How plastics in the ocean get into food chain
In a bid to reduce waste, England has introduced a 5p charge on plastic bags.
Scientists studying the impact of plastic waste on the marine environment have warned contamination could be passing up the food chain to humans.
They've found tiny pieces of plastic inside the guts of zooplankton - the microscopic creatures that many sea species feed on.
Biologist Dr Pennie Lindeque from Plymouth Marine Laboratory explains more.
You can see more on microplastics on Inside Out on BBC One South West on Monday, 21 September at 19:30 BST and nationwide for 30 days thereafter on the iPlayer