As you know, we can't stand bad news and pessimism. For us, environmental protection is something positive that should bring joy. After all, it's our future at stake—who wants to be pessimistic?
To understand a problem in its broader context (without immediately delving into the scientific side), there are occasionally well-prepared documents from competent organizations. Regarding the miraculous "plastic" plastic, one such organization is the Böll Foundation.
In this blog post, we've summarized the most important takeaways from the Böll Foundation's Platikatlas. Here's the link to the original , well worth reading.
As you know, we at NASH have a clear goal : to reduce plastic waste through environmentally friendly products. If you want to solve a problem, you should first understand the underlying causes as best as possible. The Böll Foundation's Plastic Atlas offers a good introduction to this topic. Below, we summarize the most important points for you and hope you'll be inspired to read the entire Plastic Atlas.
The NASH conclusion in advance : No scaremongering, but exciting facts and figures supplemented by concrete recommendations for action for all of us.
The 2019 Plastic Atlas soberly demonstrates the extent of plastic pollution and its impacts on people and the environment. The document offers a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and highlights the urgency of taking action, and, above all, where.
Plastic production has increased significantly in recent years and, according to the Böll Foundation, will triple by 2050. Well, yes. However, only a fraction of this plastic waste will likely be recycled; the rest ends up in the environment, oceans, air, and soil. The consequences are very obvious and unpleasant: Animals die from consuming plastic, microplastics enter our food chain, and environmental pollution leads to health problems in humans.
However, the Plastic Atlas also demonstrates that solutions exist. It presents alternative materials such as bioplastics [like our borderline-genius biocomposite at NASH] and reusable systems that can help reduce plastic waste. Political measures such as taxes and bans can also help reduce plastic consumption.
Reading the 2019 Plastic Atlas is therefore a good starting point for anyone interested in learning about the challenges posed by plastic waste and understanding its impacts. The Plastic Atlas also demonstrates how each individual can contribute to reducing plastic consumption and protecting the environment. We see the Plastic Atlas as a motivation to act and an important step toward an environmentally positive future.
Here are the 10 most striking figures from the Plastic Atlas for you:
- Since plastic production began in 1950, a total of 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced worldwide.
- By 2050, the amount of plastic produced will triple to 1.3 billion tons per year.
- Only about 9% of the plastic produced has been recycled so far.
- Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans.
- By 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
- Microplastics have already been detected in 114 freshwater and marine species.
- Up to 90% of microplastics in the oceans come from rivers.
- 46 billion single-use plastic bottles are consumed in Europe every year.
- In 2017, 480 billion plastic bags were produced worldwide.
- Plastic waste costs $40 billion annually for environmental damage and cleanup.
These figures highlight the acute nature of the plastic waste challenge and demonstrate that urgent action is needed to protect the environment and reduce plastic consumption.
But where there's a challenge, there's also a solution. Here are some recommendations from the Plastic Atlas that can help reduce plastic consumption in everyday life:
- Avoid purchasing single-use plastic products such as plastic bags, disposable bottles and cups, plastic cutlery, and straws. Instead, use reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, drinking bottles and cups, and metal straws.
- When shopping, look for products with as little packaging as possible and prefer reusable packaging. For example, buy fruit and vegetables unwrapped or in reusable net bags and containers.
- Avoid cosmetic products containing microplastics and prefer natural alternatives. Pay attention to the ingredients and choose products based on natural ingredients.
- Dispose of plastic waste properly and separate it from other waste. Take plastic waste to a recycling center or use recycling facilities in your area.
- Find out about political measures to reduce plastic consumption and support initiatives and organizations that work to protect the environment.
- Reduce plastic consumption in your household by switching to reusable cleaning cloths or sponges and avoiding plastic wrap.
- Commit yourself to a sustainable lifestyle and share your knowledge with others. Talk to friends and family about the topic and encourage them to reduce their plastic consumption as well.
- Shave with NASH - OK, it's not in the plastic atlas yet, but it helps too😉
These recommendations are just a first step toward reducing plastic consumption in everyday life. Hopefully, you're now eager to read the entire Plastic Atlas and learn more about this topic. Another important point:
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All love,
Thomas von NASH
