Greenpeace together with the Break Free From Plastic coalition conducted a beach cleanup activity and plastics brand audit on Freedom Island, Philippines in 2017. © Daniel Müller / Greenpeace
I love the ocean, but for years I haven’t been able to visit a beach without seeing the effects of plastic pollution. Microplastics mix with seashells in the sand. Plastic bags roll down the beach. Foam cups break down in the surf.
We are surrounded by plastics that are intended to be used once and thrown away almost immediately. But plastic never goes away! These single-use plastics are filling up our oceans and choking marine life. Birds, fish, and whales have been found dead, their insides filled with straws, plastic bags, and wrappers.
Plastic has been found in drinking water all around the world, and it’s making its way into our food.
This terrapin found was trapped in a plastic ring, altering the shape of its shell. Stefan Leijon / CC BY-ND 2.0
Big companies tell us to recycle more.
Companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks, McDonald’s produce massive amounts of single-use plastics while our oceans suffer. They tell us to recycle more, but over 90% of plastic is not recycled, and plastic production is still increasing.
In Mexico, where this photo was taken, each person uses an average of 48 kilos of plastic per year. © Argelia Zacatzi / Greenpeace
For too long, corporations have been telling us that recycling is the answer to the plastic waste problem. But we will never be able to recycle our way out of this crisis. We need to solve the problem at the source. It’s time we make corporations take responsibility for their part of this problem, and take steps to reduce the amount of plastic they produce.
People are waking up to the truth.
We can do something about all this plastic. There is a growing chorus of voices saying “enough.” People around the world have been posting photos to social media, calling out big companies, retailers, and supermarkets for their role in plastic pollution.
Over one million people around the world have already signed petitions and taken other actions to send a strong message to companies that it’s time they do their part for a plastic-free future. And soon, thousands — maybe even a million — more people will be stepping up their actions even further to help their communities break free from plastic.
You can join this growing movement by signing the petition today. And look out for some exciting tools coming very soon to make an even bigger impact!
Water is the lifeline that connects us all, through oceans, rivers, and the tap water from our faucets. We have a right to healthy, clean water that is free from plastic pollution. Let’s make 2018 the year we break free from plastic!
Together we can create a new normal that leaves single-use products behind.
Discussion
I will make a conscious effort to do better.
Hi, what is the source for the 'every 60 seconds' stat? It's great to talk about this and thank you for producing the article, but it's easy for someone to come here who is skeptical and say 'oh it's Greenpeace, they'll make up stats to achieve their goals for the planet.' Citing things like this is critical. Thank you for the article.
I see that as least one of theses stories is out of date quoting 2018, we must keep up to date with the comments and research. We are told that tons and tons of plastic with british labels are being dumped in the sea by countries that are sopposed to be recycling it by turning it into other items. It is the responability of our government to see that when we send plastic to be recycled, it is RECYCLED AND NOT DUMPED IN THE OCEAN.
this is so sad for the environment
My wife and I feel so strongly about the use of plastics that we are setting up a zero waste shop for our local community. We will be trying to take this (small) step to help eliminate single use plastics in our environment. I would like to ask if we could have permission to use the main picture "Polluted By Single-Use Plastic" on a pair of roller-blinds to remind our community each and every night about this awful situation?
I am more than a little excited to participate in this effort. Plastic water bottles are my pet peeve and this is a cause that I believe very strongly in. Thanks for the opportunity to make a difference. Wendy Curry
Glad to have you on board, Wendy!
You are a great story teller. Makeup more and maybe people will continue to donate. Oh, that's your plan already. Good luck, maybe you will get better at it or maybe add in a superhero. One day people maybe gullible enough to blindly believe you, what are these college professors doing they know it is their job to brainwash these tree hugers while they are in University right! Good luck and Bless your Heart!