Plastic pollution begins at the source – the production process. Almost every piece of plastic is derived from fossil fuels like oil and gas, which generate greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.
And while plastic pollution in our environment is a significant problem, it is much more than just an issue of waste management or recycling. It extends to the hazardous chemicals that can be present in plastics, permeating our daily routines and unknowingly affecting our health.
From the moment food is put in shiny plastic containers, toxic chemicals can leach into our food, posing a direct threat to our well-being. Even after disposal, discarded plastic can continue to wreak havoc, breaking down into smaller, harder-to-manage pieces that infiltrate our soil and oceans, further exacerbating the problem.
Equally concerning is the sheer number of chemicals in plastics, estimated at around 16,000 chemicals, with at least 4,200 of those chemicals considered to be highly hazardous to human health and the environment.
Many chemicals and additives used to produce plastics are known for their ability to interfere with our hormones and immune functions. Across their life cycle, they have been linked to increased risk of serious health issues, including premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, infertility, obesity, heart diseases, and various forms of cancer.
These hazardous substances can infiltrate our bodies through everyday exposures, like the packaging of our favourite takeaway curries, shedding off our sweaty activewear and into our lungs, and even tap and bottled water consumption, underscoring the urgent need for action.
7 ways to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday plastics, based on evidence vetted by our scientists.
Join our e-newsletter to get exclusive access to our eBook, where you’ll learn about the toxic chemicals we are working to regulate through the Global Plastics Treaty and discover practical steps to reduce exposure to you and your family.
Plastic pollution does not belong in our bodies or the environment. Current regulations fall short in curbing toxic chemical use, emphasising the need for stricter policies and consumer advocacy.
Reduction of virgin fossil fuel-based plastic production.
Removal of harmful chemicals in plastics.
Creation of a scientific advisory body to guide treaty implementation and adaptation.
While the scale of the plastic pollution problem may seem overwhelming, individuals can take meaningful action to reduce their plastic footprint. Minderoo has produced an evidence-based mini ebook, "7 Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Plastics," as a resource for individuals looking to make a difference.
With its pervasive presence in our lives and its potential to impact human health, we must reduce the unchecked growth of virgin fossil fuel-based plastic and use of harmful chemicals.
