In addition to the Philippines, over 75% of the accumulated plastic in the ocean is reported to come from the mismanaged waste in Asian countries including India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
Most ocean pollution begins on land.
When large tracts of land are plowed, the exposed soil can erode during rainstorms. Much of this runoff flows to the sea, carrying with it agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land.
10 countries pollute the world's oceans with plastic the most: the Philippines, India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand and Brazil. The paradox is that these countries do not consume the most plastic, but at the same time, they lack a quality waste management system.
How does plastic get into the ocean? Although the sources of plastic pollution in the ocean are both land and marine-based, estimates indicate that between 60 and 80 percent of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources and 20 to 40 percent from fishing.
In addition to the Philippines, over 75% of the accumulated plastic in the ocean is reported to come from the mismanaged waste in Asian countries including India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
But China's contribution to the global plastic crisis does not end there. China is also by far the largest source of mismanaged plastic waste, and is the biggest offender of ocean plastic pollution. The Yangtze river, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, is an important water body in China.
80 percent of plastic in the ocean is estimated to come from land-based sources, with the remaining 20 percent coming from boats and other marine sources. These percentages vary by region, however.
Water pollution in China stems from the demand for cheap goods; multinational companies ignore their suppliers' environmental practices. Although China's development has lifted many out of poverty, it has also sent many others into disease.
Over 75% Of Plastic in Great Pacific Garbage Patch Originates From Fishing.
While water quality is improving, drinking tap water still isn't recommended in China due to the presence of pollution and natural contamination of water supplies. Bottled water is readily available in China and is usually very cheap, but for environmental reasons, consider other options to save on plastic waste.
Across China, an estimated 80–90 per cent of groundwater is unfit for drinking, while half of its aquifers are too polluted to tap for industry or farming.
More than 80 percent of China's water supply comes from surface water, such as rivers and lakes.
A majority of Asian countries
Next comes China (33.3%), followed by South Korea (9.9%). These three Asian countries therefore account for more than three quarters of the plastic waste analysed and identified. The United States comes fourth (6.5% of waste), followed by Taiwan (5.6%) and Canada (4.7%).
Norway recycles 97% of its plastic bottles
Norway is the world leader in recycling plastic bottles, due to its refundable deposit program. Through this system, 97% of all plastic bottles in this Scandinavian country are recycled, making Norway the highest recycling country for plastic.
Physical impact on marine life: entanglement, ingestion, starvation. Chemical impact: the buildup of persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and DDT. Transport of invasive species and pollutants from polluted rivers to remote areas in the ocean. Economic impact: damage to fisheries, shipping, and tourism.
We will never be able to remove every single piece of plastic from the oceans. However, by intercepting plastic in rivers, and cleaning what is already out there, a significant decrease of floating debris in the ocean's accumulation zones can be achieved.
Keeping that removal up would make a difference to marine wildlife. "You would have fewer animals washing up on the beach with plastics in their bellies, and less entanglement," says Rochman. "A lot of what's being ingested by animals is not the stuff that's in the deep sea, it's the coastal stuff."
Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of “new” plastic in circulation. If you need help finding a place to recycle plastic waste near you, check Earth911's recycling directory. It's also important to check with your local recycling center about the types of plastic they accept.
Singapore is known for having among the world's most spotless public spaces and strictest anti-littering laws.
One of the worst examples is the city of Manila, capital of the Philippines. There, residents generate 8,000 tons (7,982 metric tons) of garbage each day, but for years the government did not collect the garbage or educate the public about recycling or other waste reduction options.