What We Know

General Facts About Ocean Plastic Pollution

8 Million Tons Annually: Around 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year — that’s roughly a full garbage truck every minute.
More Plastic Than Fish: By 2050, plastic could outweigh fish in our oceans if current trends continue.
Plastic Is Persistent: Most plastics take 500–1,000 years to degrade, breaking down into harmful microplastics.
Plastic Dominates Marine Debris: 90% of ocean waste is plastic-based.
Plastic Outnumbers Fish: In some regions, plastic outnumbers fish 6 to 1.

Found Everywhere: Microplastics (1μm to 5mm in size) are now in surface waters, deep seas, the Arctic — even table salt.
Consumed by Marine Life: Over 700 marine species are affected by plastic, mistaking it for food.
Entering Our Food Chain: Microplastics have been found in seafood, water, and even human blood.

1 Million Deaths Per Year: Over a million marine animals die annually due to plastic pollution.
Entanglement & Ingestion: Turtles, dolphins, whales and birds are trapped, strangled or poisoned by plastic.
Sea Turtles at Risk: Over 50% of sea turtles have ingested plastic, often fatally.

Great Pacific Garbage Patch: One of five major garbage patches, it’s twice the size of Texas with an estimated 1.8 trillion plastic pieces.
Coral Reef Damage: Plastic increases coral disease risk by 20 times.
Economic Cost: Ocean plastic harms tourism, fisheries, and coastal communities — costing billions globally.

Only 9% Recycled: Just 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled.
Single-Use Plastics = Major Problem: Bags, straws, and bottles are top offenders — and easiest to phase out.
Beach Cleanups Matter: A team of 1,000 regular volunteers can remove up to 50,000 kg of waste each year.
Innovative Solutions Are Rising: Bioplastics, zero-waste systems, and recycling tech are evolving — but the biggest impact comes from reducing consumption altogether.