Where plastic pollution comes from and how to stop it

The Truth About Plastic Pollution

Plastic is everywhere! In the clothes we wear, the toothbrushes we use, and the containers we pack our food in. Most of us rely on plastic daily, often without realizing its impact.

Every year, an estimated 10 million tons of plastic enter our oceans, which is the equivalent of one garbage truck dumping plastic waste every minute. Even more alarming, 40% of this plastic waste comes from packaging. Reducing single-use and excessive packaging is critical if we want to combat the growing plastic crisis.

Back in October 2021, we took a step toward a cleaner planet by launching our zero-waste product line, made entirely from plant-based ingredients and packaged in compostable cardboard containers. We’ve also committed to sustainability by using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic for all our bottles.

In the U.S. alone, over 275,000 tons of plastic waste are littered every year. Combined with mismanaged waste from around the globe, this pollution continues to harm ecosystems and wildlife. If we don’t act now, experts warn that by 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. It’s time to choose eco-friendly alternatives, reduce our plastic footprint, and support brands that prioritize the planet.

The Risks of Plastic Pollution on Our Oceans

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental threats facing our oceans today, and its impact on marine life is devastating. Coral reef ecosystems, among the most sensitive and important habitats, are being severely damaged by plastic waste. Items like discarded fishing nets, ropes, and plastic packaging cause physical abrasion, suffocate coral structures, and disrupt the delicate balance of these underwater environments.

Beyond habitat destruction, plastic pollution puts marine animals at constant risk. Entanglement in plastic debris, especially fishing gear and packaging materials, often leads to injury, restricted movement, or even death.

In addition, many sea creatures mistake plastic for food. Ingesting plastic can fill their stomachs without providing nutrition, leading to a false sense of fullness, reduced appetite, and eventually starvation. Studies show that nearly 1 million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic ingestion or entanglement.
Reducing plastic pollution and choosing sustainable, zero-waste alternatives are essential steps in protecting our oceans, coral reefs, and the wildlife that depends on them. Together, we can help turn the tide on plastic waste.

Microplastics: The Hidden Danger 

Unlike natural materials, plastic does not biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into tiny fragments known as microplastics - plastic particles that are typically smaller than 4.75 millimetres. These particles are now found throughout our oceans, accumulating in marine animals and eventually making their way up the food chain, right to our plates.
Microplastics in seafood and drinking water are raising growing health concerns. According to the Plastic Oceans Organization, the average person is expected to consume over 40 pounds of plastic in their lifetime. While the long-term effects on human health are still being studied, the potential risks are already alarming.

The danger lies not only in the plastic itself but also in the toxic chemicals it carries. Microplastics can absorb organic pollutants from their surroundings and leach harmful additives into the body. For instance:

• Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, has been banned in baby bottles by the U.S. FDA and is listed as a substance of very high concern by the European Chemicals Agency.
  
• Phthalates, commonly used as plasticizers, are suspected human carcinogens.
  
• Vinyl chloride, the building block of PVC, is also a known human carcinogen and can leach from finished plastic products.

These chemicals are linked to hormonal disruptions, developmental issues, and increased cancer risk. As plastic pollution continues to spread, so do the unknown consequences for both marine ecosystems and human health.

To protect ourselves and our planet, the focus must shift to prevention. Experts suggest that 95% of our efforts should go into reducing plastic use, while only 5% should be aimed at cleanup and recycling. Choosing natural, non-toxic, and zero-waste alternatives is one of the most effective ways to fight back against this invisible threat.

How to Reduce Plastic in Everyday Life

Looking to live with less plastic?

One of the easiest places to start is at the supermarket, where most household plastic waste originates. Swap single-use produce bags for reusable mesh bags, and avoid pre-packaged fruits and vegetables like apples, cucumbers, and peppers that don’t need plastic wrap. Visiting your local farmer’s market is another great way to find affordable, unpackaged produce.

Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Instead of purchasing pre-packaged snacks, rice, nuts, or lentils, head to bulk sections or refill stores, where you can bring your own glass jars or containers. Say no to plastic clamshells whenever possible, as they’re hard to recycle and often end up in landfills.

Invest in multi-use grocery bags and stash them everywhere - in your car, purse, or backpack, so you’re never without one. 

Keeping a reusable food storage container on hand (especially in your car) is also a smart move, perfect for restaurant leftovers and avoiding polystyrene takeout containers.
Make simple, eco-friendly swaps in your daily routine. Say no to plastic straws and coffee cup lids unless absolutely necessary, or better yet, bring your own reusable coffee mug. 

Switch to bamboo toothbrushes and cotton swabs, use beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling film, and bring camping cutlery for takeout instead of plastic forks and knives.

Opt for an ice cream cone instead of a plastic cup, drink tap water whenever safe, and carry a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel or glass.

Buying concentrated products, like cleaning supplies or shampoos, can also help reduce plastic waste and save money in the long run.

We understand that avoiding plastic entirely isn’t always realistic. When you do need to use it, choose recycled plastic or durable, reusable items that can last for years. And when you no longer need them, try to donate, sell, or repurpose instead of tossing them. If you must dispose of plastic, make sure it’s properly recycled. Every small change matters. A few simple shifts in your habits can have a lasting impact on the environment and help create a more sustainable, plastic-free lifestyle.

How to Help Reduce Plastic Pollution

Reducing plastic pollution starts with action. There are many creative and impactful ways to get involved. One fun and meaningful example is through Geocaching, a global treasure hunt that uses GPS to find hidden containers called Geocaches. Within this community, special events known as CITO (Cache In, Trash Out) bring people together to clean up the environment. At a CITO event, volunteers meet at a designated location, collect trash using gloves and bags, and help reduce plastic waste, often with the support of local authorities. It’s a great way to give back while enjoying the outdoors.

You can also support clean-up efforts through small purchases with a purpose. For example, buying a 4ocean bracelet funds the removal of trash from the ocean. Each bracelet is made from recycled materials like water bottles and glass, and helps remove one pound of ocean waste, making it a powerful and eco-friendly gift.

Looking for a fun family activity? Organize a local clean-up day at a beach, park, or trail near your home. Equip everyone with gloves, trash bags, and pickers, and maybe even make it a game! Turn it into a friendly competition with prizes for whoever collects the most trash. It’s a great way for kids to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and take part in an environmental project that feels rewarding rather than like a chore.

For a larger impact, consider joining a scheduled clean-up event in your area or leading one yourself!

Another major initiative tackling ocean plastic is The Ocean Clean-up Project, a nonprofit founded by Boyan Slat at just 18 years old. Since 2018, the project has deployed autonomous systems like large U-shaped floating barriers with deep skirts to collect plastic from the ocean. These systems capture floating waste, which is then transported to land and recycled. The organization’s goal is to clean up to 50% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, with major progress already underway.

Around the world, innovative plastic waste reduction programs are gaining momentum.

• In Beijing, commuters earn transit credit for recycling plastic bottles.
  
• Indonesia allows bus passengers to pay fares using plastic waste.
  
• Istanbul and other cities offer plastic-for-credit programs on metro cards.
  
• In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, bottle deposit-return systems incentivize recycling, while many Italian shops offer loyalty points for returned plastic.
  
• In numerous countries, stores now charge for plastic bags to discourage unnecessary use.

These programs are helping to significantly cut down on single-use plastic pollution and keep waste out of landfills and waterways.

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, but with collective effort, innovation, and small daily choices, we can reduce its impact and move toward a cleaner, healthier planet.