Empty Drink Bottles Are Now The Worst Kind Of Plastic Pollution in Freshwater Bodies

Plastic pollution is a major problem we've known about for a while, and yet we've failed to significantly cut down on it over the years. And now, it seems the situation has gotten worse, according to a new study on plastic pollution conducted in Europe.

According to the Plastic Rivers report from Earthwatch Europe and Plastic Oceans UK, plastic drink bottles are the most common kind of litter on the subcontinent. The study indicates that these bottle constitute 14 percent of all identifiable plastic pollution found in European freshwater lakes and rivers.

Food wrappers meanwhile are a close second, with chip packets candy wrappers and so on making up about 12 percent of visible rubbish in the water. Additionally, cigarette butts and food takeaway containers make up nine and six percent respectively.

"The Plastic Rivers report shows that the products we buy every day are contributing to the problem of ocean plastic," said Jo Ruxton, chief executive of Plastic Oceans UK. "Our discarded plastic enters rivers from litter generated by our on-the-go lifestyle and items we flush down toilets. This throwaway approach is having much more serious consequences and the report shows really simple ways to avoid this problem and stop plastic pollution."

The report gathered and collated data from nine different studies regarding freshwater pollution across the UK and Europe. Of the 193,238 items counted, plastic items were about 71 percent of all the litter found in these water bodies. At least 37.5 percent of these were everyday wrappers and containers for store-bought groceries.

Aside from identifying these sources of pollution however, the report also put forward various ways you can cut down your contribution to it. For one thing, use your own proper cutlery when ordering takeaway food and refuse the plastic spoons and forks usually sent. Try to insist on paper-based drinking straws, and bring your own bag to the supermarket instead of opting for a plastic bag.

Additionally, the European Parliament also voted in an extensive ban on single-use plastics last year. Now in effect, it's expected to eradicate plastic plates, cutlery, straws, and cotton buds by 2021.