The Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth, was once thought to be untouched by human activity. But a shocking discovery—a plastic bag at the trench’s bottom—reveals just how far our pollution has traveled, even to the ocean’s most remote depths.

Despite its harsh environment, the trench is home to diverse life, including coral, jellyfish, and octopuses. Studies show that plastic there often interacts with marine creatures, causing harm through entanglement or ingestion. Alarmingly, 89% of the plastic found is single-use, like the discarded bag, illustrating the lasting impact of disposable products.

Most ocean plastic originates on land, carried by rivers from populated areas, while discarded fishing gear also contributes heavily. Over time, plastic breaks down into microplastics and releases chemical pollutants, spreading the threat even to the deepest ocean floors.

The plastic bag in the Mariana Trench is a stark reminder: our waste reaches everywhere, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Addressing this crisis requires global action—reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and adopting sustainable habits. Let this discovery serve as a wake-up call to protect our oceans before it’s too late.