How To Reduce Plastic Waste In 2025

We use hundreds of products in our lives every day: toothpaste, shampoo, hand soap, moisturizer, dish soap, laundry soap, household cleaners, and many others! It’s easy to forget that after we are done rinsing our hair, done washing the dishes, and done with the laundry, all the products we used still exist… they just went down the drain! Plastic pollution is a problem that affects all of us!

While there are many businesses threatening our environment, one of the most surprising sectors is undoubtedly the beauty industry. The products we apply daily, from our shampoo to our mascara, can leave an astonishingly lasting impact on the Earth. For instance, the chemicals present in many beauty products can lead to the destruction of coral reefs, which are crucial ecosystems for marine life.

Furthermore, the widespread use of microplastics in cosmetics results in these tiny particles accumulating in our oceans, posing a significant threat to aquatic wildlife and ultimately entering the human food chain.

The personal care industry, with a staggering worth of over $500 billion, not only generates a vast amount of waste through harmful packaging but also relies heavily on ingredients that can be detrimental to the environment.

Many of these products contain toxic substances that leach into our water systems, affecting not only marine habitats but also contributing to pollution in freshwater bodies. Additionally, the production processes for many beauty items often involve unsustainable practices, including unethical sourcing of raw materials and excessive carbon footprints from manufacturing and transportation.

While modern wastewater treatment helps remove some of the leftover chemicals from various sources, it can’t eliminate everything. So, it’s a good idea for everyone to think about contributing as few harmful substances to our water sources as possible.

In this article, we will learn about:

• How Big Is The Plastic Waste Problem In The US & World?
• Beauty Industry & Sea Plastic Pollution
• How Can We Evolve As Consumers To Reduce Plastics

How Big Is The Plastic Waste Problem In The US & World?

Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Let’s dive into the statistics and implications of this growing crisis both in the United States and around the world.

The Global Landscape

Production and Consumption:

Since the 1950s, over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced globally. This number continues to rise, with production expected to double by 2030.

Around 50% of plastic produced is single-use, meaning it is used once and discarded. This includes items like plastic bags, straws, and food packaging.

An estimated 150 million metric tons of single-use plastics are discarded annually. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments, contributing to pollution.

Which Country Is The Largest Contributor To Plastic Waste? China remains the largest contributor to plastic waste globally, generating approximately 60 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. This is due to its massive population, high levels of consumption, and significant industrial production. Following China, other major contributors include the United States and India.

Waste Generation:

In 2019, the world generated approximately 300 million metric tons of plastic waste.

An estimated 79% of this plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment, contributing to pollution.

Ocean Pollution:

It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. This is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. By 2025, it is projected that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.

The Situation in the United States

Plastic Production and Waste:

The U.S. is one of the largest producers of plastic waste, generating about 42 million metric tons annually.

The findings from environmental organizations, Last Beach Clean Up and Beyond Plastics, indicate that the recycling rate has fallen from 8.7% in 2018, the most recent year for which the Environmental Protection Agency has provided recycling statistics.

What Percentage of Plastic Is Recycled In The US? In the United States, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled. This statistic highlights the inefficiencies in the recycling system and the challenges associated with plastic waste management. Source: https://www.wbur.org/

Impact on Landfills:

Plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. As a result, U.S. landfills are filled with plastic waste, leading to long-term environmental consequences. Plastics in oceans can disrupt marine ecosystems, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The degradation of these ecosystems can reduce their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, causing climate change.

Recycling Challenges:

The recycling system in the U.S. is fragmented and inefficient. Many local recycling programs do not accept certain types of plastics, and contamination in recycling streams further complicates the process.

Source: Ocean Cleanup

Beauty Industry & Sea Pollution

The beauty industry, while synonymous with personal care and aesthetics, has increasingly come under scrutiny for its significant contribution to marine pollution. From plastic packaging to microplastics in products, the environmental footprint of beauty products is substantial and multifaceted.

