by: Noah Godfrey | July 24, 2024
Plastic pollution is a topic that has catapulted from scientific journals to dinner table discussions following the groundbreaking UN Plastic Pollution Treaty.[1] The issue has gained significant attention due to its escalating effects on human health, environmental sustainability, and global economic systems.
With plastic production expected to triple by 2050[2] and only 9% of plastics being effectively recycled,[3] the urgency to address this problem has never been greater. This blog will explore plastic pollution’s environmental, social, and economic impacts, highlighting its connection to climate change and public health. We will also discuss practical steps individuals and businesses can take to mitigate this crisis. By understanding the full scope of plastic pollution and taking action, we can work together to create a more sustainable future.
Environmental Consequences of Plastic Pollution
Most plastics are produced from fossil fuels, mainly oil and gas. Plastic production is forecasted to account for 20% of all oil consumption by 2050.[4] Plastic’s inexorable link to fossil fuels justifies its sizable contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, plastic production is expected to outpace the greenhouse gas emissions from coal power plants in the United States by 2040.[5]
Unfortunately, plastic’s end-of-life environmental consequences are just as devastating as the impact of its production. 91% of the world’s mismanaged plastics are either landfilled, incinerated, or littered into rivers and oceans. Greenhouse gas emissions from landfilling and burning plastics are difficult to account for. However, nearly 24 billion pounds of plastic waste end up in our oceans annually and this number is expected to triple by 2040.[6]
Damaging our ocean’s ecosystem is no joke. Scientists estimate that 50-80% of the Earth’s oxygen comes from the ocean.[7] Although it’s difficult to assess, scientists estimate that plastic pollution kills ~100,000 marine mammals every year.[8]
It’s clear we must turn off the tap on plastic waste before we cause irreversible ecosystem damage.
Social Impacts of Plastic Pollution
Together, the production, usage, and end-of-life treatment of plastics have shocking consequences for communities across the globe, and unfortunately, the impacts are often concentrated in low-income communities.
For example, St. Gabriel, Louisiana, is inundated by petrochemical plants and has become commonly known as “Cancer Alley” due to the overwhelming number of cancer cases and miscarriages in the local community.[9]
Plastic use and exposure harms human health, “potentially affecting fertility, hormonal, metabolic and neurological activity.”[10] Furthermore, once plastic reaches the end of its life cycle, if it is not recycled, it is often shipped from developed countries to the global south. It was estimated that last year, the United States exported 1 million tons of plastic waste to developing countries.[11]
These developing countries lack the infrastructure to support their plastic waste, which is crushed by imported plastics. The only management option is incineration, and the associated plastic fumes are toxic – linked to developmental disorders, endocrine system disruption, and cancer.
Half of the plastic waste epidemic is composed of single-use plastics.[12] As a result, our society’s wasteful habits have more far-reaching consequences for humankind than we could ever imagine.
Plastic Pollution’s Effect on Economies
The economic impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly well-recognized. But what about plastic pollution?
The current estimated loss of marine ecosystem services due to plastic pollution equals $2.5 trillion every year.[13] This number should also be assessed because ecosystem loss occurs in places that are directly dependent on these marine ecosystem services for survival. The estimated $2.5 trillion is also expected to be a vast underestimation of the actual cost.
Turning the Tides
Plastic pollution’s effects are devastating, but we must make two important observations.
The first is that not all plastics are harmful. Proper implementation can help limit greenhouse gas emissions, food waste, etc. Second, we still have time to turn the tide on plastics. Suppose we can achieve a circular economy for plastics. In that case, it’s estimated that we can reduceplastics entering oceans by over 80% by 2040, reduce virgin plastic production by 55%, save governments $70 billion by 2040, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, and create 700,000 additional jobs – mainly in the global south.[14]
Companies and individuals alike have the opportunity and the obligation to pursue a world with less plastic waste. We must act now with the intent to change the world. It won’t be enough to market claims or pay our way out of this crisis. We must all intend to make daily changes to ensure future generations have a safe and beautiful world.
What Can You Do Today
The need to address plastic pollution has never been more urgent. As individuals and businesses, we have the power to significantly impact this global crisis.
Here are 5 actionable steps you can take today:
- Educate and Advocate: The first step is to understand the full scope of plastic pollution and its impacts. Share knowledge within your community and advocate for policies that reduce plastic waste and encourage recycling.
- Reduce and Recycle: Limit your use of single-use plastics and ensure that the plastics you use are recycled properly. Also, supporting companies and products that use recycled materials and incorporate sustainable practices is small but impactful.
- Support Innovation: Invest in and support innovative solutions that create a circular economy for plastics. Technologies and businesses focusing on recycling and reusing plastics can dramatically reduce plastic waste.
- Purchase Plastic Credits: Companies and consumers can directly act by purchasing plastic credits. These credits support projects that reduce plastic waste and contribute to a healthier environment. You can play a part in the global effort to tackle plastic pollution by offsetting your plastic footprint.
- Engage in Clean-up Efforts: Participate in local clean-up drives and initiatives to remove plastic waste from natural environments. Every piece of plastic removed from rivers, beaches, and parks makes a difference.
As we wrap up this exploration of plastic pollution’s far-reaching impacts, it’s clear that the challenge before us is immense. Yet, within this crisis lies an opportunity for transformative change. Our actions today, no matter how small, can ripple outwards, creating waves of positive impact for our oceans, communities, and future generations.
The journey towards a world with less plastic waste isn’t one we can undertake alone. It requires a collective effort – from individuals making conscious choices in their daily lives to businesses reimagining their production and packaging processes to governments implementing forward-thinking policies. Each of us has a role to play in this global movement.
As we move forward, let’s challenge ourselves to be more mindful consumers, vocal advocates, and innovative problem-solvers. Remember, every piece of plastic we prevent from entering our environment is a victory; every sustainable choice is a step towards a cleaner future.
The tide is turning on plastic pollution and we are part of that change. The future of our planet is in our hands – let’s shape it responsibly, sustainably, and with hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Works Cited
[1] United Nations – End Plastic Pollution
[2] World Economic Forum – The New Plastics Economy
[3] National Geographic – A Whooping 91 Percent of Plastic Isn’t Recycled
[4] World Economic Forum – We Know Plastic Pollution is Bad
[5] Reuters – Plastics to Outspace Coal’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030
[6] Pew – Breaking the Plastic Wave: Top Findings for Preventing Plastic Pollution
[7] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – How Much Oxygen Comes from the Ocean
[8] WWF – Plastic in our Oceans is Killing Marine Mammals
[9] United Nations – Environmental Racism in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’
[10] Endocrine Society – Plastics, EDCs & Health
[11] The Guardian – Where Does Your Plastic Go?
[12] NDRC – Single Use Plastics 101
[13] NCEL – The Economic Impacts of Plastic Pollution
[14] UNEP – Policy Options to Eliminate Marine Plastic Litter
About the Author
Noah Godfrey has dedicated his entire professional career to sustainability, focusing on circularity and supply chain optimization. His journey began with roles at various NGOs and climate tech startups, where he honed his expertise in environmental stewardship and innovative solutions.
Noah co-founded Ampliphi, a groundbreaking platform designed to map emissions and waste from supply chain activities. The success of Ampliphi led to its acquisition by ClimeCo in 2023. Noah is instrumental in expanding ClimeCo’s supply chain and circular economy services, driving impactful changes towards a more sustainable future.
