choice,” Chopowick said. “We need to find innovative ways to recycle and reduce the amount of waste that we currently dispose of, and blue box is a big part of that.”

A Coke bottle on a beach in Skye, Scotland. Photo by Will Rose / Greenpeace

Low-income communities could bear the brunt of costs, researcher says

Ontario initially announced its plans for overhauling the program last October. The government has since lowered several targets after consulting with industry, Wirsig said, and what’s included won’t be enough to force serious change.

She also said a clause in the regulation allowing companies to label certain plastics as compostable could be a significant loophole ⁠— most existing facilities can’t actually process that material. The regulations would only see companies audited once every three years, and although the government has signalled it intends to create penalties for companies that don’t meet their targets, those don’t currently exist.

“It’s flawed and not enough,” Wirsig said.

Calvin Lakhan, a research scientist at York University’s faculty of environmental studies and urban change who has examined Ontario’s recycling program, says it’s likely that companies will pass the costs from the new set of rules on to consumers. That could result in higher grocery bills.

“I think it was very dangerous for the government and municipalities to move forward with this because of the potential impact on consumers, particularly during a time where inflation is skyrocketing,” he said.

The burden would disproportionately fall on people living in northern Ontario and lower-income communities, Lakhan said. Food needs more packaging to stay fresh when transported over a longer distance. And in lower-income communities ⁠— where many can’t afford to invest in things like reusable tote bags ⁠— people often seek out packaged foods because they last longer.

“I characterize it as environmentalism for the affluent, where the barrier for participation is income,” Lakhan said. “These legislative changes are mostly borne by the people who have the least ability to absorb those costs increases… The idea that it’s OK to do this because we’re improving recycling flies in the face of sustainability.”

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Yurek said he believes any cost increases would be minor, and the public is willing to take them on.

“Most people are going to be OK with that knowing that less literal waste is going to the landfill,” he said.

Not all will be able to shoulder it, Lakhan said: “You have families literally on the margin that can’t afford an extra $10 to $15 a month.”

It might be more effective to reduce the amount of waste created in the first place, Lakhan said. And recycling isn’t the end-all of sustainability, he added ⁠— the process creates carbon emissions, and depending on what’s recycled, the end product might not be worth it. Plastic cling wrap, for example, can be turned into air bubble film that helps cushion packages, but it cannot be recycled.

“Reduce, reuse, recycle is not just a catchy phrase, it’s the order in which we’re supposed to do things,” he said.

“We’re conflating recycling with sustainability.”

John Hocevar: The same polluters destroying our climate are profiting off single-use plastics

Corporate plastic polluters love talking about recycling. That goes for both the petrochemical and fossil fuel industries, as well as the consumer goods and retail sectors. As long as the public views recycling as the primary solution to the plastic pollution crisis, these companies can continue producing endless quantities of single-use plastics. 

For decades, we have all been told that if we toss our plastic packaging into the blue bin a truck will come take it away and turn it into a new product. This story was created by corporations so they could continue churning out cheap single-use plastics. The reality is that less than 10 percent of the plastic ever created has actually been recycled, and that which is recycled gets downcycled, losing its value over time. For the rare plastic item that does get recycled, it is just a brief stopover between its fracking origins and its inevitable end in a landfill, incinerator or sea turtle’s stomach.

For corporations, the strategy has always been to guilt us on pollution. They have worked to make us feel shame for the litter that they themselves produce, coining terms like litterbugs and launching worldwide ad campaigns. These companies knew that if they could get us to focus on cleaning up their mess, then they could avoid responsibility for their own packaging. And it has worked for decades. 

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For many of us, recycling has been synonymous with environmentalism since we were young. We put bumper stickers on our cars, wore t-shirts with the chasing arrows symbol and took pride in sorting our waste to do our part. But the companies that continue to market recycling as the solution have always known that it would never be enough to stop our pollution crisis. It has always been cheaper and easier for consumer goods companies and retailers to use virgin plastic. Recycling was their cover to keep producing more plastic stuff. 

The primary solutions have always been the other two Rs that we learn about as kids: reduction and reuse. That is not to say that recycling does not have its place for certain materials, but for single-use plastics, it is simply never going to solve this crisis. It is time for legislators in Washington, D.C. — and across the country — to stop pushing the industry’s agenda by lobbying for recycling, cleanup or unproven technological solutions to plastic pollution. It is time for legislators to focus on comprehensively tackling this emergency by reducing the amount of plastic we create in the first place. 

The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act would do just that by holding corporations responsible for their packaging. This groundbreaking legislation would phase out unnecessary plastic products, pause new plastic facilities, hold companies accountable and expand options for reuse. It tightens the regulations of toxic chemicals found in plastics, establishes minimum recycled content requirements and creates new standards for labeling. And importantly, it takes the burden off of frontline communities by preventing the export of plastic waste to countries that cannot handle it and rejecting false solutions like incinerators. 

Some corporations are already responding to the growing interest in reusables by testing pilot projects, often in partnership with scrappy startups like Algramo that bring new ideas to retail or consumer goods models. In many cases, global corporations are focusing these initiatives in countries that incentivize reuse or are banning or taxing throwaway packaging.

