The Problem
Plastics are all around us and a part of our everyday lives. They're also increasingly inside us – microplastics have been found in our lungs, blood and throughout the human body. An estimated 11 million tons of plastic enter ocean waters every year, the result of litter on our beaches, streets and sidewalks blowing into storm drains, creeks, streams and rivers making its way to the marine environment. Surfrider chapters and clubs lead hundreds of cleanups every year removing thousands of pounds of trash and collecting data to inform our efforts to make change. Additionally, the production of plastic, a fossil-fuel product, contributes significantly to climate change through both the materials and the manufacturing processes used to make it.
Recycling, not the answer
Recycling is not the answer: Only about 5 percent of U.S. plastic waste gets recycled. Surfrider instead advocates for reuse and the use of truly recyclable material in policy and as part of our Ocean Friendly Restaurant program. Industry "solutions" such as chemical or "advanced" recycling are only ploys to justify the continued production of plastic.
Bioplastics, not the answer
Likewise, bioplastics create the impression of a solution while actually adding to the problem. Surfrider discourages the use of bioplastics and offers several resources for those seeking more information and truly sustainable alternatives on our Bioplastics Facts & Resources page.
The (real!) solution
We must change the current flow of plastic pollution by stopping plastic problems at the source. This includes eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics, advocating for better product alternatives and switching to reusables for our everyday needs. We encourage individuals, industry and governments to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches by supporting legislative polices that move us away from unnecessary single-use plastics. Find current campaigns and action opportunities – and revisit our victories! – here.
