Which of the following statements accurately describe the global plastic waste crisis? Select all that apply.

The global plastic waste crisis means that billions of tons of plastic are produced each year, most of which is not properly disposed of and ends up in landfills or oceans. This mismanagement pollutes waterways, harms marine animals, and releases harmful chemicals into the environment. Because recycling rates are low, especially in developing countries, plastic accumulates faster than it can be broken down, leading to long‑term ecological damage. For example, a single bottle of plastic can take up to 400 years to decompose, yet millions are discarded each day, showing how quickly waste piles up. Addressing the crisis requires better waste collection, increased recycling, and a shift toward more sustainable materials.