- Home
- Departments
- Public Works
- Shorewood Waters Project
- Catch the Wave
- The Problem with Plastic
The Problem with Plastic
The Problem with Plastic: A Growing Global Concern
Plastic, once hailed as a revolutionary material for its versatility, durability, and low production cost, has now become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From the depths of our oceans to the peaks of remote mountains, plastic pollution is pervasive, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. To follow is a brief summary of the issues.
1. Environmental Pollution
Every year, about 400 million of tons of plastic waste is generated worldwide, and a significant portion ends up in landfills, rivers, lakes and oceans. The U.S. produces more than any other country. Unlike organic materials, plastic does not decompose easily. It can take hundreds of years to break down, during which it fragments into microplastics—tiny particles that contaminate soil and water and our bodies.
2. Harm to Aquatic Life
Aquatic animals often mistake plastic for food. In the oceans and even in fresh water lakes turtles eat plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish, seabirds ingest bottle caps and straws, and fish accumulate microplastics in their bodies. This ingestion can cause starvation, internal injuries, and death. Moreover, the chemicals from plastics can leach into the marine environment, disrupting reproductive and hormonal systems in aquatic life.
3. Human Health Risks
Plastics contain potentially harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and flame retardants. These chemicals can leach into food and drinks when plastic containers are used improperly. Microplastics have also been found in human organs, blood, and even placenta, though the long-term health effects are still being studied. There is growing concern that chronic exposure could lead to health issues such as hormonal imbalance, developmental problems, and even cancer.
4. Waste Management Challenges
Most plastic waste is not recycled. In fact, only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. Recycling is often not economically viable, and not all types of plastics are recyclable. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, especially in developing countries, exacerbates the problem.
5. Energy Intensive
Plastic production is energy-intensive and heavily reliant on fossil fuels. From extraction to manufacturing and transportation, the lifecycle of plastic emits significant greenhouse gases. As the demand for plastic continues to rise, so too does its carbon footprint, contributing to global climate change.
6. Socioeconomic Impacts
Plastic pollution also has economic consequences. It affects tourism by littering beaches and landscapes, harms fishing industries due to declining fish stocks, and increases costs for municipalities struggling to manage waste. Communities in low-income regions often bear the brunt of plastic pollution without the means to address it effectively.
Go to our Solutions page to learn how to Catch the Wave to Reduce Single-Use Plastic!
The Problem with Plastic informational links:
The Plastic Issue – Plastic-Free MKE
The Plastic Pollution Issues – Plastic Free July
Plastic Sources – Surfrider Foundation
Plastic Facts - BeyondPastic.org