DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Plastic waste is slowly but surely taking over the world's oceans, and the bulk of them apparently comes from just five Asian countries. <br /> <br />According to a study from Ocean Conservancy called Stemming the Tide, 55-60% of plastic polluting the oceans comes from five countries: China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. <br /> <br />Uncollected and mismanaged waste on land accounts for about 80% of the 8 million metric tons of trash that flow into the oceans each year. <br /> <br />Environmental organization Greenpeace claims corporations are also at fault for selling products in single-use plastic packaging, especially in so-called 'sachet economies' like the Philippines. <br /> <br />Various studies have shown that plastic pollution negatively impacts marine animals, and may be indirectly affecting humans through the food chain. <br /> <br />Fortunately, improving waste management practices in the five countries can result in a 45% reduction of global plastic waste leakage by 2025. <br /> <br />In tackling plastic pollution, everyone has a role to play. From governments and big conglomerates to the people on the street — every bit helps.
