By the year 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans, and plastic particles will make their way into our seafood as fish mistake them for algae and consume them. Forecasts like these are motivating activists and governments around the world to attempt to solve the "plastic problem."
Many developing countries lack the infrastructure needed to effectively manage their waste. The problem has become so severe that Indonesia called the nation's army in to help clean-up efforts when its rivers and canals were clogged with dense masses of bottles, bags, and other plastic packaging.
Relatively developed nations, though often not as severely affected by plastic waste as developing or island nations, are also starting to push for bans on plastic bags, straws, and other easily replaceable items.
This week, the European Commission launched a campaign to fight against single-use plastic waste, and fashion designers and models showed their ability to repurpose plastic and other materials at the "Fashion for Sustainable Future" event in Kisumu, Kenya.