Section 1.1: The Impact on Marine Life

A turtle caught in a set of six-pack rings.

An unfortunate seal adorned with a scarf of plastic.

The remains of a bird showcasing the alarming quantity of plastic ingested by wildlife. Photo by Chris Jordan.

However, the conversation surrounding plastic pollution must extend beyond merely protecting turtles. The lifecycle of plastic—from its production to its breakdown in our oceans and landfills—plays a significant role in the climate crisis and could be a crucial part of the solution.

Most plastics originate from fossil fuels. Initially, oil extraction companies retrieve crude oil and natural gas from beneath the Earth's surface. This crude oil and gas are processed to yield propane, ethane, and other chemicals, including gasoline for vehicles. A majority of plastics are produced from propane and ethane in "cracking facilities," which transform these substances into propylene and ethylene. These facilities often release harmful pollutants into the surrounding environment, frequently situated near marginalized communities that endure severe health impacts from these toxins. The process of creating plastic involves heating, melting, and blending materials derived from deep within the Earth.

Even as we shift towards renewable energy sources for our homes and vehicles, the extraction of fossil fuels remains essential for manufacturing the vast amounts of plastic we consume each year.

Section 1.2: The Greenhouse Effect of Plastic Decomposition

A lesser-known aspect of plastic’s relationship with climate change is its degradation process.

Photo by Food and Water Watch.

Consider, for instance, the widely-used plastic water bottle. It can take up to 500 years to fully decompose. A product that is used for a mere five minutes will linger on Earth for half a millennium after being discarded carelessly. If all plastic bottles worldwide were aligned, they would stretch halfway to the sun. In the United States alone, around 50 billion plastic water bottles are consumed each year, with less than 25% being recycled properly. Consequently, an estimated 38 billion bottles end up in landfills or oceans annually. This improper recycling results in a staggering annual loss of $1 billion worth of plastic. It's crucial to realize that placing a plastic bottle in a recycling bin does not guarantee that it will be recycled effectively.

These single-use plastics—created through carbon-intensive processes—emit methane as they break down. Methane contributes to global warming significantly more than carbon dioxide before it eventually converts into CO2. Historically, methane has been underestimated in policy discussions and climate forecasts. Many climate models fail to account for the degradation of plastic in oceans.

Additionally, the rate at which methane is released from plastic increases with rising temperatures. As ocean temperatures elevate, more methane is emitted, trapping additional heat in the atmosphere and further warming the oceans. This forms a worrying positive feedback loop that remains largely unaddressed.

While a single water bottle may produce fewer emissions compared to driving a car or consuming large amounts of meat and dairy, the reality is that millions of water bottles are scattered across the globe. From bustling cities to isolated regions, plastic water bottles are ubiquitous, continuously releasing methane. Corporations have profited from our collective inclination for convenience over sustainability, leading to an environmental crisis of monumental proportions.

So yes—abstain from plastic not only to protect marine life but also because of its deep connection to climate change. Inspire yourself and others to grasp the full scope of the challenges we face to move beyond superficial remedies and uncover genuine solutions. The climate crisis and plastic pollution are interlinked. In our quest for a cleaner future, recognizing this connection is essential.