Scientists Say Plastics Take Over the Ocean by 2050

by N/A, 8 years ago | 1 min read

What can we do to prevent this?

Nature Fish Science ocean Environment Non-Premium

A new report states that by 2050, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish.

The report, from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, says that 95% of plastic packaging is lost to the economy every year after a single use, costing an estimated $80-120 billion.

Only 5% of plastics purchased are recycled, 40% ends up in a landfill and the rest finds its way into the ocean.

This is damaging to wildlife, like birds who eat it or turtles that get caught in it. Fish, which we consume, also eat microplastics, which means that we end up eating some of the plastic that goes into those waters.

The production of plastics currently uses about 6% of the global consumption of oil.

By 2050, that number could rise to 20%.

One solution that the report proposes is for manufacturers to produce reusable and compostable plastic items.