The Plastic Problem

Plastic is everywhere because it’s practical, versatile, and cheap. Global production reflects that: from 200 million tonnes in 2000, to 450 million tonnes in 2020, and on track to reach 950 million tonnes by 2030.

Yet 80% of that plastic is never recycled — it ends up in nature: in our air, our soil, our water. Plastic doesn’t biodegrade. It simply breaks down, fragment by fragment, until it becomes nanoparticles small enough to slip into everything: the air we breathe, the soil we farm, the food we eat, and above all, the water of every lake, river, sea, and ocean, where marine life ingests it daily.

At this rate, scientists estimate that by 2050, our oceans will hold more plastic than fish. Today, we already ingest roughly 5 grams of plastic a week — the equivalent of a credit card.

For years, these consequences went largely unspoken. Now, a growing body of medical and scientific research is naming them directly: elevated risks of cancer, fertility problems, heart disease, and more.

It’s time to act.

Our Response

Organizations around the world are mobilizing to protect our planet and our health — and Rotary International is one of them. In partnership with allied organizations, Rotary launched End Plastic Soup Portugal, now one of its flagship global environmental initiatives. Today, more than 400 Rotary and Rotaract clubs across over 50 countries have joined the movement, with more signing on every year.

Our club, Rotary Atlântico, serves as the ambassador for End Plastic Soup in our region. Our goal is simple: to bring every interested Rotary and Rotaract club, organization, and public authority into this fight alongside us.

Our work spans several fronts: raising awareness of plastic overconsumption (the world produces roughly 1 million plastic bottles every minute), promoting better recycling practices, supporting scientific research, organizing clean-up efforts in affected areas, and engaging directly in economic and political dialogue on the issue.

Funds raised at our club’s official charter ceremony on April 20th, along with proceeds from future initiatives, will go directly toward the End Plastic Soup project.

We hope you’ll join us in caring about our environment and our children’s health —
and that you’ll support our cause generously.
We ARE counting on you!