For almost fifty years, plastic has become widespread in all aspects of our daily lives. From packaging to electronic devices to toys, it has become an essential material in our modern society. However, behind its convenience and versatility lies a growing threat to our environment, our health and even the climate.
Every year we produce an alarming 350 million tonnes of plastic waste. These wastes often end up in our oceans, seriously polluting marine ecosystems and threatening marine life. Plastic slowly degrades into microplastics and nanoplastics, contaminating the food chain, from the smallest marine organisms to humans themselves.
The threat of plastic: a scourge
One major disadvantage of plastic is that it degrades very slowly, meaning it can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. Many plastics end up in the oceans, polluting the water and endangering marine life. Additionally, when plastic degrades, it turns into microplastics which can contaminate the food chain.
Recycling plastic is an important solution to reducing pollution. When you recycle, plastic is collected, cleaned, and then made into new products. You can help by sorting your plastic waste and putting it in the recycling bin.
By recycling plastic, you help save natural resources and reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Recycling also helps limit the production of new plastics, which reduces demand for oil and helps fight climate change.
Everyone can act at their own level to find solutions in everyday life to protect our planet from the ravages of plastic. Discover now our slideshow on 6 creative recycling ideas for plastic waste.