Every month there is a new scientific report on the extent of the problem of plastic pollution and how it is harming the marine environment and entering the human food chain -  90% of all seabirds have ingested plastic; corals mistake microplastic for food; and fish and sea salt contain plastic.

Most of the plastic in our near oceans comes from our activity – whether litter (bottles and bags breaking up); flushed down our sewerage system as microbeads and clothes fibres; waste from plastic manufacturing plants; and other sources such as paint and cigarette butts. While bodies such as the CSIRO can report on visible plastic pollution – 124 billion pieces have been found as litter along our coasts – microplastic is far larger by orders of magnitude and it grows each year as the legacy plastic does not go away.

We estimate that 70% of future marine plastic pollution can be eliminated by taking four steps:

• Introduce a container deposit scheme  
• Ban all single use plastic bags
• Remove microbeads from personal care and laundry products
• Ensure plastic producers prevent pollution leaving their premises

The issue is beginning to be discussed at state and federal government levels.  There is also a Senate Inquiry that will report next year. The Boomerang Alliance has just released a major report outlining the extent of the problem to assist decision makers.

 We are calling on all MPs and councils to take action by:

• Urging governments to implement effective policies
• Making a public statement about the need for solutions

We hope you will find the infographic a useful tool in any efforts you can take; and please share it.