IES Josefina Aldecoa 1D - Alcorcon, Madrid
What is plastic pollution?
According to our research we found that "plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife habitat and humans".
In Spain, for example, over 5 million tonnes of plastic is consumed each year and yet even 1 quarter of it is recycled and eight million tons end up in the ocean. Plastic is slow to degrade, taking over 400 years or more. Plastic is a global problem because we have been dependent on plastic since the 20th century. We hope that this website page gives you more information about what plastic pollution is and how it affects our world today. For more information about how to reduce plastic click on the button below.
8 Million Tons of Plastic End Up In Our Oceans Every Year
HOW IS PLASTIC MADE?
Plastics are derived from natural, organic materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and, of course, crude oil. Two main processes are used to produce plastics. Polymerisation and polycondensation - They both require specific catalysts and to make plastic is a long process. It is hard for plastic to decompose. Plastic bags we use in our everyday life take 10-20 years to decompose, while plastic bottles take 450 years. This is important information because we need to stop using plastic in our every day life.
WHAT HAPPENS TO PLASTIC IN THE OCEAN?
Most of the plastic trash is in the oceans. Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles. These are called microplastics. They spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe. Microplastics are breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers, meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air. The plastic fibers also form large plastic tides that become dangerous. It contaminates the water and it hurts sea animals.
HOW DOES IT AFFECT MARINE LIFE?
Millions of animals are killed by plastics from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Micro-plastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and plastics have also been found in stomachs. Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals causing death.
