Plastic pollution is a global crisis with far-reaching environmental and human health consequences. Its pervasive presence is a result of various interconnected sources, ranging from everyday littering to complex issues like the global plastics trade and inadequate recycling infrastructure.

Let’s delve into the multifaceted origins of plastic pollution and shed light on the numerous ways in which plastics find their way into our ecosystems. 

Littering is perhaps the most visible and immediate form of plastic pollution. People discarding plastic waste on streets, in parks, or even in natural areas like beaches contributes significantly to the problem. Often, these items end up in storm drains, lakes, canals, and rivers that eventually carry them to the ocean, causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems all along the way.

Illegal dumping involves the unlawful disposal of plastic waste in unauthorized areas such as vacant lots, forests, or even bodies of water. This practice not only blights the landscape but also poses serious environmental threats. Toxic chemicals can leach from the discarded plastics into the soil and water, harming plant and aquatic life. 

The prevalence of single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, and wrappers, contributes significantly to plastic pollution. The convenience and low cost of plastic packaging have led to its widespread use, but the environmental consequences are immense.

Many single-use plastics, like straws, can’t even be recycled once. But even those that can be recycled, like water bottles, can only be recycled a few times before the quality is lost and they also become trash. 

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that range from the size of a pencil eraser to pieces so small you need a microscope to see them. Found in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste, these tiny plastic particles are washed down the drain and end up in aquatic ecosystems. They pose a threat to marine life, as they can be ingested and accumulate in the food web. 

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, shed microplastic fibers during washing. These microfibers are so small that they pass through wastewater treatment plants and eventually make their way into oceans and rivers. Once in the water, they can be consumed by aquatic organisms, with potential consequences for human health when we consume seafood.

Tires are made from a mix of natural rubber, synthetic polymers, and other additives. Normal wear and tear releases tiny dust-like particles that enter the environment through air currents or runoff that carries them to nearby waterways.

Nurdles are tiny plastic pellets used as the raw material in the manufacturing of plastic products. Accidental spills during transportation and handling are common. These microplastics can infiltrate waterways, and their small size makes them particularly challenging to clean up. Once in the environment, they can be ingested by aquatic life, entering the food chain. 

Our roadways, infrastructure, and many aspects of the maritime industry are built and maintained with a variety of plastic-based products. This includes raw materials as well as coatings like paints, epoxies, lacquers, and vinyl and even equipment like nets, traps, lines, and buoys.

Weathering, abrasion by vehicles, construction, as well as regular use, maintenance, and/or disposal of these items can all result in the release of tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, into the environment.

City dust is a catch-all term that encompasses sources of microplastic pollution that have a relatively small footprint on their own but collectively account for a significant portion of microplastic pollution in our environment. It includes everything from the wear and tear of synthetic sneaker soles and plastic cooking utensils to the abrasion of infrastructure like building coatings and artificial turf.

Despite its name, city dust isn’t only made in cities. While the biggest contributions do come from areas with the largest human populations, weathering and wear-and-tear of the hidden-in-plain-sight plastics we use every day all around the world contribute to plastic pollution in the environment. 

Inadequate recycling infrastructure is a significant challenge in the fight against plastic pollution. Insufficient collection and recycling facilities mean that much plastic waste ends up in landfills or incinerators. The lack of consistent recycling practices also results in lower rates of plastic recovery and reuse. 

The global plastics trade involves the import and export of plastic waste and products. Some countries, often driven by economic interests, export their plastic waste to other nations, which may lack the infrastructure to handle it properly. This can lead to plastic pollution in the recipient countries and a lack of accountability for the waste's ultimate disposal.

More than 33 billion pounds of plastic enters our oceans every year—and most of it comes from a land-based source. All bodies of water are connected, so it doesn’t matter whether you live 10 minutes or 10,000 miles from the beach. You can still take action and help prevent plastic pollution by reducing your plastic footprint, following your local guidelines for waste disposal, and actively advocating for policies and practices that promote sustainability and responsible plastic use. 

Our captains and crews will pull 5 pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines for every product sold.