RiverRecycle

THE PROBLEM Oceans are being filled 8 million metric tons of plastic waste each year, as a result of improper waste management throughout the plastic value chain. PROBLEMS - IMPACTS Biodiversity: Marine plastics are the biggest debris threat to marine life, having killed more than 700 species (Gall et al., 2015). Microplastics: Plastics fragment into small pieces (<5mm) that may be consumed  by small marine organisms and enter the human food chain. Toxic: Chemicals absorbed by plastics in the environment could be transferred to marine life if consumed. GHG Emissions: Plastics. release methane and ethylene, potent greenhouse gases as they degrade. Social value: Accumulation of plastics debris reduces the enjoyment of natural spaces, and increases risk of disease. Economics: $2.5tn per year in lost marine ecosystem value (Beaumont et al 2019).