Yup. The first half of the year is officially over. And as we dive into Plastic Free July, let’s uncover the nitty-gritty of the plastic crisis plaguing our planet. Beyond the basics, there are some surprising twists to this tale of pollution that deserve the spotlight.
Plastic Free July began in 2011 as an initiative by the Plastic Free Foundation in Australia. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to raise awareness about the growing plastic pollution problem and encourage people to reduce their plastic consumption. It started with a handful of participants in Western Australia but quickly grew into a global movement involving millions of people across more than 170 countries.
The challenge urges individuals and communities to refuse single-use plastics for the entire month of July, fostering long-term habits that can lead to significant environmental benefits.
In the current climate that we are in, it’s now more than crucial to delve deeper into the plastic crisis that continues to impact our planet. Here are five things many people don’t know about the plastic crisis in 2024:
1. Microplastics are truly everywhere
When we think about plastic pollution, our minds often go to oceans and landfills. However, a significant amount of microplastics are now found in the air we breathe. Studies have revealed that microplastics are present in urban and remote areas alike, carried by wind and atmospheric processes. These airborne microplastics can have unknown health effects as they enter our respiratory systems, highlighting a new dimension of the plastic crisis that demands urgent research and action.
Even more recently, a study published in 2022 made a groundbreaking discovery: microplastics were detected in human blood for the first time. Adding to this, another study earlier this year found microplastics present in every human testicle.
2. Impacts on Marine Ecosystems Beyond Visible Pollution
While the visible pollution of plastic debris in oceans is well-documented, there are deeper, less understood impacts on marine ecosystems. Beyond the direct harm caused by ingestion and entanglement, plastics can leach harmful chemicals and disrupt marine food webs. This unseen pollution affects everything from tiny plankton to large marine mammals, contributing to biodiversity loss and ecosystem instability.
3. Hidden Plastics in Everyday Products
Many people are unaware of the hidden plastics in everyday products. Items like tea bags, clothing, and even personal care products often contain plastic microfibers or microbeads. For instance, synthetic fabrics release microplastics during washing, which eventually make their way into waterways. Similarly, some tea bags are sealed with plastic, which can leach into the tea. Being mindful of these hidden plastics can help consumers make more informed choices and reduce their plastic footprint.
Additionally, if you’re curious about other surprising items that contain plastic, we’ve covered that in an article here!
4. The Recycling Myth
Recycling is often touted as a solution to the plastic crisis, but the reality is far more complex. In 2024, less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Many plastics are not economically viable to recycle due to contamination, mixed materials, and the low quality of recycled plastic. This means that a significant portion of plastic waste still ends up in landfills or the environment. Reducing plastic use and improving recycling infrastructure are crucial steps towards addressing this issue.
5. Impact on Wildlife Beyond the Ocean
While marine life is heavily impacted by plastic pollution, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are also suffering. Land animals, including birds and mammals, ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. In January 2018, a 20-year-old wild elephant in Periyar, India died after consuming plastic waste left behind by millions of Sabarimala pilgrims trekking through the forest to reach a shrine. The plastic blocked its intestines, leading to internal bleeding and organ failure.
Ingesting plastic can also lead to malnutrition, internal injuries, and even death. Additionally, plastics in soil can affect plant growth and soil health, disrupting entire ecosystems. Recognising the widespread impact of plastic pollution on all forms of life is essential for developing comprehensive strategies to combat the crisis.
The plastic crisis extends far beyond what meets the eye, encompassing a multitude of interconnected issues. Addressing these challenges requires more than individual actions to reduce single-use plastics. It demands systemic solutions and collective efforts. This includes supporting innovations, advocating for policies that incentivise and support the circular economy, and holding producers accountable for the plastic waste they generate. Events like Plastic Free July play a crucial role in raising awareness and galvanising action at community, business, and policy levels.
By comprehensively understanding and tackling these lesser-known aspects of the plastic crisis, we can pave the way toward a more sustainable future. Together, through awareness, innovation, and advocacy, we can mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution and foster lasting change.
FEATURED IMAGE: Pexels | CC: Pink flamingo inflatable ring and green inflatable ring on swimming pool