Clearly, regulation can help facilitate the shift to reuse. Policy can also help create common design requirements or support infrastructure to help scale up the reuse revolution. President BidenJoe BidenBiden prepares to confront Putin Ukrainian president thanks G-7 nations for statement of support Biden aims to bolster troubled Turkey ties in first Erdoğan meeting MORE’s American Jobs Plan presents a powerful opportunity to invest in reuse, building for the plastic free future we need rather than trying to subsidize recycling of single-use plastics that need to be phased out as quickly as possible.

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The plastics crisis is not just a litter issue — it is a public health emergency and an ongoing threat to our climate. Low-income communities and communities of color face disproportionate health impacts from living near plastic production and disposal facilities — and have been particularly hard hit along the Gulf Coast and in Appalachia. The same companies that are destroying our climate are relying on the continued use of single-use plastics for profit, jeopardizing our health and well-being. 

If we truly want to save our seas and the communities most impacted by these crises, we must act holistically and reject failed approaches that corporate polluters have lobbied in support of for decades. Recycling has not and will never solve this crisis. It is time to stop producing so much single-use plastic. Members of Congress who want to make a real difference should support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and not failed strategies of years past. And Biden should make the necessary investments for a future centered on reuse to truly “build back better.” 

John Hocevar is oceans campaign director for Greenpeace USA. He is based in Washington, DC.  

Micro / Nano-plastics and Human Health (Research Summary)

Type of Publication: Summary of Research

Source: Marine Anthropogenic Litter (Book); Chapter 13

Author: Tamra S. Galloway

Summary

This paper is a review and summary of studies up to year 2015 about what research shows about micro and nano plastics and how they impact human health. 

As stated in the introduction:

“This review considers the kinds of plastics in widespread, everyday use and the potential hazards they may cause. It reviews the routes of uptake of micro and nanoplastics into humans through the food chain and the potential consequences for human health.”

Main Topics Covered

  1. Types of plastics currently in widespread use
  2. How micro and nano-plastics get into the human body through the food chain
  3. The potential human health implications of micro and nano-plastics in our food chain

Part 1: Types of plastics currently in widespread use

This section provides a short overview of the volume and types of plastics used.

  • Plastics are generally divided into two types:
    • Thermoplastic – soften on heating and can be remolded (recyclable)
    • Thermosetting – can not be re-softened and remolded (not recyclable)
  • Packaging is the largest category for plastic use. It accounts for about 39% of total plastic production.
  • Tables below show demand by types of plastics and amount recycles by type of plastic. 
  • Based on this data (Europe), very little plastic is recycled.

Tables:

Plastics demand by industry segment (13.1)

The 7 types of plastics (13.2)

Part 2: How micro and nano-plastics get into the human body through the food chain

There is some evidence showing humans are consuming micro and nano plastics (outside of this research summary).

There isn’t enough research to conclude whether or not plastic particles pass through the human gut and into the blood stream. Or whether or not these particles enter into other body tissues or are just secreted.

However, there is evidence that plastic additives enter into our bodies and can negatively impact human health. (See part 3 for details)

About Plastic Ingestion

Are we consuming micro and nanoplastics?

Micro and nano-plastics break down into smaller and smaller pieces in natural environments. They can find their way into our food and therefore into our bodies in many ways.

Micro and nano-plastics have the potential to enter our food. Preliminary studies have shown that humans have micro-plastics in their stool.

Does our body ingest micro-plastics or do they pass through?

There is currently no evidence (as of 2015) that micro-plastics are absorbed by humans.

Early studies suggest that some nano and microplastics can pass through the gut and into the blood stream, but  it is not clear if they are cleared by the body or can accumulate. 

There IS evidence that chemicals associated with plastics are consumed and impact human health.

Part 3: Potential human health implications

Plastics additives can migrate into food from containers. Chemical additives can be absorbed by the human body and enter into fluids and tissues. Several additives have been identified as harmful to human health and are regulated by various government bodies.

About Plastic Additives

Plastic polymers are the base molecules for plastic. They are “generally considered to be inert and of low concern to human health”. 

Plastic additives are chemicals added to plastic polymers to give the final plastic product desired functionality. For example BPA is a common plastic additive used in some plastics to make it clear and strong. 

While polymers are stable, additives can leach out of plastics into the surrounding environment (i.e. into your food from a container).

The amount and type of additives present in plastics range considerably from product to product. The diffusion of additives into foods also depends on various factors such as food type, temperature, and contact time. 

This review also summarizes Bisphenol A (BPA) and human health:

  • BPA is one of the most well-known chemical additive associated with plastics. 
    • It was first synthesized as a synthetic estrogen
    • It is now used in various plastic products
    • BPA can leach into food and water from plastic containers
    • BPA is absorbed by the body into the blood stream

Cleaning Our Beaches and Waterways

Are you tired of seeing trash on the beach and other natural spaces?

If you’re already supporting the cause and you’re reducing your own plastic consumption, the next best thing you can do is actively clean up.

If you’ve read our previous posts then you’re already on board with our revolution to stop all plastic pollution and restore the greatness of our oceans. If not, we recommend you start here: Solving The Plastic Problem. 

