Plastic waste unfortunately takes hundreds of years to break up, and unfortunately not all plastic waste is biodegradable or is recyclable. While some of this plastic waste does make it to landfills and recycling centers, a majority of it ends up in oceans because both inefficient waste infrastructures and deliberate dumping into waterways ending into seas and thus oceans. It is estimated that around 10 million tones of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every year.

It is estimated 10 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every year. This incredibly huge plastic pollution in the ocean has a detrimental impact on all marine wildlife, on the planet and on humans. In fact around 95% of the plastic waste in the oceans is millimeters in size and microplastic can be eaten by fish. It is estimated that one in three fish eaten by humans contain microplastic, so it means we are contaminating ourselves!

There are many alternatives to single use plastic products. Instead of plastic bags we can bring with us reusable bags when shopping. Of course there are many other actions or behaviors you can adopt in order to reduce plastic pollution. Find out more and read our Tips.

A recent research affirms that around 25% of the CO₂ released each year is absorbed by oceans. Evidences of this fact is also reported in another article by “Nature” which affirms that the oceans are the largest sink for human emitted carbon dioxide (CO₂) and they have absorbed about 40% of CO₂ emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Also absorption of CO₂ has led to an increase in ocean acidification.

It may sound unbelievable but about 97% of the water on our planet is salt (sea) water. The remaining 3% is fresh water. It is possible to affirm that freshwater is the most precious substance in the world because only freshwater can be use to drink and drinking water is essential to all the living creatures on Earth.

All of these terrible consequences are caused by plastic waste dumped in the oceans. The composition of this waste varies between locations, but the great part consists of plastic which represent a serious danger for marine species. Large pieces of plastic can put in serious peril many marine animals if they encounter such waste. When micro-plastic is digested by marine animals this pose a threat to humans also when consuming fish because the chemicals enter the food chain.

It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in oceans if we do not start reducing our plastic consumption and stop dumping a substantial part of it into our oceans.

Due to their developing economies but underdeveloped infrastructure, just 5 countries – China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka – dump more plastic into the oceans than the rest of the world combined.

Approximately two-third of the world's breathable oxygen comes from the ocean or, more specifically, from tiny marine plants, called phytoplankton, floating on the ocean's surface. Phytoplankton, like all plants, is able to photosynthesize, thus converting carbon dioxide to valuable energy and oxygen.

Coral reefs are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet and according to recent studies a loss of 70–90% of warm-water reefs could occur by 2050. Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is an integral part of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” thus including the protection of coral reefs.

Although plastic waste remains the most harmful pollutant for oceans, cigarette butts continue to rank among the most common types of marine debris or common litter found on beaches.

Disgracefully plastic has gone from the greatest invention of the modern era to one of the most challenging materials to manage. Plastic waste is everywhere and not all is recyclable. We should use durable and reusable products made from other materials and limit the production of plastic. The hope is that better management or, even better, the definitive elimination, especially of plastic waste, will take place through the new technologies that are emerging. It is the responsibility of each of us to adopt eco-friendly and eco-compatible behaviors to help preserve our environment and save our planet. A little change in our daily habits can help in preserving our environment. Have a look at our Tips - Prevent Plastic Pollution.