Plastic and the consequences derived from its use have become a real problem. While there are sustainable alternatives to replace it, much remains to be done. We share with you some curious facts about this material that you probably did not know.
1. the problem of microplastics
These are small pieces of plastic, the size of which is less than 5 millimeters long. They originate from those bottles, containers, synthetic textiles and other waste that does not biodegrade. But, Did you know that they are also present in the products we consume?
Recently, experts have discovered the presence of microplastics in some foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that these particles even penetrate the roots of products grown in the soil.
In addition, it is estimated that each of us ingests, weekly, a quantity of microplastics whose weight is equivalent to that of a credit card. Amazing! It isn’t true?
2. the island of garbage in the pacific ocean
Due to the increase in plastic waste in the seas, this island concentrates a worrying amount of this material and is growing more and more: researchers calculate that its surface is greater than that of France.
Approximately 50% of the waste that ends up in the sea is fishing nets. Then, we can find bottles, lids, packaging, among others. Many of these objects date back decades and have been strong enough to float on water.
3. its impact on animals
As reported National Geographic it is estimated that, by the year 2050, almost all species of seabirds on the planet will eat plastic.
In addition, it has been reported that some 700 species of marine animals have eaten or been trapped in plastic thus far.
4. plastic in numbers
While a bag can take more than 150 years to degrade, a PET bottle can take between 500 and 1,000. And it is that plastic is a material whose composition makes its degradation slow.
According to UNSince the 1950s, the production of plastic has surpassed that of any other material. Also, the products that are manufactured are designed to be thrown away after a single use. The latter represent more than 40% of what is produced.
It is estimated that 5 billion bags of plastic per year, while one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. This, added to the slow decomposition process, explains why there are so many plastics polluting the ecosystem.