What’s your plastic footprint?
Discover the impact of your daily plastic use on the environment with our easy-to-use Plastic Footprint Calculator and take a step toward becoming a conscious consumer committed to reducing plastic pollution.
What is a plastic footprint?
A plastic footprint, similar to a carbon footprint, measures the total amount of plastic waste an individual, company, or product generates. This footprint highlights an individual’s environmental impact and guides actions towards sustainability.
How does your plastic footprint compare?
Understanding how your plastic footprint compares globally can provide valuable insight into your environmental impact. According to a study by Jambeck et al. (2015), plastic waste generation varies significantly by country, influenced by consumption patterns and waste management practices.
For instance, the United States generated approximately 105 kilograms of plastic waste per person per year, while the United Kingdom produced around 98.66 kilograms per person. In contrast, countries like China and India had lower per capita figures, at approximately 18 and 4 kilograms, respectively, despite their significant total contributions due to population size. (WorldAtlas)
These disparities highlight the importance of individual and collective actions in reducing plastic consumption and improving waste management. By assessing your plastic usage and comparing it to global averages, you can identify areas for improvement and contribute to broader sustainability efforts.
Source: Jambeck, J. R. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Retrieved from https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1260352
Key benefits of finding out your plastic footprint
Awareness
Understand the impact of your plastic usage on the planet, and find eco-friendly alternatives to minimize your plastic footprint today.
Accountability
Take personal responsibility by developing sustainable habits, cutting down on single-use plastic, and supporting initiatives that stop plastic pollution. Learn how to reduce your daily plastic use and contribute to global organizations that help with plastic pollution.
Influence
By reducing your plastic footprint, you’re part of a community that champions the planet and its people. Be an inspiration to others and play a crucial role in creating a better future for generations to come.
Offset your plastic footprint
3 simple steps to balance your plastic usage
- Calculate your impact: Use our simple calculator to see how much plastic you use.
- Choose your offset: Decide how much plastic you want our communities to collect on your behalf.
- Make an impact: Fund the collection directly. Remember, every 1 kg offset equals 50 plastic bottles.
Choose your impact
665 bottles
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Frequently
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What is a plastic footprint?
A plastic footprint is the amount of plastic an individual, business, workforce, or family uses and disposes in a specific period of time. The average plastic footprint of an individual is about 84 kilograms each year.
How can I reduce my Plastic Footprint and contribute?
The first step is to start where you are with what you have. Here are some recommendations to get you started:
- Find out how much plastic you consume through our Plastic Footprint Calculator, then take steps to reduce your footprint with one of our Impact Certificates. Begin with small changes that can make a big impact.
- Avoid single-use plastic. Choose reusable containers and bottles instead.
- Buy groceries in bulk to reduce plastic packaging waste.
- Talk to your local grocers and look for products that are helping to restore the damage that’s been done to our environment.
- Check out our Partnership Programs to find out how your business can get involved.
Can Plastic Bank share some general sustainability facts we can leverage?
Check out the Plastic Bank blog to learn more about poverty, plastic pollution, and how humanity can overcome both.