Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. With millions of tons of plastic being produced, consumed, and discarded annually, the impact on our ecosystems and health is becoming increasingly alarming. The convenience of plastic has come with dire consequences for the planet, but through conscious action, there are ways to reduce and manage this issue.
Plastic production has skyrocketed since the 1950s, with over 8.3 billion metric tons produced to date. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of this plastic is recycled—around 9%. The vast majority ends up in landfills, incinerated, or, worse, polluting our oceans and landscapes. Plastic waste is a significant contributor to pollution worldwide.