Plastic production has grown rapidly over the past 60 years, creating an estimated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic—most of it used in disposable products that quickly become trash. Of that total, about 6.3 billion metric tons has already become waste.
Despite widespread recycling eaorts, only about 9% of plastic waste has been recycled. Around 12% has been incinerated, while the remaining 79% has accumulated in landfills or the natural environment, where it can persist for more than 400 years.
Scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, harming wildlife and ecosystems. If current trends continue, plastic waste in landfills could reach 12 billion metric tons by 2050.
Researchers say understanding the scale of the problem is essential for finding solutions. Reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling systems, and designing better materials will all play a role in addressing the global plastic waste challenge.
Small changes, like reducing single-use plastics and recycling correctly, can help change this number.
By A. Gwynn Henderson, David Pollack, and Bruce L. Manzano Ancient wild turkey bones recovered from archaeological sites in the Middle Ohio River Valley hold centuries-old stories. Like Native stories and songs passed down through many generations, these bones whisper of Indigenous hunting strategies and of how Native hunters changed those strategies when circumstances called […]
The Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack is downloadable add-on content that expands the Civilization VII experience with the Tecumseh leader and Shawnee civilization. Please note that the pack is not a standalone game and requires Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, which must be purchased separately. Once purchased, the add-on can be downloaded through […]
BATTERIES: Why batteries shouldn’t end up in landfills. Key Reasons to Avoid Disposing Batteries in Landfills:
The Shawnee Tribe is accepting public comments from tribal citizens about the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) in preparation for next fiscal year, which begins October 1. All Shawnee households residing in the state of Oklahoma are encouraged to provide comments. Submit comments here through Monday, August 27, 2026. The LIHEAP program also still has funding […]
The Shawnee Tribe is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marina Staubus, whose artwork Whispers in the Wind earned First Place in the Painting category at the 2026 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marina, a Shawnee Tribe citizen, continues a family tradition of service and dedication to the Tribe as the daughter of Mike Staubus, […]
A traditional bow-making workshop recently brought together Shawnee youth and cultural instructors to share knowledge, skills, and values that have been passed down through generations. The opportunity began when a request was made to teach Shawnee relatives the traditional craft of bow making. Having previously shared these skills with Muscogee participants, the instructors were honored […]
By David Pollack, A. Gwynn Henderson, and Edward R. Henry A people’s relationship to their homeland is dynamic. How they alter the landscape reflects their sense of place, their social relationships, and their connections to their ancestors. This is as true now as it was in the past. The North Elkhorn Creek Earthworks Around 500 […]
The Hidden Cost of Four Everyday Products When we buy a product, we usually see only the price on the shelf. What we don’t see is the environmental cost of making it. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters (713 gallons) of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—about the same amount one person drinks […]