The Rise of the Movement Against Plastic Pollution
By Isabelle Reinecke, Sidwell Friends School, Founder of Youth Against Plastic Pollution,
Every year, over 8 billion tons of plastic waste are dumped into our oceans. Although this is an issue that affects all nations, a recent National Geographic study shows that the United States generates more plastic waste than any other country. It is estimated that the average American consumes over 1,200 single use plastics each year. Once in the ocean, plastic debris pollutes our seas, harms marine life, and often washes up on the shores of countries that contribute minimally to the problem. These nations are left drowning in the United States’ plastic waste.
Plastic pollution contributes significantly to climate change and negatively impacts human health. The production of plastics em...