Study: Malaysia Pollutes Oceans with the 5th Highest Mismanaged Waste Rate
A recent study by Utility Bidder, an energy service provider from the United Kingdom, has revealed that Malaysia emits 2.29kg of plastic into the ocean per year – the 5th highest rate in the world!
As part of their Plastic Polluters study, the team at Utility Bidder have considered the countries exporting the most waste, the countries with the highest probability of emitting plastic waste, and the countries with the most mismanaged waste.
The research revealed that the Philippines takes the top spot, emitting 3.30kg of plastic waste into the ocean per person each year. In second place is Suriname, which emits 2.89kg of plastic waste into the ocean per person each year.
Utility Bidder Managing Director James Longley said: “There are many easy steps we can take to reduce our plastic waste in our day-to-day lives. One of these is through the use of reusable water bottles and cups.
“Around 1,500 plastic bottles are thrown away every second and only one in 400 coffee cups are efficiently recycled. Utilising reusable cups can save you money. Over-buying these can harm the environment from emissions and waste from production processes.
“Plastic bags result in around 250 marine animals being killed each day, suffocating on these bags that are polluting the oceans. Utilising reusable bags is an ideal way of once again reducing this excess waste. This can also save you money in the long run as you won’t need to pay the plastic bag charge when shopping.
“Keep these ‘bags for life’ by your front door or in the boot of your car so you don’t forget them on your shopping trips!”
Source: Business Today (21 March 2024)