Plastic is an essential part of our everyday lives. Every year, the world produces over 462 million tons of plastic. While plastic can be a useful material, 90% of it pollutes our planet. This is particularly true of single-use items such as plastic cutlery, packaging, and microplastics, which break off of larger pieces of plastic like textiles. Currently, an estimated 9 million to 14 million tons of plastic waste ends up in our oceans each year. Plastic waste has been found in all areas of the globe, from the deepest seas to the most remote mountains. It causes major harm to wildlife and ecosystems, disrupts the livelihood of millions of people, and poses significant risks to human health and the world economy.
