Plastic Waste

Plastic Pollution

Written by Caleb Paik

Plastic has become a global problem since the late 20th century. Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues. The overproduction of plastic products makes it difficult for humans to deal with them. However, there are still ways we can decrease the amount of plastic waste in environments. 

First, let's find out what plastic waste/pollution is. Plastic waste/pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects that negatively affect biodiversity, including humans. However, oceans are the place where plastic waste has the most effect on. At least 18 million tons of plastic is dumped in the ocean and 80% of debris in oceans are plastic. This has a huge effect on marine life because marine species can ingest or get entangled in plastic, drastically harming their health. 

Although there are these huge problems, there are ways we can decrease the amount of plastic pollution in the world. Some of these solutions include:

- Stop buying water: Billions of plastic water bottles are wasted every year. Minimizing the use of plastic water bottles can help reduce plastic pollution.

- Recycle: Recycling is an obvious solution, but we are not doing a good job of it. However, recycling is one of the best options we have. 

- Wean yourself off disposable plastics: Converting from one-time plastic products to reusable ones can drastically help this problem. 

All in all, plastic waste is a drastic issue that is harming the world. Let's spread awareness of this problem so that we can reduce the amount of pollution in our world.