Plastic pollution is a massive, global and urgent problem. Of the 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste produced since the 1950s only 9% has been recycled and 12% incinerated. The rest has gone into landfills or the environment. The majority of these plastics (such as disposable coffee cups, drink bottles, food packaging and plastic bags) have been thrown away after a brief indulgence and build up in the environment and oceans. Recycling is costly and does not stem the production of virgin plastic product. Making simple changes like using a reusable coffee cup and water bottle, taking your own shopping bags and using more sustainable materials will help stem the tide. We need companies to do a whole lot more and as consumers we need to extend the life of everything as much as possible. Reduce and reuse.
