Why Your Plastic Bottles Are Hurting the Planet

Rahul Somvanshi

With 12.7 million metric tons of plastic entering the oceans each year, less than 9% of all plastic ever manufactured has been recycled.

Photo source: Bo Eide ( CC BY-NC 2.0)

Palm oil, which is frequently used in shampoo, contributes to deforestation and endangers animals like orangutans.

Photo source: glennhurowitz (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Every year, 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in the water, where chemicals like oxybenzone damage coral reefs.

Photo source: Nick Hobgood (CC BY-SA 3.0)

While recyclable paper alternatives are becoming available, crisp packets composed of non-recyclable materials last for decades in the water.

Photo source:  allen watkin (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Refill cartons from Fairy and refill stations from Ecover provide environmentally suitable substitutes for plastic waste.

Photo source: Kake (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Every year, Britain purchases 7.7 billion plastic bottles, contributing to the 52 million metric tons of plastic garbage that enter the environment.

Photo source: ntr23 (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Despite recycling efforts, three billion plastic bottles in Britain might wind up in landfills or the seas.

Photo source: Ted Mathys (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Microplastics found in nine out of 10 cosmetic products eventually contaminate ecosystems and waterways.

Photo source:  Dr. Lance Yonkos (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Every purchase you make, from sunscreen to shampoo, has an immediate effect on the ecosystem and marine life.

Photo source: Frankie Fouganthin (CC BY-SA 4.0)