Plastic – a material we can't live without. From food packaging to smartphones, its durability, lightness, and affordability have made it indispensable. Yet, as production hits over 450 million metric tons annually, its hidden cost to our environment is staggering.
The climate impact of plastic waste is often sidelined, but if we don’t act soon, this pollution could account for 15% of global carbon emissions by 2050, making it harder to meet international climate targets. Now more than ever, understanding plastic’s impact and taking action is vital for achieving sustainability goals, especially with the EU's Omnibus Proposal aiming for stricter carbon reduction targets.
In this article, we will understand the climate impact of plastic across its entire lifecycle. We will also explore what steps we can take to address this growing plastic pollution crisis.
How plastic indirectly harms the environment throughout its lifecycle
The climate impact of plastic is not limited to the visible pollution it causes. From the process of fossil fuel extraction to create plastic to when it is buried or burned, plastic contributes to an invisible footprint. Each stage of plastic's lifecycle contributes significantly to climate change. In fact, plastic production alone is reported to emit 2.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Plastic production starts on the ground. 99%of plastics are made from fossil fuels such as crude oil and natural gas. These fossils are extracted from the earth using an energy-intensive process and release a lot of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Upon extraction, these fossils are sent to refineries to form plastic pellets which are the base for almost all plastic products. This process releases a heavy, continuous stream of carbon emissions (between 1.7 to 3.5 tons per ton of plastic created).
Furthermore, the manufacturing of plastic products requires additional energy and releases more emissions. These pellets are molded into different objects and then shipped globally. The carbon footprint continues to grow with every mile they travel.
The plastic pollution story does not end here, its impact lingers in the environment for long. The plastic waste that is dumped in landfills may stay there for centuries. When this waste reacts with organic waste, it produces methane and other dangerous substances.
Plastic pollution and oceans
Plastic pollution creates havoc in marine ecosystems. It can affect the phytoplankton growth in oceans that are known to extract, regulate, and store carbon dioxide from the environment. It is also said to alter the Albedo effect process. Bright surfaces in ocean, like ice and snow generally reflect more sunlight back into the atmosphere. Due to plastic pollution in the form of microplastics, these surfaces will absorb more sunlight. Thus, heating the heating effect leads to a quicker snowmelt, especially in polar and glacial regions.
The disposal of plastic into the oceans has drastic health implications for marine animals as well.
- It can strangle or suffocate marine animals, causing their untimely death.
- The microplastics and other harmful substances present in this debris can cause malnutrition, starvation, internal injuries and also death in marine species.
- It can also introduce newer invasive species into marine ecosystems and alter them negatively.
Plastic pollution and human health
The impact of plastic on human health is equally alarming. It enters our bodies via polluted air, contaminated food, packaging materials, and even skin contact and, can permanently reside in our bodies throughout our lifetime.
1. Breathing polluted air
The plastic production process releases hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere. For example, benzene, formaldehyde, and more. These pollutants cause various respiratory problems and neurological damage and can also increase cancer risk. Similarly, burning plastic releases harmful chemicals like dioxins, furans, and PCBs, causing various cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
2. Consuming contaminated food
The mere use of plastic products can lead to these toxins entering our systems. Most plastic storage containers have phthalates and BPA. These additives can seep into our food and beverages when heated. Once inside the body, they can disrupt the hormonal balance, impact fertility, and cause metabolic disorders. This can also hinder cognitive function, leading to development and growth issues.
3. Absorbing through skin
Many personal care products like lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics contain microplastics or plastic-derived chemicals like parabens and phthalates. When applied to the skin, these substances can be absorbed into the bloodstream over time. Long-term exposure to these substances can cause hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and skin irritation.
Key Strategies to Tackle Plastic Pollution
Here are some of the most effective strategies to reduce plastic pollution and its climate footprint.
1. Creating a global plastics treaty
The United Nations is working on a legally binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution. This treaty sets international rules for reducing plastic production, improving waste management, and phasing out harmful single-use plastic products. It aims to end plastic pollution by 2040 by adopting a circular economy where plastic is managed responsibly throughout its lifecycle.
2. Introducing country-wide policies
Implement systems for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that require plastic producers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their plastic products. Ban single-use plastics that have high littering potential to reduce the amount of plastic waste being dumped into the environment.
3. Investing in recycling and the circular economy
Recycle plastic to reduce the need for new plastic production. Build a circular economy that focuses on reusing, redesigning materials, and remanufacturing to keep plastic in use and out of landfills.
4. Reducing plastic consumption
Use less plastic in the first place. Avoid single-use plastics such as drinking straws, cutlery, plates, and so on, and replace them with glassware or steel. Refuse plastic packaging and use reusable bags for shopping. Implement policies like single-use bans, deposit return schemes, and refill/reuse systems to navigate plastic demand.
5. Opting for sustainable alternatives
Choose options that minimize the environmental impact of plastic. Invest in compostable and bio-based plastics made from renewable resources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for plastic production. For example, paper products, bamboo products, and other plant-based alternatives.
6. Contributing via individual actions
Adopt the 3R -Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle approach to minimize plastic consumption as much as possible. Choose reusable items, avoid single-use plastics, and support plastic-free brands. For example, opt for cloth, canvas, or jute shopping bags, support brands that prioritize sustainability, and so on. At the community level, participate in local cleanup initiatives, education programs, and more to promote sustainability.
7. Leverage technology for emissions management
Use tools like carbon accounting platforms and ESG tracking software to monitor plastic-related emissions. Centralize data to identify emission hotspots, set decarbonization targets, and track progress toward climate goals.
How ESG and emissions tracking software help track plastic-linked emissions
Carbon accounting and ESG tracking software allow businesses like yours to quantify the climate impact of your operations. This includes tracking emissions linked to plastic production, use, and disposal. This software consolidates all data into a single system to provide accurate insights.
- Identify emission hotspots to pinpoint where the highest plastic-related emissions occur. For example, packaging, logistics, manufacturing, and more. Take the required actions to reduce them.
- Set and monitor decarbonization goals. Visualize performance with interactive dashboards and automated reports.
- Support sustainable decision-making with the help of accurate data. Choose low-emission materials, redesign products, and collaborate with more sustainable suppliers.
- Enable supply chain collaboration to share accurate emissions data with suppliers and align sustainability efforts.
Plastic pollution is a growing climate challenge. Solving the plastic crisis is not just about reducing waste. It is about understanding and managing its full climate impact. But without the right data and tools, sustainability can feel overwhelming. Hence, the need for accurate, transparent sustainability reporting tools is more necessary than ever.
If your organization is looking to navigate sustainability reporting, Zuno Carbon is the ideal tool for you. With its advanced carbon accounting tools and intuitive ESG tracking, Zuno Carbon helps you understand the full scope of your environmental impact. It allows you to track emissions tied to plastics and create reliable ESG reports. With its centralized platform, you can track, analyze, and report emissions while meeting today’s standards and preparing for tomorrow’s regulations.
Book a call with Zuno Carbon today and start building your path to achieve net-zero.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is plastic pollution related to sustainability?
Plastic pollution is a major obstacle in achieving sustainability. It harms ecosystems and accelerates climate change. Due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels for production, it pollutes land, water, and air, threatening biodiversity.
2. What are some solutions to plastic pollution?
Some of the key solutions to tackle plastic pollution include -
- Improving waste management
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Improving recycling systems
- Adopting circular economy models
- Promoting sustainable materials
3. How much plastic is wasted each year?
Every year, the world generates over 300 million tons of plastic waste and this number continues to rise. A large portion of this waste contains single-use plastic items that are used only once and then discarded. Shockingly, less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled with the rest ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.
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