Tackling plastic
pollution for a
cleaner planet

Single-use plastics are made to be used once and thrown away: bags, straws, bottles, and food packaging. They are cheap and convenient, which is why they are everywhere. Packaging alone accounts for 36% of plastic use, and around 85% of it ends up in landfill or as unmanaged waste. Almost all single-use plastic is made from fossil fuels, and more than 8 million tonnes of plastic waste reach the oceans each year.

Read more: Eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics

Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. When it is dumped or burned rather than processed, it reaches rivers and oceans or releases harmful substances into the air. Many regions still lack the infrastructure to manage the volumes they produce, which sends recoverable plastic into the environment.

Microplastics are fragments smaller than 5 mm, formed as larger items break down or added to products as microbeads. They are now found in oceans and waterways worldwide and pass into the animals that ingest them. Research published in Environmental Science and Technology estimates that people in the United Kingdom take in 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year through food, water, and air. Simple changes, such as choosing tap water over bottled, lower that intake.

Plastic is made from petroleum, a finite resource, and the process is energy-intensive, adding to carbon emissions. Demand keeps rising, with plastic packaging alone growing by more than 3% a year. Addressing production, alongside disposal, is central to reducing plastic pollution.

Read more: Industries with the biggest nature footprints and what their decarbonisation looks like

Some plastic use is hard to remove entirely. Plastic credits let businesses take responsibility for what remains by funding the collection and recycling of plastic already in the environment.

Reusable alternatives — metal or bamboo straws, refillable containers, cloth bags — cut single-use plastic quickly. A growing number of businesses reward customers who bring their own.

Strong waste management keeps more plastic in use and out of nature. Investment in recycling and composting infrastructure, together with clear guidance on separating recyclable materials, raises recovery rates.

Read more: Net zero needs nature: a carbon credit guide

Businesses raise recycling rates by designing packaging that is easy to recycle, specifying recycled content, and supporting the collection and processing capacity that keeps plastic in use.

Paper and biodegradable materials can replace plastic in many uses. Each alternative needs careful assessment to confirm it is genuinely lower-impact across its full life cycle, rather than simply shifting the burden elsewhere.

Read more: What is a life cycle assessment, and why does it matter?

Clean-ups remove plastic that has already reached the environment, and they work best alongside efforts to cut plastic at the source. Green Earth's Green Wheels Plastic Collection Project in Sri Lanka shows what this looks like at scale. A fleet of locally made electric bikes collects plastic waste from beaches, riverbanks, and other natural areas across coastal towns such as Mirissa, Negombo, and Colombo. The plastic is then recycled into textile fibres and brush filaments, supporting local manufacturing and giving plastic waste new purposes.

• Always bring a reusable bag with you when you go shopping. They are more environmentally friendly than plastic bags.

• Carry a refillable water bottle with you for water and other drinks. It is more environmentally friendly than using single-use plastic bottles.

• Say no to single-use plastics, including straws, utensils, and food containers.

• Opt for plastic-free alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo products.

• Buy in bulk whenever possible to reduce packaging waste and save money in the long term.

Properly disposing of plastics is an essential step towards reducing plastic pollution. There are various ways to dispose of plastics, and following the proper guidelines is crucial. Recycling is effective, and it is essential to check with your local recycling programme what types of plastics they accept and to follow their guidelines. 

Additionally, hazardous waste, including batteries, electronics, and certain plastics, requires special disposal methods. You can contact your local waste management facility for guidance. Some types of plastics, such as bioplastics, can also be composted. Therefore, it is essential to check the packaging for composting instructions. 

Lastly, avoid littering. Properly disposing of plastic waste can prevent it from ending up in the environment. By following plastic disposal guidelines, everyone can contribute to reducing plastic pollution and creating a cleaner environment.

Consumers have the power to support businesses that prioritise the environment and reduce plastic pollution. By choosing to support eco-friendly brands, consumers can make a significant impact on reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans and landfills. Consumers can look for brands using sustainable materials and packaging, such as biodegradable or reusable options. 

In addition, choosing to buy from local businesses can reduce the carbon footprint of transportation and support the local economy. A consumer can do research on a company's sustainability efforts before making a purchase. Many companies are making strides to reduce their plastic use and have information on their website about their efforts. Supporting environmentally friendly businesses not only helps the planet, but also sends a message that consumers value sustainability and want to see more eco-friendly options in the market.

Read more: Net zero and a circular economy: Top 3 opportunities and challenges