Part 2 of Part 3 Series
4. Why is plastic pollution such a problem?
There are three big reasons.
First, plastic pollution can wreak havoc on ecosystems. One study found that small plastic particles can slow the growth of a microscopic marine algae known as phytoplankton, which is the base of several aquatic food webs.As well, fish often mistakenly eat plastic products, filling their stomachs with indigestible shards that cause them to starve to death.
Second, plastic often breaks down into tiny fragments–known as microplastics and nanoplastics–which can build up in the human body. Microplastics have been found in livers, testicles–even breast milk. One study found that on average, a liter of bottled water contains in the range of 240,000 microplastics.
Third, plastic throughout its life cycle also contributes to climate change. Plastic production–an energy-hungry process–was responsible for more than 3 percent of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, researchers estimate.
5. What do microplastics do to humans?
We don’t know yet. But researchers are working feverishly to find out because of the alarming amount of microplastics we are ingesting.
6. Can recycling alone end the plastic pollution crisis?
No. Only about 9 percent of plastics are actually recycled, according to a study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. There are several reasons for that. Many plastic products are not designed to be reused and recycled. Some are too flimsy to be recycled, while others can only be recycled once or twice. Many countries lack the infrastructure to collect and recycle plastic waste. But perhaps the biggest problem: recycling systems cannot keep up with the explosion of plastic waste. Global plastic production doubled between 2000 and 2019.
7. So, how can the world tackle plastic pollution?
We need to think big. That means looking beyond recycling and finding ways to limit the environmental and health problems caused by plastic pollution. This means looking at every stage of products’ lives, from their production, design and consumption to their disposal. This is known as the lifecycle approach.
(To be continued) UNEP News