Our World in Data: Plastic Pollution

Related solutions

• Research

  A growing plastic smog, now estimated to be over 170 trillion plastic particles afloat in the world’s oceans

  Eriksen, M. et al. (5 Gyres Institute) | PLOS ONE | 2023

  A 40-year time series showing a steep rise since 2005, and a call for binding global action rather than voluntary measures.

  Policy and advocacyResearch and science
• Organization

  Plastic Bank

  Vancouver, Canada | Founded 2013

  Pays collectors in coastal communities a premium for plastic they gather, using a digital record to trace the material to brands that reuse it.

  Collection and recyclingEducation and community
• Organization

  CIEL (Center for International Environmental Law)

  Washington, DC and Geneva

  Legal experts tracking the plastics treaty and the health impacts of plastic across its life cycle.

  Policy and advocacyResearch and science
• Organization

  Plastic Soup Foundation

  Amsterdam, Netherlands | Founded 2011

  Amsterdam advocacy group focused on microplastics, human health and education, and a reference partner for Rotary’s EndPlasticSoup.

  Education and communityPolicy and advocacyResearch and science