Due to the persistent and pervasive nature of these microplastics humans are easily exposed to and are ingesting these tiny particles every day.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, with its impact felt across both land and sea. The scale of the problem is staggering: each year, we produce over 380 million tons of plastic globally, and a significant portion of this ends up as waste.
In our oceans, about 8 million tons of plastic are dumped annually - equivalent to a garbage truck full every minute. But that's only part of the story. On land, plastic waste is overwhelming our landfills. In the United States alone, plastics make up more than 12% of municipal solid waste, with over 35 million tons generated yearly. Unlike organic waste, plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, meaning these landfills become long-term storage sites for our discarded products.
This accumulation of plastic, both in our oceans and landfills, poses severe threats to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Marine animals ingest or become entangled in ocean debris, while on land, plastic leaches harmful chemicals into soil and groundwater. Microplastics have been found in remote wilderness areas, agricultural soils, and even in the air we breathe.
The problem extends beyond visible waste. As plastics break down, they release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. In landfills, plastic materials prevent the breakdown of biodegradable materials, exacerbating waste management issues. Addressing plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach, targeting both ocean waste and landfill management. It's a global challenge that demands action from individuals, industries, and governments to rethink our relationship with plastic and develop sustainable alternatives.
The Microplastic Menace
Oceans cover about 70% of our planet and play a crucial role in regulating the climate and providing resources. But human activity has transformed vast areas into plastic dumping grounds. From discarded fishing gear to plastic bags floating on the surface, the ocean is battling a plastic invasion that's wreaking havoc on marine life. This pollution has culminated in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. Spanning an area roughly twice the size of Texas, this "plastic soup" is a stark reminder of our global plastic crisis.
Marine creatures are particularly vulnerable to this onslaught. Sea turtles, seabirds, and fish often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and, frequently, death. The impact extends to the very fabric of marine ecosystems, with plastic debris disrupting habitats and even contributing to the spread of invasive species. In the Great Pacific Garbage Patch alone, researchers estimate that there are 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing 80,000 metric tons. The situation is dire, with over 800 species affected globally, and predictions suggest that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight if current trends continue.
Landfill Overload: Plastic's Long-Term Problem
While oceans are choking on plastic waste, our landfills are also becoming plastic dumps. These sites are overflowing with plastic that can take centuries to decompose. As this waste accumulates, it leaches harmful chemicals and microplastic particles into soil and groundwater, creating toxic conditions for plants and animals. This contamination can have far-reaching effects on local ecosystems, poisoning wildlife and posing significant human health risks when we ingest these microplastic particles (read more here on the human health cost of microplastics)
Moreover, the sheer volume of plastic waste is overwhelming existing waste management systems. Contrary to popular belief, recycling is not the cure-all solution many think it is. In reality, only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. The recycling process faces numerous challenges. Sorting different types of plastics is complex and labor-intensive, as many products contain multiple plastic types that can't be easily separated. Additionally, plastic must be clean and free from food residue or other contaminants to be recyclable - a condition rarely met in household waste. These factors make recycling economically unviable and technically difficult for many facilities. Consequently, most plastic, even when placed in recycling bins, ends up in landfills or incinerators. This inefficiency in managing plastic waste exacerbates the pollution problem, leading to more widespread contamination and environmental degradation. The stark truth is that reducing plastic consumption, rather than relying on recycling, is crucial to addressing this crisis.
There is a better alternative
Traditional plastics can stick around for hundreds of years, either piling up in landfills or breaking down in to harmful microplastics that pollute our environment. But with PlantSwitch’s CompostZero products, there’s a better, more sustainable alternative. Planswitch plant based organic material comes from the natural waste byproduct from agricultural products such as rice, wheat and grain which is constantly renewable and easily available making them a truly sustainable choice.
And because it is produced completely from organic material, CompostZero products are 100% home compostable, meaning they break down quickly and completely in backyard composting environments. And even if they mistakenly end up in a landfill, unlike traditional plastics, PlantSwitch products still decompose fully, without leaving harmful residue behind. By choosing PlantSwitch, you’re not just reducing plastic waste—you're helping create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
