By LAUREN CHOO

A plastic pollution calculator has been launched in time for tomorrow's Earth Day, allowing consumers to keep track of their plastic consumption.

This year, Earth Day is tackling the global issue of plastic pollution, a crisis Australia contributes to, with plastic the largest source of rubbish in every state.

• See Mojo's round-up of great ways tocelebrate Earth Day in Melbourne.

Earth Day Network Global Earth Day vice-president  Valeria Merino said everyone had a part to play in ending plastic waste.

“Plastic pollution is now an ever-present challenge. We can see plastics floating in our rivers, ocean, and lagoons, littering our landscapes and affecting our health ... we have all contributed to this problem – mostly unknowingly,” she said in a statement.

Plastic production is predicted to increase threefold in the next 25 years, and the world is already not able to handle the current amount of plastic.

While many consumers recycle plastic products, a huge amount ends up in the ocean and other wildlife areas. A recent study found that 75 per cent of all rubbish collected from Australia’s beaches was plastic.

Ms Merino said consumers needed to know how much they consumed as a first step to learning how to minimise waste.

“You first need to know where you stand. This plastic pollution calculator will help you determine your total yearly consumption of disposable plastic items,” she said.

Ms Merino said the network focused its work around the five Rs - reduce, refuse, reuse, recycle and remove.

“Once you have learned the benefits of embracing the five Rs in your daily life, we hope you will create a goal for decreasing your yearly plastic pollution,” shesaid.

EDN has also created a toolkit aimed at teaching consumers how to develop a personal plastic reduction plan and track their use. 

Ms Merlino while recycling was a good place to start, consumers were encouraged to avoid buying disposable plastic, and to pick-up rubbish in their local area to curb the plastic pollution issue.

“You may be lulled into thinking it is okay to consume disposable plastic products because you plan to recycle them, but many plastics can’t be efficiently recycled and will end up in the landfill or littering the planet.”