The impact of plastic bottles on the environment and human health can be significant. Some of the potential impacts of plastic bottles include:
Pollution: Plastic bottles that are not properly disposed of can accumulate in the environment, leading to plastic pollution. Plastic bottles can break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which can enter the soil, water, and air, and can be ingested by wildlife and humans.
Waste: Plastic bottles contribute to waste in landfills and the natural environment. In the US, about 38.5 million tons of plastic waste was generated in 2018, with bottles and containers making up a significant portion of this total.
Carbon emissions: The production of plastic bottles requires large amounts of energy and generates carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.