evidence: The majority of this pollution—dominated by single-use plastic waste—comes from countries lacking the infrastructure to properly manage waste, particularly those in Southeast Asia. [...] Because nearly all plastics (99 percent) are made from fossil fuels, our addiction to plastic also impacts the climate. In fact, the plastics industry (which includes many companies that have invested in or are operating in oil and gas) is currently responsible for four times more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry. And even if production were to stay level, plastics are projected to account for 15 to 19 percent of the global carbon budget by 2050. [...] In response to calls for change and shifting consumer habits, some companies are taking the initiative and experimenting with designs that reduce waste or utilize reusable or compostable components. But it’s clear that much more needs to be done.