1. The whole world is obsessed with solving the plastic problem. But what happens when you actually try to solve it? Nothing. The conversation around plastic pollution is basically a broken record playing the same old tune—”reduce, recycle, re-use”—but we’re still buried under an avalanche of plastic that’s only getting bigger. So, let’s take a look at why this global “solution” is more about virtue signaling than actually doing anything useful.

Let’s start with the basic facts. According to recent reports, plastic pollution in the oceans has reached record levels, with nearly 9 billion tons of plastic produced since the 1950s. Now, of course, the so-called “experts” assure us they’re working on it, but if that were true, wouldn’t the situation be getting better by now? But no, the world’s oceans are now more like a giant plastic soup, and the fish aren’t exactly thrilled with the new buffet.

Now, you might think that if we just recycle enough, this problem will go away. Spoiler alert: it won’t. The recycling rate for plastic in the U.S. is a dismal 9%, which means the other 91% of plastic is either dumped into landfills or, you guessed it, into the ocean. Oh, and don’t get me started on the so-called “biodegradable” plastics that some companies love to boast about. Turns out, they’re only biodegradable under very specific conditions—like, say, a landfill. The oceans? Not so much.

Here’s the kicker: while world leaders love to gather at climate summits to talk about reducing carbon emissions, no one seems too concerned about plastic. It’s almost like they’re more interested in looking good on the global stage than actually fixing problems. They’re the same crowd that has declared war on everything from coal to hamburgers, but when it comes to plastic? Silence. It’s as if the plastic problem just isn’t as important as a carbon footprint or the size of a factory farm.

But don’t worry, there’s hope on the horizon—well, sort of. Companies like Coca-Cola and Nestle have announced plans to “reduce” plastic use by using more sustainable materials. But let’s be real here. These are the same companies that have been promising to reduce their carbon footprints for decades and yet still manage to churn out plastic bottles by the billions. How do you spell “greenwashing”?

So, what can be done? Maybe the solution doesn’t lie with politicians or big corporations. Maybe it’s time to look at how we can actually address this problem as consumers. Forget waiting for the next summit where everyone agrees that something should be done. Instead, start thinking about practical solutions—like getting rid of single-use plastics in our everyday lives. After all, it’s not just the ocean that’s drowning in plastic—it’s our planet. And as long as we keep playing the same old game of “reduce, reuse, and recycle,” we’re going to keep getting the same disappointing results.

Until then, don’t hold your breath waiting for world leaders to step up. If you really want to make a difference, it might just have to start with you—and your plastic cup of iced coffee.