A report in the Lancet warned that there are now eight billion tonnes of plastic polluting the Earth. But what are the biggest causes?
Plastic production has risen over 200 times since 1950 and could triple again by 2060. There are now around 8 billion tonnes of plastic pollution, with less than 10% recycled. The health costs are estimated at $1.5 trillion annually.
The two biggest sources of microplastics are not single-use plastics but:
Synthetic clothing (e.g., polyester, nylon) – shedding fibres during wear, washing, and drying.
Car tyres – tyre abrasion releases tiny particles, making up about 28% of microplastics.
Microplastics are found everywhere. In the air, waterways, household dust, and even food like shellfish. They can carry toxic chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, linked to hormone disruption, cancer, infertility, and other health issues.
Efforts in the UK include a Deposit Return Scheme for bottles (from 2027), bans on more single-use plastics, and a Simpler Recycling system by 2026 to standardise plastic recycling.
