The world currently produces a staggering 430 million tonnes of plastic
each year with two-thirds of that having just short-term functions.
Back in 1950, global plastic production stood at a mere two million
tons. Now, we're surpassing 450 million tons.
Plastics dominate oceanic waste, accounting for a shocking 85 percent of
the waste found in our oceans.
Over one million plastic water bottles are sold every minute worldwide,
contributing significantly to the accumulation of plastic waste.
Every single day, more than 2,000 garbage trucks loaded with plastic
waste find their way into our oceans, rivers, and lakes. Without intervention, plastic pollution
is projected to quadruple by 2060.
Despite efforts, only a mere 9 percent of all plastics ever produced
have been recycled, underlining the urgent need for enhanced recycling infrastructure and
practices.
A plastic bag takes 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill. However,
instead of completely breaking down, they disintegrate into harmful microplastics, which absorb
toxins and continue environmental degradation.