Large plastics, small plastics
Each year, millions of tonnes of plastic enter the world’s waters. The largest accumulation of plastic waste is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, covering 1.6 million square kilometres – 4.5 times the size of Germany. But plastic isn’t just large pieces; it can also be very small.
Plastic bags take around 20 years to decompose in the sea. Plastic bottles take 450 years.
A problem in many sizes
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of waste in the Pacific Ocean, estimated to contain 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic and a total mass of around 100,000 tonnes. Plastics in the sea are classified into four size categories: microplastics (0.05-0.5 cm), mesoplastics (0.5-5 cm), macroplastics (5-50 cm), and megaplastics (anything more than 50 cm). Macroplastics and megaplastics account for most of the mass in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, while microplastics make up 94% of the plastic pieces by number.
Small but everywhere
Microplastics can now be found almost everywhere in nature. These particles come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, tyre abrasion, washing synthetic fibres, or cosmetics. They quickly spread through the environment and enter the food chain – and eventually, our own food. The issue goes even smaller: nanoplastics, which result from the breakdown of plastic through light, temperature, or mechanical stress, are becoming an increasing concern. The long-term effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the environment and health remain largely unexplored.
What can we do?
Plastic pollution can only be reduced if we all take action. This includes innovative solutions such as more durable products – for example, improved car tyres or sustainable materials for shoes, and modern technologies like advanced wastewater treatment filters. A key step is also a more efficient waste and recycling system.
But above all, change starts with us: rethinking consumption habits and avoiding single-use plastics are vital. Find more practical tips on Tips for your daily life.