In this post we’ll show you how you can help the final phase of our collective efforts to restore our oceans: The Cleanup

You’ve probably considered joining a cleaning before or even doing it on your own. But if you’re anything like us, you might have some reservations, such as…

  • I don’t have time
  • It’s ineffective because more always washes up on our beaches or our waterways
  • It’s below me… this is a job for people in orange jumpsuits
  • What’s in it for me?

Your reservations aren’t necessarily wrong… but they also shouldn’t be limiting you from contributing to the solution.

The fact is – we love clean beaches and oceans. Imagine a beach trip from when you were a kid. Sand castles on a seemingly enormous beach, wildlife you never knew existed, the pure smell of fresh ocean air.

How about now? Watch out for broken glass, find a patch of beach with less litter, and leave with a bad taste in your mouth.

You show up expecting the experience you had when you were younger and leave with the shock of reality and lingering disappointment. It’s not the same, but it doesn’t have to remain that way.

Let’s restore the beaches we deserve. Let’s enjoy the sights of nature on our beaches. Let’s enjoy the natural smell. Let’s give our children the same experiences we had as kids.

If you share our belief that we can restore the greatness of our natural spaces, then join the rest of us.

Three main ways to help with the cleanup that anyone can do:

You’re probably thinking – and you may be right – that picking up trash is not the best use of your time. There’s no doubt that it will be beneficial for the natural area you’re restoring, but there have got to be more effective ways you can contribute to the clean up. Right?

There are. 

You should ask yourself, “If I can allocate one hour of my time each week to cleaning up a beach or other area, how can I get the most impact for my time?”

Here are some possible answers:

1) Do it on your own

  • Go out and pick up trash
  • One piece per visit. This is something I like to do. Every time I finish surfing I pick up trash on my way back in.

2) Multiply your efforts

Use your unique skill or leverage to help an organization be more effective.

  • Recruit others to help
  • Give a cleanup organization something they need in order to be more effective. If you can make their organization stronger they’ll be able to do better work, which means more refuse recovered and one step closer to our goals.
    • If you’re an artist – help them with their logo or marketing materials
    • If you’re a social media pro – consult with them on their SM strategy
    • If you’re a chef – provide lunch for one of their events

3) Sponsor others

  • If you don’t have time but you do have money, donate to someone who has time and is dedicated. They will put your money to good use. If you’re going to take this route, I recommend talking to someone before you donate. Know how your money will be spent. Invest in a local group if you can and get a receipt. There is no shortage of people out there ready to take your money. If you want to have an impact, be selective about who you invest in.

Congratulations

If you’re taking action on any of these points, we want to say, “Thank you!”

You’ve just joined an international coalition of folks working toward the future we believe in. A future where:

  • we can enjoy our beaches and natural areas to their fullest
  • communities that sustain our natural areas
  • experiences we can share with our children

Want to keep learning? Here are a few other ways you can make a difference:

  1. Support The Revolution
  2. Reduce Your Impact
  3. Share The Wealth

Who are we? We are two surfers with a mission to reduce plastic pollution and restore the greatness of our oceans. Single use plastics are our first target, but we won’t stop there.

Support A Plastic Free Future

WANT TO HELP SOLVE THE PLASTIC PROBLEM BUT NOT SURE HOW TO HELP?

As an individual there are 4 key ways you can join the revolution: Support, Reduce, Clean Up, and Speak Up.

In this post we’re going to focus on one of the easiest and most effective ways: Support.

You already know your daily decisions can change the world. That’s why you vote at the ballot and with your wallet.

But, are you getting the most of your efforts?

Here are some of the best thing about supporting good stuff:

  • It’s the easiest way to start having an impact
  • You can start today
  • You don’t have to change your lifestyle
  • It’s not going to cost you anything

We believe every vote counts. Whether it’s at the ballot box or the checkout line. If you also believe your vote counts and you share our vision for a sustainable economy, here are a few ways you can take action: 

Support Businesses That Do Good

Are you giving your hard-earned dollars to a company that supports the future you’re working toward? Or are you supporting a company that simply wants to turn a profit?

Find the brands that are genuinely working to solve environmental problems you care about like plastic pollution. We have a variety of choices in almost every product category from food to clothing and there are new products coming to market to meet the demands of conscious consumers.

Here are some quick tips to supporting good businesses:

  • Watch out for greenwashing – Most brands are savvy to the fact that informed shoppers want to support “green” companies. Not all marketing is genuine. Don’t take all labels for face value. Give yourself some leeway and learn as you go. Do your research before you guy and find brands you trust…
  • Do your research – Search online, get recommendations from friends, and leverage apps like Buycott to help you. If a company shares the same values as you about protecting our environment, they should have clear information about that on their website and it should be evident in their products and actions. If it’s not… find the best alternative.
  • When possible, shop local – In general local businesses have more skin in the game when comes to your community. It’s also more likely you can meet the business owner and see what they really think about key issues you value.

Support Organizations That Do Good

You don’t have to be a big donor to make a difference.

It’s not difficult and it doesn’t take much time to support an organization that is having a considerable impact in your community. 

