Plastic pollution remains a pervasive environmental and health challenge globally, with annual production reaching 430 million tonnes and 15 tonnes entering the oceans every minute, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are widespread in air, water, and soil, leading to an average annual ingestion, inhalation, and consumption of over 74,000 microplastic particles by Americans. A new global monitoring initiative, the Lancet Countdown on health and plastics, has been introduced to track the health impacts of plastics. Recent research indicates that glass bottles may contain more microplastics than plastic bottles or cans, raising concerns about exposure sources. In Argentina, the average plastic consumption is 42.7 kilograms per year, with much of it ending up in the ocean. Spain's "Mar de Plástico" region, despite being the country's most arid area, has become a significant agricultural exporter, accounting for nearly 18% of Spain's agricultural exports, though it faces environmental and social criticism. These developments highlight the complex interplay between plastic use, environmental pollution, and public health risks worldwide.