The Global Plastic Pollution Problem
We always knew climate change was real and happening. We also knew that plastic waste was a massive contributing factor and global problem. But when we see all of these in a real life... it's scary!!!
The world now produces more than 380 million tonnes of plastic every year, which could end up as pollutants, entering our natural environment and oceans. There the ultraviolet light (UV) and mechanical wave forces break large pieces of plastic into smaller ones. These smaller particles, referred to as microplastics, are much more easily incorporated into sediments or ingested by organisms.
The amount of microplastics in our surface ocean will increase under every scenario because the large plastics that we already have on our shorelines and surface waters will continue to breakdown. And, any additional plastics we add will contribute further.
How does plastic impact wildlife?
There have been many documented incidences of the impact of plastic on ecosystems and wildlife.
1. Entanglement – the entrapping, encircling or constricting of marine animals by plastic debris. Entanglement cases have been reported for at least 344 species to date, including all marine turtle species, more than two-thirds of seal species, one-third of whale species, and one-quarter of seabirds.34 Entanglement by 89 species of fish and 92 species of invertebrates has also been recorded.
2. Ingestion of plastic can occur unintentionally, intentionally, or indirectly through the ingestion of prey species containing plastic. It has been documented for at least 233 marine species, including all marine turtle species, more than one-third of seal species, 59% of whale species, and 59% of seabirds.37 Ingestion by 92 species of fish and 6 species of invertebrates has also been recorded. Plastic can also obstruct or perforate the gut, cause ulcerative lesions, or gastric rupture. This can ultimately lead to death.
Impact of microplastics on humans!
Several in vitro (i.e., human cell culture) and in vivo rodent studies indicate the potential of inhaled or ingested microplastics to cause a variety of biological effects, including physical (particle) toxicity, leading to oxidative stress, secretion of cytokines, cellular damage, inflammatory and immune reactions!
How to reduce Plastic use?
Avoid single-use plastics such as drinking straws -
Single-use plastics, such as plates and cutlery made from this material, make our lives easier, but seriously harm the planet. These types of products have viable alternatives and there is an urgent need to chose these.
If you go shopping, remember to take a cloth bag -
We go to the supermarket at least once a week to fill up our fridges. If every time we go we use reusable bags (cloth, string or wicker) the health of our planet will improve. From now on remember to take yours when leaving the house.
Recycle chewing gum... it's also make of plastic! -
Most chewing gum currently on the market contains plastic. Try to buy less chewing gum and throw it in the correct recycling container. You can also opt for natural and organic chewing gums.
Buy more bulk food and fewer packaged products -
Disposable containers are inundating supermarkets (polystyrene trays, PET bottles, tetra paks, plastic containers, etc.). But there is an alternative: more and more establishments are offering the possibility to buy in bulk.
Replace plastic Tupperware for glass or steel containers -
If you eat at work, a Tupperware container is part of your day. We suggest you change your routine and opt for glass or stainless steel containers. Not only will the planet appreciate it, so will your health because some of these plastic containers can release harmful substances.
Avoid using cosmetics that use micro-plastics, buy a biodegradable brush and wear natural fabrics -
The market today offers an array of alternative plastic-free products and the options are increasing. From lipsticks free of micro-plastic or brushes made of wood to t-shirts made of natural fabrics.
Pay attention and put your plastic waste in the correct recycling container -
Our lifestyle sometimes prevents us from paying attention to details. Therefore, when it comes to recycling plastic waste it can end up in the wrong container. Before throwing your waste away, think where each item has to go.
