America generates more plastic waste per capita than almost any other country in the world contributing significantly to the global ocean plastic crisis. Approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year with the United States being the third largest contributor globally. Only 5 to 6 percent of plastic waste in America is actually recycled with the vast majority ending up in landfills waterways and oceans. Single use plastics including bags bottles straws and food packaging make up the majority of plastic pollution found in American waterways and coastal areas.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is twice the size of Texas contains significant amounts of plastic waste originating from American consumption patterns. Marine animals including sea turtles dolphins whales and seabirds ingest plastic or become entangled causing injury and death to millions of creatures annually. Microplastics have been found in American seafood drinking water and even human blood raising serious concerns about long term health impacts on people.