Take-out Food is Polluting the Ocean

According to studies, it has been revealed that 8/10 of more than 12 million pieces of litter found in and around rivers, oceans, shorelines and the seafloor were made of plastic. And 44% of this plastic litter related to take-out food and drinks.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. Plastics contain additives that make them stronger, more flexible, and durable, ranging up to at least 400 years to break down. This type of litter is toxic and may pollute water and cause harm to humans and the biodiversity.

There are three possible strategies for tackling the problem:

• Replace plastic in take-out food
• Use degradable materials instead
• Add bans on plastic that can be avoided, such as bags
• Consider deposit-refund schemes to encourage shoppers to return take-out products