pound at a time.’ The company now has worldwide support with active underwater clean ups in sixteen countries across the globe. (4Ocean, 2018) Their signature blue bracelets with a unisex design means that with every sale, one pound of waste is removed from the ocean. This unique design has proved to be a profitable success as 250,000 pounds of plastic waste was removed from the ocean in 2017. (4Ocean, 2018) The 4Ocean team share dedication and positive energy meaning they are committed to setting new goals for the future.
Another set back to plastic production could include the high increase in oil prices. The global demand has risen to 87.2m barrels of oil per day. (British Plastics Federation, 2008) The making of plastic bottles uses huge amounts of oil meaning it is not only an environmental issue but a resource issue too. Joss Bleriot, executive leader from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation states that:
“The plastics industry takes up roughly 8% of oil production and this is expected to rise to 20% by 2050.” (Gould, 2016)
On the other hand, oil is not the major source in producing plastics. Other possible raw materials for plastic include starch, organic waste and hydrocarbons. Single use plastics use only 15% of all non-combusted oil states BP, the world’s leading oil and gas company. If we continue to reduce plastic consumption, it could mean a loss of 2 million barrels of oil per day by 2040. (Vaughan, 2018) There are many debates for and against oil consumption in relation to plastic production, therefore the area still needs further research.
Plastics are a popular material for many reasons, yet we must revaluate how and why we use them. There are many easy and simple steps we can take to reduce our plastic use. It is now time for global engagement through collective action. In our present landscape, we have created the ideology of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, but we must change this around into a positive vision for the future. This change must start with us as consumers of products. As a society, we must support businesses that are making the right choices to reduce plastic. This will also encourage
