Fact Sheet: Single Use Plastics

1. 8.3 BILLION Metric Tons (9.1 BILLION US Tons) of plastic has been produced since plastic was introduced in the 1950s. ^[1] 
2. 79% of plastic that has ever been made still sits in landfills or the natural environment (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated or recycled) ^[4]
3. Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.! That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.^[5]
4. The world produces more than 26 million US tons of polystyrene (plastic foam) each year ^[8]. Americans alone throw away around 25 billion Styrofoam coffee cups every year ^[9].
5. In 2017, packaging production constituted the highest-demanded use for plastic, with 146 million metric tons used. ^[10]
6. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution such as: sanitary landfills; incineration facilities; recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure; proper management and disposal of waste systems ^[11]
7. When plastics end up in landfills, they aren’t harmless. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them. ^[12]
Researchers in Germany indicate that terrestrial microplastic pollution is much higher than marine microplastic pollution– estimated at four to 23 times higher, depending on the environment. This could ultimately have adverse health effects on humans and animals. ^[13]

Tags:

• Earth Day Network
• end plastic pollution
• single-use plastics