Plastic Impact on Climate Change

Plastic takes over 1,000 years to break down. That means every plastic bottle, straw, and container we’ve ever tossed out is still here somewhere on Earth. This plastic problem impacts every corner of the planet, from the peak of Mount Everest to the depths of the Mariana Trench.

What is single-use plastic? 

Single-use plastics are made to be used once and then tossed away. They’re all about convenience, not durability, which is why they’re a big part of our throw-away culture.

Globally, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year, and half of that is single-use. These include things like water bottles, plastic grocery bags, product packaging, straws, coffee cups, and plastic sandwich bags.

What is plastic made of? 

Plastic is made from fossil fuels like natural gas and crude oil, and it also contains harmful chemicals that can mess with hormones and harm human health. Unlike other materials, plastic doesn’t decompose—it just breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics. These microplastics are everywhere and pose a serious threat to wildlife. When animals eat too much of it, they can suffer from punctured organs or blocked intestines. For humans, exposure to these chemicals in plastics can lead to hormone problems, reproductive issues, and even cancer.

How single-use plastic production contributes to climate change 

Single-use plastics, made from fossil fuels, release huge amounts of greenhouse gases during their production. Just extracting and transporting fossil fuels to plastic factories creates between 1.5 to 12.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. On top of that, clearing forest land for oil extraction and pipelines has released over 1.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, and this deforestation reduces how much CO2 is absorbed from the air.

The process of refining plastics adds another 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases every year. Once these plastics end up in landfills, they contribute over 15% of methane emissions. The more plastic we throw away, the bigger landfills get, and the more harmful gases are released.

In the Pacific Ocean, there’s a massive floating island of plastic that’s now twice the size of Texas—and it keeps growing. Sadly, plastic pollution hits vulnerable communities hardest. Countries like the U.S. often send their plastic waste to developing nations. As the waste piles up, these communities struggle to find ways to manage it and end up buried in plastic trash.

Easy ways to help reduce plastic use 

The easiest way to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on climate change is to stop using them. That might sound tough in a world filled with plastic packaging, but even small steps can make a big difference. Here are a few simple ways to cut down on single-use plastic:

• Carry a reusable water bottle.
• Bring your own reusable bags to the store.
• Skip heavily packaged items, like pre-cut fruits and veggies.
• Shop at bulk food stores when possible.
• Reuse old bottles or containers.
• Cook at home to avoid takeout that comes with extra plastic.
• Get a travel cutlery set.
• Switch to bar soaps and shampoos instead of liquid ones in plastic bottles.

These little changes can add up and make a big impact on reducing plastic waste!

Also Read: Negative Environmental Effects of Plastic

Make a larger impact 

• Get involved in a local cleanup day or simply pick up trash while you’re out walking, running, or hiking.
• Support laws that aim to cut down on plastic use, and choose to buy from companies that are committed to reducing plastic.
• You can also help by supporting organizations that are fighting plastic pollution.
• For an easy way to track your eco-friendly efforts, try downloading the AWorld app.