I know you have a specialty you’ve been cultivating over the last 5, 10, or more years. Maybe you’re the best artist around, you are a social media pro, or you’re great at working with people.

Whatever your skill is, there is an organization near you that needs it dearly.

Yes, you!

And it doesn’t have to be a major commitment. Half a day’s worth of your time each month is enough to make a huge impact in an organization.

If you don’t believe me try this and see what happens:

  1. Make a list of 3-5 things you’re good at
  2. Google a cause you are passionate about and find a group near you
  3. Call them and tell them “I’m good at these 3-5 things and I want to donate 5-10 hours of my time per month. How can I help your organization?”

If you’re not sure where to start, check out the organizations I support that are working toward solving the plastic problem: Changemakers: Plastic

Support Representatives That Do Good

I know, “They are so ineffective and corrupt. We don’t have any good choices anyways”.

That’s not necessarily true…

Revolution is the on the doorstep when things are at their worst. And we are now close to a tipping point.

Corruption in American politics is at an all-time high. Consideration for our environment is at an all-time low. And government as ineffective as ever.

Conditions are ripe for revolution and (almost) everyone knows it.

That’s why new candidates are starting to run on a new promise with central themes addressing our concerns: corruption, environmental degradation, and stagnation.

Even if you’re voting for a candidate who doesn’t have the majority of support from a leading party, vote for them anyways. Cast your vote showing that you support the values they represent. Encourage them to continue to fight for what you believe in. 

Tip: You don’t have to go it all on your own. If you’ve taken action on helping an organization that shares your values for a better world you can lean on them for advice. Don’t feel like you have to spend all weekend before voting day reading the biographies of each candidate. Find groups you can trust that will help you make a decision that fits your values. 

Support Legislation for Good

Influencing legislation doesn’t have to be painful and it’s one of the biggest ways to influence our future.

Key initiatives come up fairly regularly and your input as a citizen will either drive them to success or failure.

You don’t have to know all of them and you don’t have to be an expert to make good decisions.

We get emails monthly asking us to support a petition on a particular piece of legislation. We follow organizations we trust that help break down complicated

Whether it’s signing a petition on plastic bags in a city or writing a letter to a representative to ask them to vote down a bad bill… it doesn’t take much time and it contributes to building the type of world we want to live in.

How long does it take? Usually less than 2hrs per month (if you’re doing your due diligence).

Subscribe to Green America, pick the topics you value most, and learn about how to support them. Often times it’s simply a matter of signing a digital petition.

Really. It’s easy, you’ll be a more informed citizen, you’ll feel good that you’re doing something to support the future you believe in rather than feeling bad about letting it slip by, and that feels good.

Congratulations

If you’re taking action on any of these points, we want to say, “Thank you!”

You’ve just joined an international coalition of folks working toward the future we believe in. A future where:

  • Responsible companies thrive and irresponsible companies are less profitable
  • Representatives work for the people, not the companies that support their campaigns
  • Organizations do good work get the support they need to have a bigger impact
  • Legislation that supports a sustainable economy is commonplace

Want to keep learning? Here are a few other ways you can make a difference:

  1. Reduce Your Impact
  2. Support The Cleanup
  3. Educate Others

The Plastic Problem – Human Health

The problem of plastic pollution in the environment is familiar to most of us these days. Litter, overflowing landfill sites, ocean gyres of floating garbage and beach pollution are hot topics.

But it’s not only a problem for the planet; did you know that plastic pollution can also be harmful to our own health?

HOW DO PLASTICS AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH?

There are two types of plastic-related chemicals that are of most concern for human health—bisphenol-A, and additives used in the synthesis of plastics, known as phthalates[i].

These plastic chemicals can be absorbed by the body. Plastics and their additives are inside virtually every one of us, present in blood and urine in measurable amounts.

Bisphenol-A – commonly known as BPA – is a basic constituent of polycarbonate plastics used to make a wide range of products such as water bottles, food packaging and other items.

BPA is an endocrine disrupter that mimics hormones in the body and can affect the developmental, neural and reproductive structures, especially in babies and young children.

Alongside other endocrine disruptors in plastics (such as BPB, BPC, BPS etc.), BPA is linked to increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cognitive developmental delay, metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction and decreased birthweight[ii].

Plastics also contain toxic additives such as colorings, flame retardants and plasticizers, which can leach out over time. Phthalates are used as plasticizers to manufacture vinyl flooring and wall coverings, food packaging and medical devices. Many of these toxic substances are present in the products we use daily, particularly those that haven’t undergone proper product testing and are not compliant with regulations, like Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).

Researchers have linked phthalates to a wide range of health problems including asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues[iii].

How do these chemicals enter the human body?

Plastics and associated chemical additives are ingested with the food we eat, the water we drink and from other sources.

You may be eating a variety of unpleasant chemicals depending on your diet. As well as the chemicals contained within plastic itself, when waste plastic particles float in the ocean, they attract and absorb heavy metal contamination and other pollutants[iv].

Fish and other marine animals consume plastics both intentionally and unintentionally. Once they absorb chemicals from ingested plastic, those chemicals are transferred up the food chain to anything that eats them, including humans. By eating contaminated fish and seafood, you may be consuming microplastics and chemicals you’d never knowingly choose to ingest.

Tap water is also widely contaminated by plastic. Recent studies found that 83% of the tap water samples from around the world were contaminated with plastic fibers[v].

The US had the highest contamination rate, at 94%, while Lebanon and India had the next highest rates. The lowest contamination rate was found in European countries including the UK, Germany and France, but this was still alarmingly high at 72%.

The World Health Organization recently launched a review after microplastics were found in 90% of bottled water[vi]. Analysis of 11 different bottled brands from nine countries found an average of 325 plastic particles for every liter of water being sold.

Scientists are only just beginning to discover the extent of plastic contamination: Studies in Germany found fibers in all 24 of the beer brands they tested, as well as in honey and sugar. In Paris, researchers discovered microplastic falling from the air, and that it was also present in the air in people’s homes.

How did things get so bad?

While global production of plastic increased rapidly from 15 million tonnes in 1964 to 311 million tonnes in 2014[vii], the facilities to collect, recycle or dispose of plastic waste have not kept pace.

By polluting and contaminating the planet with plastic chemicals, we have, effectively, contaminated our own food and water supplies, and even the air we breathe.

Should we be concerned for the future?

Researchers have found that 93% of Americans age six or older test positive for BPA[viii] and nearly all adults have measurable levels of phthalates in their bodies[ix].

Although many health conditions have been linked to plastic chemicals, this is still a growing area of concern and research is urgently needed to determine the extent of the health risk from ingesting plastic particles.

The harmful consequences may be much worse than we think. Isn’t it time we stopped adding to the plastic polluting our planet and our bodies?


[i] https://biodesign.asu.edu/news/perils-plastics-risks-human-health-and-environment

[ii] https://plasticpollutioncoalition.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002099788-Defining-the-System-of-Plastic-Pollution

[iii] https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis

[iv] http://naturalsociety.com/fish-eat-plastic-polluted-oceans-travels-food-chain/

[v] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/06/plastic-fibres-found-tap-water-around-world-study-reveals

[vi] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/15/microplastics-found-in-more-than-90-of-bottled-water-study-says

[vii] https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/news/the-new-plastics-economy-rethinking-the-future-of-plastics-infographics

[viii] https://www.ecowatch.com/22-facts-about-plastic-pollution-and-10-things-we-can-do-about-it-1881885971.html

[ix] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/plastic-not-so-fantastic/

The Plastic Problem: Pollution

Jacques Cousteau, the renowned underwater researcher and pioneering marine conservationist, once said,

“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

Sadly, he was right. Unsightly plastic waste litters our oceans and shorelines, spoiling our enjoyment of swimming, surfing, or simply spending some leisure time at the beach.

With the ever-increasing amount of waste in the environment, just how much of a problem is plastic pollution?

HOW DO PLASTICS POLLUTE THE ENVIRONMENT?

Plastic pollution is caused by the accumulation of man-made plastic products in the environment. Across much of the planet, there is now so much plastic waste that it creates problems for wildlife and their habitats as well as for human populations.

Discarded plastic cannot decompose in the same way as other waste, so it simply breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, which can remain in the environment for more than 1,000 years.

This explains why plastic pollution is becoming such a big issue; it accumulates at a much faster rate than it can decompose or degrade into a harmless form.

Some plastics take longer than others to decompose:

  • Plastic bags – 10 to 1,000 years
  • Foam plastic cup – 50 years
  • Plastic bottle – 450 years or more
  • Nylon fishing line – 600 years
  • Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) – 1 million years (does not biodegrade)

These slow decomposition rates mean that plastic waste – of whatever type – will continue to pollute the environment for many decades, or even centuries, to come.

Some plastics do, however, degrade under sunlight’s UV rays (known as photodegradation), but this produces toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and PS oligomer. The toxins may be eaten and absorbed by wildlife or wash up on the shoreline, where people may come into direct contact with them.

WHAT IS ALL THIS PLASTIC AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Estimates for the amount of plastic that flow into our rivers and oceans vary widely, but any amount is too much. This chart shows estimates on how much plastic waste is generated and how much finds its way into rivers, coastlines, and oceans.

Our World in Data

The main land-based sources of plastic waste are categorized as primary or secondary sources.

Primary sources are waste plastics from the manufacturing industry known as ‘nurdles’; small plastic beads or pellets that end up in the marine ecosystem in large numbers. A recent beach clean in Cornwall, UK, found more than 127,000 nurdles in a single clean-up.

Secondary sources come from plastic litter such as bottles, food packaging, polyester clothing or fishing line, which accumulate on beaches due to waves and tides, river deposits, sewage outlets and storm drains, as well as being directly discarded by beach users.

Most of what we see when enjoying the outdoors is secondary plastic.

HOW DID THINGS GET SO BAD?

Global annual production of plastic increased twenty-fold over a fifty year period, from 15 million tonnes in 1964 to 311 million tonnes in 2014.

But whilst the production of plastic increased rapidly, to cater to the growing global population and increased consumerism, the facilities to collect, recycle or dispose of plastic waste have not kept pace.

The top five plastic-polluting countries – China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka – are all developing nations with fast-growing economies, but with underdeveloped waste management systems.

Every person in the United States produces more than 2.5 kg of plastic waste each day – more than twice that of people in China – but this accounts for less than 1% of global plastic waste overall.

So the problem of plastic waste is caused both by lower-income countries that lack good waste management facilities, and by high-income countries that produce a lot of waste per head of population.

SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED FOR THE FUTURE?

By 2050, global plastics production is expected to increase still further to 1,124 million tonnes every year.

Studies suggest that we are still 85 years away from ‘peak waste’. With plastic production still increasingly rapidly around the world, the amount of plastic waste ending up in the oceans is likely to continue to rise over the next decades.

In fact, it’s estimated that if nothing is done, the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the oceans will reach 80 million metric tonnes a year by 2025 and by 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean, by weight, will be greater than the amount of fish.

Plastic waste is choking our oceans; killing wildlife, polluting even the remotest beaches, and threatening the food chain. If we can change that, shouldn’t we at least try?

WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

On a local level, where most of us are, taking action within the community may be the biggest impact we can have. Practically, I’ve found that enjoying the outdoors is a big motivator for me. Hiking, fishing, or even just floating down a river are fun and motivating.

When doing these activities, I try to make my impact net negative from a plastic pollution standpoint by picking up some trash. I like to think that if everyone picked up a few pieces, over time this would have a massive impact.

Another simple way to have an impact is to buy from and work with responsible companies. Let your dollars speak for you. It doesn’t take long to find responsible companies and once you do the work the first time you don’t ever have to do it again. You can check here for a guide to responsible outdoor brands.

The other, less fun, but still important action is to let your representatives know that this is an important issue to you. Voting for candidates that prioritize the environment does make a difference, even when many of us today feel like our votes don’t count. Communicating our desired outcome to representatives also does have an impact. At the end of the day, representatives are going to do what their voters want so they can get re-elected. Therefore, if they’re hearing about clean rivers and beaches, they’ll try to prioritize it.


Cleaning Up Plastic Pollution

Walking down the street, or on a beach, or even merely from point A to point B, it’s impossible not to notice some form of trash scattered about.

I’m talking about the 8 million tons of plastic in our oceans, the 1.5 million Layson Albatrosses with plastic in their digestive system, the 127,000 nurdles found on beaches, and the 189 million plastic bottles found across highways, waterways, and parks.

Plastic pollution is suffocating not only our oceans, but our beaches, our parks, and even the remote mountains of Switzerland. As plastic production continues to expand and grow, so does our plastic problem.

Because plastics take such a long time to break down, we are constantly seeing the effects of litter from 50 years ago, 25 years ago, all the way up until this morning. And it will continue to plague our environment long after if we don’t do something about it.

There are many components to the widely sought-after solution to our plastic pollution problem, and actively cleaning up our oceans and natural environments is one of them.

The only way to combat and reverse the pollution we’ve already created is by retracing our steps and picking up after ourselves.

TYPES OF CLEANUP ACTIVITIES

There has been very little action taken by governments or big business to aid in remedying the environmental toll of plastic pollution. Because of this, people from all over the globe have come together to clean up the mess that’s been created. These activists can be categorized into two different approaches: Grassroots, often non-profit operations or communities, and large scale operations.

Grassroots

Grassroots organizations are establishing themselves around the world in order to combat the plastic pollution on beaches, in waterways, and in the natural environment. These groups and individuals are combining environmental advocacy and entrepreneurialism to strengthen cleanup efforts in their own backyards through diverse and unique means.

They’re not just organizing your average beach cleanup. While beach cleanups are immensely important – Ocean Conservancy’s beach cleanups have removed more than 220 million pounds of trash since 1985 through volunteer support – these growing organizations seek to protect and preserve through innovative means, such as digital petitions and social media outreach, shifting consumer habits, educational outreach, advanced technology, and give-back incentives.

For example, Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit organization connecting activists and conservation efforts through social media presence. They advertise 160 charters and clubs and 113 active campaigns which empower local communities to take action and proactively work to keep beaches healthy.

Another organization, Debris Free Oceans, uses a more holistic approach to ocean cleanup. Through sustainability counseling, education, cleanups, policy reform, and zero-waste lifestyle events, Debris Free Oceans is looking to combat plastic pollution from all sides.

4Ocean employs cleanup crews from around the world to help clean up oceans and coastlines through their attractive 4Ocean Bracelet. They promise to remove one pound of trash for each bracelet purchased.

Others, like the Seabin Project, are creating advanced technologies to reduce ocean debris. “Seabins” are submersible water pumps that clean and displace 25 liters of water per hour, created by two Australian surfers whose aim is to solve, educate, and prevent ocean pollution.

And charities like Take 3 for the Sea are looking to raise awareness of plastic consumption patterns by advocating beachgoers to take three pieces of plastic litter from the beach when they leave. They also promote the global reduction of plastic pollution through education programs in schools and communities. 

Large Scale Operations

In addition to the many hardworking non-profit organizations implementing inspiration, education, and action around the world, there are several large scale operations in process, or being implemented, to reduce mass amounts of plastic pollution building up in the oceans, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Discovered in 1997, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the most tangible evidence of our plastic pollution problem. It consists of 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic weighing 79,000 metric tons.

There are a wide range of projects and organizations dedicated to reducing and eliminating the patch, such as The Ocean Cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup is projected to remove up to 50% of the debris floating in the patch through advanced technologies harnessing ocean currents. Once implemented, it is estimated that 50% will be cleaned up in five years.

On top of this, large scale, international organizations, such as the Ocean Conservancy, have spent years cleaning up international coastlines and protecting marine environments. Their projects range from removing trash from the ocean to restoring the Gulf of Mexico, to research and policy planning for local communities on a global scale.

Communities have been going even one step further, establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and Large Scale Marine Protected Areas (LSMPA). MPAs are officially recognized delineated zones, defined by ecological boundaries, that can then be managed and protected to keep them in their natural state.

These MPAs are banding together to create seascapes or networks of marine protected areas through Conservation International. In doing this, these designated areas are not only being cleaned up, but are also being monitored on the basis that marine environments are fluid and interdependent. MPAs also provide a platform for governments and organizations to work together to keep their coastal and marine environments healthy.

Benefits of Cleaning Up

Coastal and marine cleanups are crucial for removing unnatural debris from the natural environment. Considering the fact that we produce over 300 million tons of plastic every year, it’s safe to say that the clean ups occurring around the world are helping to decrease plastic pollution.

In 2016 alone, the Ocean Conservancy reported more than 18 million pounds of trash collected in 112 countries around the world. They covered enough coastline to walk around the moon twice.

But, the reality is that if we don’t reduce our consumption of the plastic that creates these polluted environments in the first place, then it’s never going to stop. The same bottles will be there next year; the same cigarette butts; the same plastic bags.

Fortunately, coastal clean ups don’t just benefit the beaches we frequent. They also promote a broader understanding of one’s own consumption patterns and the marine community they are volunteering to protect.

Eighteen millions pounds is a lot. So these clean ups are bound to take a lot of volunteers – 500,000 actually. Over 500,000 volunteers dedicated their time and energy to the International Coastal Cleanup in 2016. More than that though, 500,000 people this year walked away with a deeper insight into marine life and their own consumption lifestyle, hopefully affecting their consumption patterns in the future.

How Can I Contribute?

There are many ways to contribute to the clean up of the world’s oceans both in your own backyard and across the globe.

1) Join a local group. Non-profits are always seeking volunteers, and volunteering your time and energy to the clean ocean commitment is beneficial not only for the environment, but for the community and for yourself.

2) Clean up on your own! Don’t feel like volunteering? Clean up in your daily life instead. Going to the beach? Take 3 pieces of trash out with you. See a plastic bag floating by on the street? Grab it and dispose of it properly. Maybe you’ll even inspire others around you to do the same.

3) No time? No worries. Volunteer or donate to larger organizations dedicated to ocean conservation efforts instead. There were several listed on this page, and even more that are worth looking into!

The Plastic Problem: Wildlife

HOW DO PLASTICS IMPACT WILDLIFE?

Many creatures mistake plastic for food, which can be deadly when they attempt to eat it. In total, it is estimated that ingestion of plastic kills 1 million marine birds and 100,000 marine animals each year[i].

Birds and animals can die from internal injuries caused by swallowing plastic fragments. Many die from starvation; with stomachs full of indigestible plastic, they feel full and stop eating before slowly succumbing to malnutrition. Turtles often suffocate when attempting to eat floating plastic bags, which to them look just like their favorite food – jellyfish.

Even the tiny plastic beads that enter an animal’s digestive system can affect its health due to the presence of endocrine disruptors. Chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) are used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, to make water bottles, CDs, food packaging and the lining of food cans.

When BPA leaches out of the plastics, it can affect the endocrine system, which can damage the immune system, reproductive system, neurological responses and affect overall growth. Some fish have also been observed to become feminized or intersex due to their exposure to BPA pollution.

Entanglement in discarded plastic is also a huge danger for wildlife. One report found that roughly 200 different marine species worldwide have been identified suffering entanglements[ii],  with plastic ropes, fishing nets, and even soda can holders to blame.

Wildlife suffers on land as well as at sea

This problem is not limited to the oceans; land-based creatures – both wild and domesticated – also suffer injury and death caused by plastic waste.

Animals such as dogs, raccoons and bears looking for food can get their heads stuck in plastic containers, leading to suffocation, dehydration, starvation, and eventual death.

Creatures of all types and sizes also ingest plastic fragments or larger items of packaging by mistake when eating discarded leftover food, which can lead to intestinal blockage and subsequent starvation.

Animals and birds can become tangled in plastic soda can holders, twine or other thin plastic materials, preventing them from walking, hopping or flying, and leaving them vulnerable to predators as well as unable to hunt for food or take shelter.

What types of plastics are the biggest problem?

As far as wildlife is concerned, all plastic pollution is bad. Tiny plastic microbeads enter the food chain via the smallest sea creatures, which are then eaten by predators and end up in the digestive systems of larger fish.

