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July 1, 2024

Plastic Pollution 101

 

Plastic is everywhere.   

From the deepest trenches in the ocean to the highest peaks in the world – the pervasive presence of plastic is overwhelming.    

But imagine a world where our oceans are teeming with life instead of plastic. A world where our beaches are pristine, and our ecosystems are thriving without the constant threat of pollution.  

This vision is a future within reach – but only through collective effort.  

Every year, an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic enters the marine environment. That’s roughly the equivalent of dumping two garbage trucks full of plastic into the ocean every minute! Forty percent of the plastic currently produced is for packaging and single-use plastic and the amount of plastic entering the ocean is expected to triple by 2040 . But how did we end up here?  

THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC

First created in 1907 from fossil fuels, plastic became mainstream in the 1950s as an alternative to glass. Lightweight, durable, and cheap plastic products revolutionized industries and provided convenience to consumers. Yet the very qualities that make plastic so useful also made it an environmental menace.  

And now we’re paying the price for such convenience. The problem is simple. Single-use plastics are profoundly flawed by design. They use a material made to last for centuries – but used only for a few moments.  

SOLUTIONS TO THE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS

While we’ve been spoon fed by the plastic industry the idea that if everyone recycled, our oceans would not be in its current predicament, the reality is recycling alone can’t solve this crisis. In fact, of all the plastic waste ever created, only about 9% has been recycled, while another 12% gets incinerated, and the remaining 79% ends up in landfills and polluting our environment.  

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and create a plastic-free future for our oceans. Here are three ways you can get involved!  

TAKE ACTION

Your voice matters! With the help of our Wavemakers, Oceana has secured more than 25 victories to reduce single-use plastic in the countries where we work. Add your name to call on your leaders to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. 

MAKE A DONATION

When you donate to Oceana, you’re supporting our campaigns to tackle plastic pollution and investing in a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans. 

SPREAD AWARENESS

Learn more about Oceana’s campaign to curb plastic pollution at the source and encourage your family, friends, and community to get involved!