World Environment Day 2025: Rethinking Plastic for a Greener Future
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Plastic is everywhere — that’s no secret. From the packaging on our produce, to the fibers in our clothes, plastic is woven into almost every part of our lives. While it has made life more convenient, affordable, and efficient, plastic use comes at a major cost. Today, plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats globally.
In 2025, we stand at a critical moment. The scale of plastic pollution is growing, with more than 350 million tons of plastic waste each year, but all hope is not lost. Awareness, innovation, and commitment to finding better solutions is also at an all-time high.
The problem with plastic
Since the 1950s, over 9 billion tons of plastic have been produced. A significant portion of that has ended up in landfills, oceans, and natural ecosystems. Because plastics are not biodegradable and do not break down over time, single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and packaging are particularly problematic. Designed to be discarded after one use, many of these items are used for minutes but will linger in the environment for centuries.
Increasing plastic pollution, particularly in oceans, calls for a fundamental shift towards future-proof plastics throughout the circular economy.
Plastics in the Oceans Toward Sustainable Solutions (CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, 2025)
How to reduce plastic use
Plastic pollution is not solely the result of individual choices; it is also tied to manufacturing practices, regulatory policies, and systems that favor convenience and low cost over sustainability. That’s why meaningful change requires participation at every level.
Governments can enact bans or restrictions on certain plastics and incentivize alternatives
Businesses can invest in sustainable packaging and supply chain innovation
Consumers can make informed choices and advocate for change
In this timely handbook, one of a series of three, leading contributors from around the world offer practical insight into the challenges and opportunities for using various technologies to tackle microplastic pollution and improve microplastic management in agricultural soil.
Handbook of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment Microplastic Pollution in the Soil (CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, 2025)
Here are some practical ways to reduce personal plastic use:
Bring your own bag, water bottle, and coffee cup – Reusable items help cut down on daily waste
Shop smarter – Look for bulk goods, refill stations, and items with paper or glass packaging
Choose plastic-free personal care – Choose items like shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and refillable products when possible
Support local markets – Fresh produce often comes with less packaging and a smaller carbon footprint
Get involved – Join or organize local clean-up events
Simple changes, when adopted widely, can drive demand for more sustainable options.
Looking Forward: Innovations and Alternatives to Plastic
Around the world, people are coming together to rethink how we use and manage plastic, and some of the results are inspiring. Many countries have introduced bans or taxes on single-use plastics, cutting back on items like plastic bags and straws. Additionally, businesses are adopting more sustainable packaging, offering refillable products, and exploring innovative materials made from seaweed, cornstarch, and other biodegradable sources. Community-led cleanups and zero-waste movements are gaining momentum, showing how grassroots action can drive meaningful change. Even schools and cities are embracing plastic-free initiatives, proving that collective effort at every level can help make a change.
These efforts may seem small on their own, but together, they are driving a global shift toward a greener, more sustainable future.