"At least 1 billion people would need to participate in Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup to match the required cleanup efforts. This is 660 times the effort of the 2019 cleanup,"
Mass production of plastic began in the early 1950s, but its widespread use did not take off until after World War II. Its popularity quickly permeated all facets of American life. Unfortunately, at that time, the detrimental environmental impact of plastic was unforeseen. The distribution of plastics across industries is as follows:
- Hospitals and medical facilities - 2%
- Disposable packaging - 50%
- Construction - 20%
- Consumer products, transportation, and electrical - 28%
PLASTICS: PROS AND CONS
PROS
Plastic has been advantageous to society in numerous ways. In medicine, for example, it is favored for its versatility, affordability, and lower energy production costs compared to glass or metal.
Plastic materials are utilized by surgeons for knee and hip replacements, as well as for setting broken bones. Additionally, plastic is employed in tissue engineering, intravenous bags, sterile packaging, and disposable syringes.
CONS
While plastics offer various benefits, not all their uses are beneficial or sustainable. Studies have indicated that the widespread use of plastics can expose humans to harmful components within the material. For instance, Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly used in food containers and hygiene products, has been detected in the urine of 95% of adults tested by a Canadian research team.
Another chemical, Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which renders plastic flexible, is also a source of concern. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to several health issues, including reproductive problems, early sexual maturation, reduced male fertility, aggressive behaviors, increased insulin resistance, and obesity.
Although the use of BPA has declined, DEHP continues to be used in various plastic products, such as shower curtains, furniture, automobiles, garden hoses, floor tiles, wire coatings, cables, shoes, raingear, lunchboxes, binders, backpacks, plastic food containers, and medical equipment like gloves, IV bags, tubes, oxygen masks, and surgical gloves.
Plastic waste is another significant issue. As of 2020, plastic remains one of the most challenging materials to decompose, potentially taking up to 1,000 years to break down in landfills, with plastic bags taking as long as ten years.
Currently, humans dispose of plastics through various methods, including recycling, incineration, and landfilling. Recycling efforts are increasing, but the process is complex and not always efficient. Incineration can generate energy but also produces harmful emissions. Landfilling is the least desirable option due to the long decomposition time and potential for environmental harm.
Presently, humans dispose of plastics in four main ways:
1 – LANDFILLS
Landfills are vast and unsightly. Their most significant drawback is the presence of toxins and leachate, which is toxin-filled wastewater that also emits greenhouse gases. These elements are detrimental to the environment and groundwater.
2 – INCINERATION
While incineration can reduce some plastic waste, it releases harmful gases into the atmosphere.
3 – RECYCLING
Recycling is an excellent alternative, with many plastics being reusable. However, the collection and sorting of recyclable plastic waste are not always efficiently managed by waste management entities.
4 –BIODEGRADATION
An increasing number of plastics are designed to be biodegradable. This method is a superb way to decrease plastic pollution and waste, although some biodegradable plastics may contain contaminants.
HOW TO COMBAT PLASTIC POLLUTION?
Despite the severe issue of plastic waste mismanagement, you can contribute to combating plastic pollution in your own home and community. Adopting practical habits can significantly aid in curbing plastic pollution.
1 – REDUCE YOUR USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS.
Replace single-use plastics such as plastic coffee cups, water bottles, straws, and disposable utensils with alternatives made from different materials. