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Tag: plastic

  • Plastic Waste: Hidden Threat from Oceans to Norwegian Shores

    Plastic Waste: Hidden Threat from Oceans to Norwegian Shores

    Plastic pollution is a rising global crisis that spares no spot on our planet. From the deepest oceans to the pristine coastlines of Norway, traces of plastic waste are an unfortunate sight. This waste represents the intruder of a dangerous disgusting pollutant, yet it reflects a far-reaching systemic problem demanding global attention.

    Plastic pollution

    Scientists have been warning for years what out-of-control plastic pollution could do and have been cautioning that immediate steps be taken, while global plastic production and consumption levels saw a rise. The country of Norway, with its strict environmental stand, is proposing an international pact to decrease the flow of plastics into the environment. Yet, what is also important to point out is that even Norway adds to the plastic pollution.

    Thanks to the high-resolution study provided by Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) scientists and their colleagues with the help of the Norwegian Air Research Institute (NILU). We now have a complete, detailed mapping of the complex plastic cycle down to each type of product and polymer in Norway. But, being green, Norway discharges around 15,000 tons of plastic into the environment each year.

    The new study found that an enormous 758 thousand tons per year of plastic ends up on the Norwegian market, with 632 thousand tons as waste. Though nearly half this amount is burned, just 2.4% goes into the environment. Yet this “small” amount means an average of 2.8 kg per capita.

    The most significant contributors to macroplastics were considered to be consumer packaging, such as bottles and bags. On the other hand, one of the highest contributions to microplastics came from tire abrasion, especially from electric and hybrid cars. Production of such items continues to remain at high levels, although a focus remains on decreasing the amount that is released. We just consume more than we can gather. Thus, it is necessary to cut down on plastic use to stop the pollution at its roots.

  • Plastic Production Linked to Pollution: New Research Reveals

    Plastic Production Linked to Pollution: New Research Reveals

    Recent research shows that whenever plastic production increases by 1%, there is a matching 1% rise in plastic pollution in the environment. This study published in Science Advances which involved researchers from various countries including the United States, Australia, and the Philippines.

    plastic production

    More than half of all branded plastic pollution can be traced back to 56 global companies, mainly in the food, beverage, and tobacco sectors. The Coca-Cola Company tops the list as the biggest polluter, followed by PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Danone.

    The research gathered data from over 1,500 brand audits conducted in 84 countries over five years. These audits involved volunteers cleaning up waste and noting the brands found and it has offers insight into the impact of plastic production.

    Plastic pollution is a global issue and it is affecting diverse regions and waste management systems. Reductions in plastic production, especially by fast-moving consumer goods companies could significantly decrease this pollution.

    The findings come at a critical time and it is coinciding with discussions at the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Ottawa, Canada. This research may influence the adoption of legally binding provisions focusing on corporate responsibility and promoting sustainable practices.

    Experts emphasize the importance of reducing plastic production and shifting towards durable and reusable products. They urge world leaders to consider the science behind the link between plastic production and pollution during treaty negotiations.

    Major corporations are urged to reduce their plastic impact with calls for a Global Plastics Treaty mandating significant cuts in production. The blame for global plastic pollution often wrongly falls on poorer countries and it neglects the role of global companies in introducing single-use plastics.

    Single-use packaging plays a significant role in branded plastic pollution, highlighting the need for data to address production and waste issues. Reducing plastic production requires a multifaceted approach involving regulations, support for sustainable alternatives, enhanced recycling programs, and corporate responsibility.

  • How Plastic Pollution Harms Baby Ocean Animals?

    How Plastic Pollution Harms Baby Ocean Animals?

    Plastic pollution harms baby ocean animals. Plastic pollution hurts more than just big animals like turtles and birds. A study from the University of Exeter shows that plastic can harm baby ocean animals, even before they’re born. An embryo is like a tiny plan for an animal. It tells the animal how to grow. But when baby animals are exposed to lots of plastic, they don’t grow right.

    Plastic pollution

    Dr. Eva Jimenez-Guri led the study. She said, “When we gave the animals lots of new plastic pellets, they didn’t grow right. Some couldn’t make a shell or other body parts. Some stopped growing altogether. None of them could become a healthy baby animal.”

    Plastic pellets, also called “nurdles,” are tiny pieces of plastic. They’re used to make lots of plastic things, but they often end up in the ocean. Plastic pollution doesn’t just hurt big animals like fish and crabs. It also hurts tiny baby animals, like those in the study.

    The study looked at seven different kinds of animals. They’re all important parts of the ocean ecosystem. But when they were exposed to lots of plastic, they all had problems growing. Dr. Jimenez-Guri said, “If there’s too much plastic in the ocean, animals might not be able to have babies. That’s bad for them, bad for the ocean, and bad for us.”

    Plastic itself isn’t always bad for animals. But the problem is the chemicals that get mixed into plastic when it’s made. One of these chemicals is called zinc. It’s okay for animals in small amounts, but too much can be harmful. As plastic breaks down in the ocean, these chemicals can leak out and hurt baby animals.

    Here’s how it happens:

    First, the plastic breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics. Then, the chemicals in the plastic start to leak out into the water. Finally, animals in the ocean eat the microplastics or absorb the chemicals. This can hurt their babies before they’re born.

    Plastic pollution can cause big problems for the ocean. It can hurt animals, disrupt ecosystems, and even hurt people who rely on the ocean for food.

    But there are things we can do to help:

    1. Use less plastic: Buy things with less packaging, bring your own bags, cups, and containers, and look for products made from materials like glass or metal instead of plastic.

    2. Support laws that reduce plastic pollution: Contact your elected officials and ask them to support laws that ban single-use plastics and hold companies responsible for their plastic waste.

    3. Support organizations that are working to fight plastic pollution: Donate to or volunteer with groups that are working to clean up the ocean and find solutions to the plastic pollution problem.