In the United States alone, nearly 7.9 billion rigid plastic units were produced for beauty and personal-care products in 2018, a portion of which inevitably becomes marine litter

Rinse-off cosmetics historically released up to 8 trillion microbeads per day into aquatic systems, further compounding microplastic pollution

Beauty Industry & Plastic Pollution Statistics Before widespread bans, exfoliating products released up to 8 trillion microbeads per day through wastewater systems; treatment plants remove at best 99.9 percent, meaning billions still enter rivers and oceans daily. The beauty sector consumed roughly 10.4 million tons of water in product manufacturing in 2020; a substantial portion becomes contaminated wastewater that can carry microplastics, preservatives, and surfactants into aquatic environments. [Cleanhub] Studies estimate that one-third of all plastic packaging ends up as environmental leakage; applying this to beauty packaging alone implies tens of billions of units potentially entering coastal and oceanic systems each year. In total, beauty and personal‐care products generate 120 billion packaging units annually, of which only 9 percent is actually recycled—leaving tens of billions of single-use bottles, tubes, and jars vulnerable to escape into waterways and accumulate in our oceans

Plastic Packaging: A Persistent Problem

A significant source of pollution stems from the industry’s reliance on plastic packaging. Many beauty products are encased in plastic containers, tubes, and wrappers, which often end up in landfills or, worse, our oceans. The durability of plastic means it doesn’t biodegrade easily, leading to long-term environmental consequences.

Microbeads: Tiny Particles, Massive Impact

Microbeads, tiny plastic particles once commonly used in exfoliating products, have been identified as a major pollutant in marine environments. These particles are small enough to bypass water filtration systems, leading to their accumulation in oceans and ingestion by marine life. Recognizing the environmental threat, several countries have implemented bans on microbeads in cosmetics.

What is the Difference Between Microplastics and Microbeads? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items or as industrial waste. They can be found in various environments, including oceans and soil, posing risks to wildlife and human health. Microbeads, on the other hand, are a specific type of microplastic, typically manufactured as small, spherical particles (often less than 1 millimeter) used in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste. Due to their environmental impact, many countries have banned the use of microbeads in cosmetics and personal care items.

Glitter and Other Microplastics

Beyond microbeads, other microplastics like glitter, often used in beauty products for their shimmering effect, pose similar environmental risks. These tiny particles contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems

How To Reduce Your Plastic Waste With Sustainability Practices

Reducing plastic waste is a pressing issue that many of us are concerned about. With plastic pollution affecting our environment, wildlife, and even our health, it’s crucial to adopt sustainable practices. Let’s explore some common problems related to plastic waste and practical solutions to tackle them.

Problem 1: Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics, like straws, cutlery, and bags, are convenient but contribute significantly to plastic waste. They often end up in landfills or oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems.

Solution:

Switch to Reusables: Invest in reusable bags, stainless steel straws, and bamboo cutlery. Keep them handy for when you’re on the go.

Choose Bulk Options: Buy items in bulk to reduce packaging waste. Bring your own containers to stores that allow it.

Problem 2: Plastic Packaging

Many products, ranging from food items to electronics, often come wrapped in multiple layers of plastic. This packaging is not only designed to protect the product during transportation and shelf life but also serves aesthetic purposes to attract consumers. However, this excessive and often unnecessary use of plastic can create significant environmental challenges.

Solution:

Support Brands with Sustainable Packaging: Look for companies that use biodegradable or recyclable materials. Your purchasing power can influence brands to change their practices.

DIY Solutions: Consider making your own products, like cleaning supplies or beauty products, which often come with less packaging.

Problem 3: Lack of Recycling Knowledge

Many people are often uncertain about the specific items that can be recycled and those that cannot, resulting in significant contamination in recycling bins. This confusion not only diminishes the effectiveness of recycling programs but also leads to wasted efforts, as improperly sorted materials can spoil entire batches of recyclables.

