Authors: R.A. Smith, S. Myers
Author Affiliation: LCWC
Journal: LCWC Report March 2025; Overview of Plastic Waste and Their Impact on Our Enviroment
This is an overview of the pervasive nature of plastic waste, its environmental and health impacts as well as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Plastics are widely used in various commodities, but they pose a significant environmental problem due to their long-lasting nature and the large volume of over 400 million tons of plastic waste generated annually around the globe. Microscopic plastic breakdown particles, nanometers in size, contaminate air, soil, and water, and have been found in human organs, potentially causing health issues. Single-use plastics make up about 45% of all plastic waste. Measures that can be taken by individuals and communities to limit exposure to single-use plastics include reducing purchase of pre-packaged foods, using water filters and improving municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. Developing alternatives to petroleum-based plastics using packaging materials from natural ingredients such as seaweed and polysaccharides can help reduce environmental plastic contamination and offer cost-competitive solutions.