Turning the Tide on Plastic: How Humanity (And You) Can Make Our Globe Clean Again

The world produces over 8 million tonnes of plastic annually, and 300 million tonnes of new plastic are produced each year. This plastic ends up in the oceans, where it fragments into microplastics and outnumbers fish by 2050. Lucy Siegle's book "Turning the Tide on Plastic" provides a call to arms to end the plastic pandemic and offers tools for individuals to take decisive action. By adopting a reduce, rethink, refill, refuse approach, individuals can potentially ditch 3K-15K single items of plastic in a year. It is time to speak up and demand change in the ocean, supermarket aisles, and streets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2018
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Every year, an astounding amount of plastic waste is discarded, resulting in a staggering phenomenon that circles the Earth four times. Shockingly, over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans annually, with an additional 300 million tonnes of new plastic being produced each year. This staggering amount translates to an estimated 15-51 trillion plastic particles littering the vast expanses of the world's oceans. In the UK alone, a staggering 38.5 million plastic bottles are used on a daily basis, with a staggering one million plastic bottles being used per minute globally. Moreover, 500 million plastic straws are used annually, contributing to the growing plastic pollution crisis. Unless immediate and significant action is taken, the current rate of plastic consumption will lead to a catastrophic outcome by 2050. This alarming scenario paints a bleak picture for our children and grandchildren, as plastic debris will outnumber fish in the ocean.

The issue of plastic pollution is pervasive, infiltrating our lives from various angles. Unfortunately, a significant portion of plastic waste is not recycled, instead being incinerated or ending up in landfills, where it remains for hundreds of years or enters the world's seas, where it fragments into tiny microplastics. This microplastic pollution is a mounting environmental concern, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems and human health. Many individuals had assumed that governments, brands, and waste authorities were taking the lead in addressing plastic pollution. However, the impact of documentaries like "Blue Planet" and national beach cleans, along with high-profile campaigns, has served as a collective wake-up call. It is disheartening to realize that despite the existence of plans and strategies, they have not achieved the desired outcomes as envisioned.

However, there is hope. Turning the Tide on Plastic, authored by journalist, broadcaster, and eco-lifestyle expert Lucy Siegle, arrives at the perfect moment to combat the plastic pandemic. This comprehensive guide provides a powerful call to arms, urging individuals to take decisive action to end the plastic crisis. It is a clear-eyed, authoritative, and accessible resource that empowers us to embark on personal journeys of change. By reducing our own enormous consumption and adopting sustainable practices, we can make a significant impact in combating plastic pollution.

In conclusion, the issue of plastic pollution is a pressing global concern that demands immediate action. By recognizing the scale of the problem and taking personal responsibility, we can contribute to the collective effort to turn the tide on plastic. Through education, awareness, and sustainable practices, we can create a future where plastic pollution is a distant memory, preserving our oceans, ecosystems, and planet for generations to come.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 152 x 131 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781409182993