For instance, common items such as pizza boxes, greasy plastic containers, and certain types of plastic film are frequently incorrectly placed in recycling bins, despite being non-recyclable in many communities. This situation ultimately hinders the goals of waste reduction and resource conservation, illustrating the need for better public education on recycling practices.

Solution:

Educate Yourself and Others: Familiarize yourself with local recycling guidelines. Share this knowledge with friends and family to encourage correct recycling practices.

Participate in Community Programs: Join local cleanup events or recycling initiatives to learn more about effective waste management.

Problem 4: Convenience Culture

Our fast-paced lifestyles often prioritize convenience over sustainability, leading to increased plastic consumption.

The convenience-driven mentality not only contributes to the overwhelming amounts of plastic waste that end up in landfills and oceans but also hinders our collective efforts to adopt more sustainable practices. As consumers, we often overlook the long-term impacts of our choices, such as the carbon footprint associated with plastic manufacturing and the dangers posed to wildlife and ecosystems.

Solution:

Plan Ahead: Prepare meals at home and pack lunches in reusable containers. This not only reduces plastic waste but can also save money.

Mindful Shopping: Make a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse buys that often come with unnecessary packaging.

Go Plant-Based: Embrace a healthier, more sustainable way of living by incorporating plant-based meals into your diet. Packed with nutrients, plant-based foods can boost your energy, improve digestion, and support overall well-being while reducing your environmental footprint.

Problem 5: Limited Access to Sustainable Alternatives

This can lead to a reliance on less sustainable alternatives, highlighting the need for increased accessibility and affordability of green solutions. Governments, businesses, and communities must collaborate to expand eco-friendly initiatives, ensuring that sustainable living becomes a practical choice for everyone.

Solution:

Advocate for Change: Get involved in local advocacy groups that push for more sustainable practices in your community. This could lead to better access to eco-friendly products.

DIY Alternatives: Learn how to make simple alternatives at home, such as taking your own tote bag, paper bags instead of plastic bags.

How Can We Evolve As Consumers To Reduce Plastic Wastage

Consumers contribute substantially to marine and terrestrial plastic pollution through everyday personal care items—shampoo bottles, lotion tubes, cosmetic jars, and microplastic-laden scrubs.

What steps can I take to reduce my impact? 

We’re so glad you asked! Even small changes can make a big difference: 

Switch to natural, biodegradable products: Tangie’s Zero-Waste Laundry Bar Soap and Dishwashing Soap Bar are great options for cleaning without harmful chemicals. 

Switch to non-toxic personal care products: Tangie also features many personal care items, like shampoo and conditioner, hand soap, and pet shampoo, so you can keep yourself clean while keeping the environment clean, too. 

Ditch products with microbeads: Opt for natural exfoliants like sugar scrubs or oatmeal instead. 

Use a microfiber filter in your laundry: This traps microplastics when washing synthetic fabrics, keeping them out of waterways. 

Dispose of household chemicals properly: Never pour cleaners, paints, or similar items down the drain. Firstly, many of these substances contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate water supplies, posing a risk to both aquatic life and human health. When disposed of improperly, they can lead to toxic runoff that affects rivers, lakes, and oceans, disrupting ecosystems.

What’s the bottom line? 

The products we use don’t just impact our homes—they affect the world around us. By choosing biodegradable, non-toxic products, you can help protect our water systems, marine life, and your health. 

Ready to make a change and make a difference for your surroundings? Check out Tangie’s eco-friendly shop for sustainable, plastic-free products that make a difference. 🌊 

References

Topic	Statistic/Fact	Source

Plastic Packaging

Significant contributor to marine pollution due to non-biodegradable materials.

Investopedia

Microbeads in Cosmetics

Banned in several countries due to environmental concerns

Wikipedia

Microplastics in Marine Life

Found in various marine organisms, impacting health and ecosystems

The Guardian

Industry Sustainable Practices

Some brands adopting biodegradable packaging and eliminating microplastics

Investopedia

Consumer Influence

Consumer choices drive industry towards sustainable practices

UNEP