Global waste hazards kill up to a million people per year. Mismanagement and poor treatment of waste contribute to the death toll of third-world countries. About 100 million marine animals die each year due to plastic mismanagement as well.
Every second, a double-decker busload of plastic waste is dumped and mistreated. This mainly happens in developing countries. Plastic takes several years to decompose and releases a variety of harmful chemicals, causing health consequences such as delayed growth, DNA damage, and cholera.
Managing plastic in an efficient futuristic method is expensive. Collecting, sorting, disposing, and recycling such waste across the globe can cost billions of dollars.
Changing smaller habits can still make a large difference. Even the slightest things like chewing gum can be recycled. Humans produce 600 million kg of plastic toothbrush waste in only 365 days. Bamboo toothbrushes last as long as plastic ones but are much better for the environment too.
It’s time to stop the plastic pandemic and with a little effort, we can do it!