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Personalised Waste2Gear Recycled Bags

Ocean Plastic Pollution: The Issue

Ocean plastic pollution is a crisis of monumental scale, affecting not just marine ecosystems but also the global climate and human health. Our oceans act as the Earth’s life-support system, regulating climate, providing habitat for millions of species, and offering resources that sustain human civilizations. The escalating intrusion of plastic waste into these crucial waters poses a dire threat, disrupting this delicate balance and casting a shadow on our collective future.

An estimated 80% of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from land. This translates to about 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year from land sources. The remaining 20%, or approximately 2 million metric tons, comes from maritime activities.

Asian countries are the biggest contributors to the plague of plastic in our oceans. China alone is responsible for about 28% of the world’s plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.

Around 40% of the plastic waste in our oceans is from packaging. And around 35% of all microplastics come from synthetic textiles like polyester.

How Can We Solve It?

There are plenty of solutions, and most are easily put in place with limited impact on the way we live.

1. Recycling and Circular Economy: Currently, only about 9% of the global plastic is recycled. However, creating a more circular economy can significantly reduce the load of plastic entering the ocean.


2. Biodegradable Materials: Less than 1% of plastics produced are biodegradable or compostable, but the adoption rate is rising.


3. Public Awareness and Policy: Single-use plastics have been banned or restricted in over 120 countries as of 2021. Hong Kong joins this list on 22nd April 2024.


4. Ocean Cleanup and Repurposing Waste: Initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup aim to remove large amounts of plastic waste from the ocean. Beyond just removing waste, there’s a growing focus on repurposing it into new products. For example, recovered ocean plastics are being turned into items like clothing, furniture, and building materials. This not only cleans the ocean but also provides a second life for the waste, reducing the need for new plastic production.

Why Choose Waste2Gear Bags?

1. Smart Design: Our bags blend sustainability with design, promising a balance between quality and environmental responsibility.


2. Value for Money: The collection offers a way to be both stylish and sustainable without breaking the bank.


3. Lasting Impact: A share of each purchase is reinvested into ocean cleanup and sustainability projects.

Choosing a bag from Waste2Gear’s new line is not just a purchase; it’s a statement. By selecting recycled ocean plastic fabric, you’re participating in a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and quality.

Visit Waste2Gear.org »

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