Plastic pollution is a massive and urgent problem. Of the many 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, 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. Making simple changes like using a reusable cup and water bottle (if you have access to clean water), taking your own shopping bags and containers when out and using a compostable toothbrush instead of a plastic one really are ways you can help. These items all regularly wash up on our shores and remote islands across the world. The system we are up against is huge, and structural change can be a long process, frustrating and exhausting, so for those of us that can make these smaller changes, this is one of the easiest things we can do (and cumulatively has a big positive impact).
