Plastic pollution affects societies in numerous and far-reaching ways. Fishermen in Jamaica and India shared with us that they can no longer fish close to shore as they once did—fish populations have declined drastically, forcing them to venture into deeper waters. This shift not only demands more time and effort, but also increases operational costs. In some cases, plastic debris damages fishing nets and boat propellers, adding further strain
Beyond impacts on fisheries, plastic waste can clog storm drains, heightening the risk of urban flooding. The accumulation of plastic in cities also creates stagnant water pools, ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases. Additionally, plastic pollution on beaches affects local tourism, deterring visitors and harming the economic potential of coastal communities.