171 trillion pieces of plastic trash now clog the world’s oceans

[Social Media]

How much plastic is floating in the world’s oceans? By the latest estimate, more than 170 trillion pieces.

According to new analysis from the 5 Gyres Institute, a global nonprofit targeting plastic waste, that’s approximately 2 million tonnes – or about twice the weight of the Titanic.

 

Plastic pollution is having a devastating effect on marine life, and by 2040 could outweigh fish in the ocean.

The human body is also vulnerable to these excessive amounts of plastic, including of teeny fragments called microplastics that are less than 5mm in length. Studies have found that people are ingesting plastics through food and drinks, and that they can penetrate the skin and be inhaled.

[heybruce]

Make plastic manufacturers pay a hefty disposal tax, which could be recouped by recycling.  Make the tax big enough to make most single use plastics unaffordable.

 

It won't solve the problem but it might make a dent in it.

[vandeventer]

Now this is a subject worth talking about! Which countries have the most plastic dumped into their oceans? How many birds and fish including mammals are kill from plastic each month? Yes tax the use once plastic's as it should not be available in the first place. End plastic bags now!