The first global analysis of all mass–produced plastics has found that it has outstripped most other man-made materials, threatening a “near permanent contamination of the natural environment”. The study by US academics found that the total amount of plastic produced – equivalent in weight to one billion elephants – will last for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. In 1950, when plastic was first mass produced, the report found 2m tonnes was manufactured. “We are on this enormous growth trajectory – there is no end in site of the rate of this growth,” said Geyer. But Geyer said he was also concerned about the impact of plastic pollution on land-based ecosystems.

Source: The Guardian July 19, 2017 18:00 UTC