How you can reduce plastic waste to protect the environment

Plastic pollution is skyrocketing. The stuff is everywhere and it is a major contributor to environmental damage and the climate crisis. 

We currently generate enormous amounts of plastic waste, far more than previous generations. Globally, over 450 million tons of plastic are produced annually, compared to just two million tons per year in 1950. Two-thirds of the plastic produced each year ends up as waste.  

While it’s hard to avoid plastics, we can all take action on plastic pollution — as consumers, our choices have power. Learn more about our plastic problem and how you can help solve it.

The plastic pollution problem

Plastic has a profoundly harmful impact on the environment and human health. Plastic accounts for 85% of marine waste. Its presence in oceans and waterways creates marine plastic pollution that harms humans and animals, accumulating in our organs and exposing us to chemicals. Research shows that it can take hundreds of years for plastic waste to break down — and some never breaks down at all, instead becoming microplastic.

Plastic is found everywhere — in water systems, landfills, and even our own bodies. Researchers have found plastic particles on every part of the planet, from deep ocean trenches to the top of Mount Everest. Scientists have also found plastic in human placenta and blood.

Plastic waste is also incredibly harmful to ecosystems and wildlife. Plastic injures or kills millions of birds every year when they ingest or become entangled in plastic and can no longer feed themselves. Seals and turtles face similar risks from plastic waste. 

Plastic waste seriously impacts fish, as well — according to some estimates, fish in the Pacific Ocean ingest between 12,000 and 24,000 tons of plastic each year. It also has other, more subtle impacts on the environment. Research has found that plastic in wetlands can actually alter the soil, creating a toxic environment for plants and ecological balance.

Even when recycled, plastic is still a huge contributor to climate change, creating greenhouse gas emissions at every stage, from production to disposal. And plastic’s contribution to climate change doesn’t stop there — because just 16% of plastic is recycled, plastic is a huge proportion of landfill content. These dump sites create greenhouse gas emissions. When exposed to the sun, plastic waste releases ethylene and ethylene, two potent greenhouse gases, while plastic incineration also contributes to climate change.

What you can do to reduce plastic waste

While the pernicious impact of plastic on our planet is a global problem, there are actions that everyone can take to reduce plastic waste. Steps like cutting down on our plastic use, leveraging reusable containers, recycling, or using alternative materials can all make a difference. Here are some solutions that you can implement to reduce your contribution to the plastic waste problem.

Cut down on plastic bag use

Single-use plastic bags are a huge contributor to the plastic waste issue — globally, almost five trillion plastic bags are produced each year. Less than 1% are recycled. In the United States, each person uses an average of 365 bags per year, while residents of Denmark use an average of just four. 

By switching to reusable bags, you can quickly and dramatically cut your plastic use footprint. Another trick? Choose items in containers that don’t require bag use, for example, buying items in bulk. Don’t request bags for large items, like gallon jugs of milk, that can easily be carried without one.

Ditch plastic bottles

Plastic water bottles are a scourge to our environment. Almost 60 million water bottles are discarded each day in the U.S., few of which are recycled. Swapping plastic H2O containers for reusable water bottles is an easy fix that can also save money over time. Another way to cut down on plastic bottles and packaging is to switch to refillable options for items like hand soap, conditioner, and shampoo. 

Reduce plastic waste in other ways

There are many easy swaps that can help you avoid plastics. Choose items at the grocery store that don’t have plastic packaging. Swap out plastic cutlery for compostable versions. Packing a lunch? Use reusable bottles or recyclable containers. Ditch plastic cups in favor of paper versions that can be composted. Use refillable containers, like glass bottles, when you can. Small steps like these can help keep plastic use in check and also save money.

Recycle regularly

When you recycle plastic, you’re keeping it out of the disposal stage of its lifespan, preventing harmful emissions. When you need to buy items in plastic containers, try to choose recycled plastic. Look for the recycle logo on any plastic items in your shopping cart to ensure that the packaging is recyclable. Some plastic items, like clamshell packaging, plastic cups, and heavy-duty plastic cutlery, are reusable after washing.

Advocate for less plastic pollution

Petitions to reduce single-use plastics can have a big impact. Here are some inspiring petitions motivating people and policymakers to reduce plastic pollution.

Get rid of plastic straws at McDonald’s

This well-researched petition encourages the fast-food giant to eliminate plastic straws. If McDonald’s made such a change, it would reduce plastic waste at over 35,000 restaurants worldwide. The petition currently has over 52,000 signatures, demonstrating that many people care about this problem.

Eliminate single-use plastic bags at Publix in Florida

Publix is the biggest grocery store chain in Florida, and this petition to the CEO and Head Chair focuses on swapping plastic bags for recycled cardboard boxes or reusable bags. With over 160,000 signatures, the petitioners are raising awareness and support for the issue.

End single-use plastic in Canada

According to this petition, 22 million kilograms of plastic leaks into the ocean every day, with huge impacts on our planet. The petition starters ask the Canadian government to honor its commitment to ban unnecessary single-use plastics. With almost 110,000 signatures, it has major momentum.

Petition to the Singaporean government to reduce plastic

Focused on reducing plastic packaging use in Singapore, this petition to state officials requesting a plastic bag tax is based on similar successful efforts in other countries. With over 85,000 signatures, the effort is generating enormous support.

Take action to reduce plastic use

Reducing plastic use will have huge impacts at many levels, from saving wildlife to helping attack global climate change. Want to motivate more people to cut down on their plastic use or recycle? Read our Change.org petition guides, and then start your own petition to cut down on plastic. The planet will thank you.​​