THE PLASTICS LIFECYCLE | a narrative to help us all understand the problem

The Plastic Conundrum

Introduction

With just twenty countries responsible for over 80% of the plastic debris discarded into the ocean, we need to work internationally to solve the problem. Increasing the extent and improving the quality of waste management, particularly in developing countries, is one of the most important immediate steps towards doing so. (Govt – Waste and Resource Strategy 2018)

Ocean Pollution: A Growing Concern

The ocean provides us with everything we need: food, oxygen, inspiration and jobs. It also regulates the climate. Despite its vital importance, we are currently treating our ocean like an enormous dump. A whole garbage truck’s worth of plastic ends up in the ocean every minute, and we are way overdue doing something about the problem.

The Duality of Plastic

Humanity’s relationship with plastic is rather schizophrenic. It is present in almost every aspect of modern life, from water bottles to aircraft. Without it, our lives would not be the same. However, it is now considered an environmental evil because of the havoc that plastic waste wreaks. We see it on our streets, in our rivers and lakes, on our beaches and even in our deepest oceans. There will be more plastic than fish in the ocean in 30 years, scientists estimate. Let us not be foolish enough to think the plastic will stay there. After it is eaten by fish and marine life, causing great damage, it enters the bodies of anyone who eats them.

The Call for Responsibility

Many environmental activists are calling for a ban on plastics. However, the very properties that make plastic so dangerous – its durability and long lifespan – also make it a great asset. A material that will not die or be destroyed for five hundred years is valuable. We can reuse it almost endlessly. The problem is not plastic itself. The problem is using it irresponsibly.

The Complications of Recycling

However, plastic recycling is a complicated issue. There are so many different grades of plastic, each requiring their own recycling process. Some of these plastic types are not even recyclable in a commercially viable manner. The process of collecting and sorting these different categories has many challenges, including technological capacity, and social awareness around disposal.

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Seeking Solutions

So, we are producing and using more plastic, our current systems and behaviours are not coping with the volume we use, plastic is finding its way into our oceans, which is polluting our world and our fish stocks, which in turn is polluting us – and will do for years to come.