8 Pollution Facts That Will Make You Want to Become a Sustainable Business

There is no denying that pollution is becoming a major environmental problem. Pollution is having a direct effect on climate change by increasing global temperatures and destroying habitats. Consumers and businesses not disposing of waste properly significantly contributes to the worldwide pollution problem. Let’s examine eight eye-opening pollution facts that will make you want to become a sustainable business. 

8 Awful Pollution Facts Everyone Needs to Know

Plastic-consuming oceans and killing wildlife, food waste filling up landfills, and millions of acres of habitat being destroyed to create room for more waste are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to shocking facts on pollution. 

Here is a peep of what is happening around the world due to waste and pollution:

1. The Ocean Gets Contaminated with 33 Billion Pounds of Plastic Per Year

The production of plastic has spiked in the last 50 years, which means that plastic pollution has significantly increased, too. Our World In Data states that plastic production went from around 2 million tons in 1950 to a whopping 450 million tons a year.

Oceana reports, “An estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean every year — that’s roughly equivalent to dumping two garbage trucks full of plastic into the oceans every minute.”

The earth has more plastic pollution than we know what to do with, which is another reason to find ways to reduce plastic production and make sustainable swaps as consumers and businesses.  

2. 50% of Plastic Gets Tossed After a Single-Use

ClientEarth reports that “over 50% of plastic gets used once and thrown away.” Although consumers and businesses both neglect to recycle, this stems back to the production of plastic, which leads to waste. In fact, an article by Renewable Matter states that just 56 companies are responsible for half the world’s plastic pollution. 

That’s why we are on a mission to bring awareness to the importance of stopping single-use plastics and assisting businesses to become zero-waste to landfill companies. 

3. Over 2 Billion Tonnes of Waste is Generated Worldwide Per Year

When it comes to pollution facts, this one shows that the world is more wasteful than ever. The World Bank reports that the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, and at least 33 percent of waste is not managed in an environmentally safe manner. Proper waste disposal is vital to reducing pollution and saving the planet. 

4. Several Hundred Thousand Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises Die Every Year From Discarded Plastic

As if overfishing wasn’t causing these creatures enough problems, now they have to live in a sea of plastic, too. According to ClientEarth, “An estimated 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises die every year from discarded plastic fishing gear. 

These majestic animals ingest and get entangled in various items such as nets and lines, and they suffer injuries and drown. The Environmental Investigation Agency states that preventative actions are the key to stopping this from happening. 

5. The Fashion Industry is the Second-Largest Consumer Industry of Water

There is an ugly side to trying to look good when it comes to fashion. The fashion industry creates a combination of problems concerning pollution, but one of the worst is its water consumption. Earth.org says it takes “700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans.”

Fashion is also filling up landfills. By 2030, the world will have 134 million tons of fashion waste per year. The fashion industry needs to move towards sustainable practices and consumer-friendly clothing. You can help combat waste by purchasing pre-owned clothing from thrift stores and sites such as Poshmark and Thred-Up. 

6. Millions of Acres of Habitat Has Been Destroyed to Create Landfills

One of the worst pollution facts that can be changed is that millions of acres of habitats are being destroyed to create new landfills to dispose of our waste. The University of Colorado reports that the United States alone has 3,000 active landfills, and as many as 1,800,000 acres of habitat have been lost. 

The average size of a single landfill is around 600 acres. That is a lot of destruction of homes for wildlife that can be avoided by reducing waste sent to landfills. 

7. Air Pollution Accounts for 6.7 Million Premature Deaths Per Year

The World Health Organization reports that outdoor and indoor air pollution causes 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide every year. Air pollution is caused by industrial emissions, burning fossil fuels, and even food waste in landfills. 

As food decomposes, it releases methane into the atmosphere. So even how we dispose of food is essential to slowing down the effects of waste and pollution. 

8. 56% of Paper and Cardboard Waste Wind Up In Landfills

Despite recycling programs being in place, Science Direct reports that 56% of cardboard and paper waste in the United States is landfilled per year. As a business, you can help reduce waste, save money, and even earn rebates by participating in a cardboard recycling program. Throwing away cardboard is like throwing money away. 

In fact, an analysis by researchers in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimated that the amount of paper and cardboard in America’s landfills amounts to around $4 billion in economic loss. 

We Can Help You Take a Significant Step Towards Becoming a Sustainable Business

Does seeing these appalling pollution facts make you want to help create change and save the environment? Every individual can make a difference by doing their part in recycling and cutting down on consumption. But as a business, you can make a drastic impact by working towards becoming a zero-waste to landfill company. 

Sol Recycling is on a mission to end waste and assist businesses in viewing it as a valuable resource. Our comprehensive program assists companies in various industries to stop sending waste to landfills while putting cash back into their pockets by reducing expenses and maximizing rebates. 

Reach out to us directly via phone at 1-888-SOL-3001 or fill out our online form for a Free consultation to take the first step towards becoming a sustainable business!