Plastic is everywhere in our lives, but just how much of it are we using?  And where is it all going when we are done with it? 

Global Plastics Production 
SOURCE: OECD

Plastic Waste Generation, per person, 2016
SOURCE: World Bank Group

Plastic Waste Generation, by country, 2016
SOURCE: World Bank Group

This is total plastic waste generation, and does not account for differences in waste management.  The  graph below shows how we are disposing of our plastic and how methods have changed over time.
 
Global Plastic Waste, by Disposal Method (1980 to 2015)
SOURCE: Our World In Data

An increase in recycling is of course a good thing.  However the first graph shows the increase in plastic production is outpacing our increased recycling.  The question is how do we decrease our plastic waste? 
The Canadian Federal government recently announced the intent to ban certain single use plastics by the end of 2021, including checkout bags, cutlery, straws. In my opinion this is a step in the right direction, but will it move the needle on our plastic waste?  I think there is more to be done – perhaps regulations on packaging? 
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What do you think?  How do we improve our plastic waste situation?