We use plastic every single day, and we use too much of it. Plastic pollution presents a serious threat to the planet, to such an extent that governments around the world have largely been forced to take action. Oceans are threatened by the 8 million tons of plastic trash that gets dumped every year, as their ecosystems are harmed by the bags and other plastic packaging that damage ocean life.
Contrary to popular belief, plastic is not biodegradable, which makes it very difficult to remove from the environment. People may not realize the ways in which plastic pollution impact their regular life, but as landfills reach capacity and more plastics are unable to be broken down, a solution to plastic pollution will become even more vital.
Countries around the world are beginning to recognize the need to address single use plastics, and many areas have already begun to remove or ban them from regular use. After talks at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi earlier this year, at least 170 countries pledged to reduce plastics, to a significant degree, by the year 2030.
The discussion, debate, and implementation of plastic-reducing policies is ongoing and far from over. Contributing resources and attention towards this issue, nonetheless, is crucial.
What’s all the talk about plastics?
https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/plastic-pollution-facts/
The World Affairs Council of CT Blog 