Plastic pollution is a global crisis, threatening marine ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. While technologies like The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 006 demonstrate impressive progress in waste management, addressing the root causes of this issue requires systemic changes, from reducing plastic production and improving waste management to promoting circular economy policies and empowering individuals. Innovative solutions like the SeaBin Project, plastic-eating enzymes, and waste-to-energy initiatives complement these efforts, paving the way for a sustainable future.