People already know that plastic is a big problem in the world, but I’m here to tell you more. 

The problem

There are many problems with plastic. For example, most people think plastic is always reused. Only 9% of the plastic created and thrown out is recycled globally. And 91% percent is not, due to the properties of plastics not all are recycled. Over 90% of plastics are not recycled and most are sent to landfills. Which you might think is a good thing, but this causes chemicals from the plastic and trash to go in the air and pollute the air.     

What happens in the Ocean?

Some reasons why plastic even gets into the ocean is because rainwaters and wind carry plastic into streams and drains, and drains lead to the ocean. When the plastic goes into the Ocean, it decomposes very slowly creating microplastics. Which sneaks into the food chain as algae and becomes incredibly damaging to the Ocean environment. Although there are a couple that stand out, soda can rings, plastic bags, and toothbrushes. Toothbrushes might not sound dangerous but it takes 500 YEARS to decompose which makes it even worse because it releases more microplastics. And soda rings take 450 years but most animals get stuck on these rings, suffocate and die.

Solution

Sure there are many problems to plastic but there are also many solutions. Like improving your waste management or to promote recycling. You could also use reusable water bottles. You could also turn a can of beans into a pencil/marker holder. There are many solutions to stopping the problem of plastic. I hope this changed your mind about it and you start recycling.