What's the problem with plastic pollution?

2024-11-21

Let’s face an uncomfortable truth – the overwhelming plastic problem in our oceans. We all know that plastic is damaging to the planet, but do you fully grasp the magnitude of the issue?

Every day, approximately 2,000 garbage trucks worth of plastic waste are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. Plastic pollution is no longer a local issue; it’s a global crisis. In fact, an astonishing 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste enter aquatic environments every single year. That’s like a relentless tide of plastic flooding into our seas, according to the UN Environment Programme.

Now, let’s consider 2050 – when plastic could actually surpass the weight of all the fish in the oceans. Yes, that’s right. Plastic is on track to outnumber fish. Even worse, plastic doesn’t just vanish – it lingers for up to 1,000 years, gradually breaking down into tiny microplastics, which continue to haunt the ecosystem, according to the IOC.

Still thinking, "This doesn’t affect me"? Think again. Plastic has infiltrated the seafood we consume, and the real concern isn’t just eating plastic; it’s about the unknown health risks. Microplastics have even been discovered in human blood, and worryingly, they’ve been found to cross from mothers to their unborn babies via the placenta. Not a pretty picture!

At BrewBix, we’re proud to say that we don’t use plastic. Absolutely no plastic. We choose recycled cardboard for packaging, though we know this isn’t a perfect solution. Recycling has its limitations, requiring significant energy, and it's responsible for half of BrewBix’s carbon footprint – plus, it costs more than making the biscuits themselves!

Instead of relying on compostable packaging, BrewBix now uses direct cardboard packing. This is a better option than compostable packaging because it’s easy for everyone to recycle, meaning it’s less likely to end up in landfills. We can also source cardboard sustainably – either through tree farming or paper/card recycling – ensuring we aren’t depleting natural resources. This approach reduces landfill waste and minimizes the greenhouse gases produced in the process.

Get your sustainable treats here and help us fight the plastic problem.