Seabirds eat plastic that is about the same size and shape as the fish that normally forms their diet; anything from plastic cigarette lighters and toothbrushes to cotton buds and small toys. Species such as the albatross, which normally feed on shrimp, pick through the plastic selecting the pink, brown and red pieces mistaking them for their favorite food.

Even very large plastic waste is a problem. Floating debris such as buoys, abandoned boats and parts of docks or pontoons can carry numerous kinds of marine life with them, transferring invasive species or diseases to new areas where they can disrupt the local ecosystem.

How bad is the problem today?

Researchers in Lake Erie found an average of 8 pieces of plastic in small-sized fish, 20 pieces in medium-sized fish and 44 pieces in cormorants, large sea birds that eat these fish[iii].

plastic impacts wildlife

It’s estimated that every square mile of ocean contains around 46,000 pieces of floating plastic, and 44 percent of all seabird species, 22 percent of cetaceans, all sea turtle species and a growing list of fish species have been documented with plastic in or around their bodies[iv].

Should we be concerned for the future?

The floating mass of plastic known as The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located off the coast of California, is already twice the size of Texas. With global plastics production expected to increase to 1,124 million tonnes a year by 2050[v], the amount of plastic pollution is set to grow still further.

By polluting habitats with vast accumulations of plastic waste, we have already caused dire and often fatal consequences for wildlife and for entire environmental ecosystems. Isn’t it time we found a way to protect all of the planet’s inhabitants from plastic pollution?

Advantages of Using Eco-Friendly Bags

With so much plastic building up in our environment – from the tops of the mountains to the bottom of the ocean – It is imperative that we find a solution to plastic pollution.

Plastic, unlike many other modern materials, not only requires valuable resources to produce, such as petroleum and natural gas, but also permeates the environment on a large scale due to it’s inability to break down. Plastic bags alone take up to 1,000 years to degrade. That is to say, break down into smaller and smaller pieces, because plastic is not biodegradable.

Yet despite this fact, the average plastic bag is only used for about 12 minutes before it is discarded: thus creating an unimaginable amount of plastic waste in our homes, landfills, streets, and waterways.

Luckily, one of the simplest and most economical ways to decrease our plastic consumption is by using eco-friendly bags. There are numerous advantages to using eco-friendly bags, including reduced waste, increased convenience, and many others.

  1. Less plastic waste in the environment. We currently use 500 billion bags annually, worldwide. That’s 150 plastic bags per person, per year. If you connected all of those bags from end to end, it would circumnavigate the world 4,200 times. Needless to say, an eco-friendly bag would significantly reduce this number.
  2. Photo degradation, ingestion, and pollution. Plastic bags that don’t make it to the landfill or recycling plant are at risk for photo degradation (light exposure that releases toxic polymer particles), ingestion (100,000 mammals each year), or pollution (10% of all coastline debris). The use of eco-friendly bags reduces the amount of plastic bags entering the environment, and therefore the possibilities thereafter.
  3. Less fossil fuels and natural resources used for years to come. It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce plastic bags each year for the US alone. And that’s not including transport and disposal. By investing in an eco-friendly bag, you’re contributing to less fossil fuel use, saving water, and promoting more sustainable resource distribution.
  4. Plastic tax. Many stores, cities, and even entire countries are banning the use of plastic bags, or taxing any necessary use of them. By switching to an eco-friendly bag, you’ll be able to avoid any added expense when going shopping.
  5. Less money for cleanup. It takes $4,000 USD to recycle one ton of plastic bags, which then creates a product that can be sold for $32. Plastic bags may be cheap and convenient to use, but they are expensive to clean up. The money and taxpayer dollars being put towards plastic bag cleanup could be much more beneficial elsewhere.
  6. Stronger and more comfortable. Eco-friendly bags are stronger and more durable than conventional plastic bags. They’re also much more comfortable to carry than traditional HDPE bags. Therefore, you’re able to carry more with less stress on your hands and body in order to do so.
  7. Support and show environmental friendliness. Eco-friendly bags are also a great way to show your support for the environment or any other cause. You can do this merely by using a generic bag, or by purchasing one with your favorite brand or slogan on it. There are a wide variety of reusable bags that come in different shapes, colors, and bold messages.
  8. Takes up less space. We’ve all got that plastic bag stash in our pantry or cupboard. Ditch the plastic stash in place of one or two reusables and save yourself room and stress!
  9. Many reusable bags, if made out of natural materials, are biodegradable. So trade in your plastic habits that take up to 1,000 years to degrade into smaller and smaller pieces for something that is not only environmentally friendly, but also returns to the earth once you’re finished using it.
  10. Peace of mind—Doing your part to reduce plastic pollution. There are many problems associated with excessive plastic bag waste. If just one person transitions to reusable bags instead of plastic, they’ll save 22,000 plastic bags over a ilfetime. In using an eco-friendly bag, you’ll shop knowing that you’re purchasing in a responsible way, doing your part to reduce plastic bag use for the years to come.

The advantages to using eco-friendly bags over plastic bags are endless. The biggest challenge to making that transition is actually doing it!

If you’re looking to make more changes to your plastic consumption, check out our guide: Ways to Reduce Plastic Use.