Plastic, plastic, and more plastic. This is the reality of our seas and oceans. 80% of the trash found in them is made up of plastic. Among them, single-use packaging, bags, and all kinds of items, each more unnecessary than the last, abound. Today is World Oceans Day, and we want to highlight a problem that is becoming increasingly evident, but of which we are not yet fully aware. The manufacture and indiscriminate use of plastic continues to leave a devastating legacy that seriously compromises the ecosystem.
Unconsciously, we continue to consume single-use plastics without thinking further, but what truly happens to them? The reality is that we have normalized it. We have normalized buying on autopilot, quickly, "conveniently," and easily. We have flooded our showers with plastics, as if the problem disappeared once it was deposited in the yellow bin.
79% of all plastic consumed on the planet, which is no small amount, ends up in landfills, incinerators, or, in the worst case, in the environment, with oceans being the primary recipients. Oceans cover 70% of the planet, of which less than 3% are protected. This, coupled with rising temperatures, acidification, eutrophication, fishing, and the growing pollution generated by the high impact of single-use plastics among others, represents a major environmental problem with devastating consequences.
In this article, we review the fundamental keys to understanding the problem and offering efficient solutions that we, as consumers, must begin to consider.
Plastic Recycling: The Great Lie
The throwaway culture has educated us to ignore the problem and propose short-term fixes that offer "half-baked solutions." One of the most popular solutions, with a large number of followers and detractors, is recycling. Although it generally offers great benefits, there are major exceptions, as is the case with plastic, one of the most controversial materials of recent times.
When it comes to this material, the links in the chain break, and efficiency disappears to become a tangible problem with a name. Only 9% of the plastic produced and consumed worldwide is eventually recycled. The other large percentage of it is not so fortunate and ends up having a negative impact on the environment. It is estimated that the seas and oceans receive 12 million tons of plastic per year.
Plastic landfill with single-use packaging that will NOT be recycled
If we add to all this the fact that only 4 types of plastic out of all those existing on the market end up being recycled, and 80% of the waste in the seas is plastic, we are faced with an overwhelming figure that casts doubt on the true efficiency of this process:
- Of all single-use plastic containers consumed worldwide, only 25% end up being recycled.
- Many colored PET containers are discarded, as are all smaller ones.
- Increasing difficulties in the separation and classification process lead to the discarding of batches suitable for recycling.
- The low profitability of this process makes the idea of exploiting virgin material more attractive.
- Loss of quality or downcycling. Unlike other materials, plastic loses its initial quality when recycled, making it impossible to recycle more than once.
Climate Change and Plastics in the Oceans
Let's remember that 79% of plastic waste ends up in the environment. We are facing an alarming figure that predicts the worst environmental threat. This situation, coupled with the indiscriminate consumption of plastic and its massive production (Spain is the fourth largest producer of plastic in the European Union), puts our ecosystem at risk, warning us of an increasingly tangible threat on our coasts.
Deliberate dumping and various weather conditions such as wind and storms accelerate the movement of plastic waste towards the seas and oceans. When this waste ends up on the seabed, it can take hundreds of years to degrade, a long process that will depend on its characteristics, the depths at which it is found, and its consequent environmental conditions.
But we are only aware of 15% of the surface plastics in them. Have you stopped to think about what is hidden in the depths of the oceans? Much waste ends up sinking to the seabed, with plastics being found at depths of up to 10,000 meters. This significantly delays the degradation process.
Plastic soups, an unprecedented environmental catastrophe.
But not only large plastics pose a significant threat; microplastics do too. These are small plastics less than 5mm in size that are the product of the degradation of larger plastics. In many cases, these microplastics are present in the cosmetics we regularly use, such as body exfoliants and toothpastes, ending up in seas and oceans.
This problem does not end here, since these "harmless small plastics" are not biodegradable. This poses a high risk to marine species, as these mini plastics attract toxins and bacteria that adhere to the shiny surface of the plastics, and animals mistake them for food, thus ending up in the food chain. Countless marine species confuse them with food and end up ingesting them, endangering both their health and that of future consumers.
Microplastics on beaches, an "invisible" threat
Sustainable Consumption: A Powerful Tool for Change
Surely by this point in the article, you are beginning to understand that more effective methods are needed to address the root problems and offer real solutions. Consumerism has become entrenched in our society with serious consequences for the planet. And the only solution is to evolve towards sustainable consumption that eliminates single-use plastics from the equation.
The current urgency lies in changing the way we consume to one that is more connected with the planet's needs. It all begins when you become aware of the true impact of consumption and decide to evaluate more sustainable options. This involves a search process with many available options.
You can start with simple actions like these:
- When making a purchase, opt for bulk options that avoid the consumption of over-packaged products.
- Bet on circular fashion, clothing rental, or second-hand clothes. These are efficient options that give second chances without the need to acquire a "new" product.
- Look for sustainable brands that carry out ethical production that takes into account the environment and efficiency in resource utilization.
- Consider other less "convenient" but healthier and more ecological options that you can start incorporating into your daily routine.
- Make a gradual transition to solid cosmetics. These types of cosmetics not only use a lower percentage of water but also avoid plastic packaging, representing a great step forward for society.
- Avoid cosmetics with microplastics; read the INCI lists of cosmetics carefully to prevent them from bypassing filtering systems.
A small gesture can change everything if more awakened minds decide to take the step. Remember: It starts when you consume and ends in the oceans. Sign the Greenpeace petition to protect the oceans!
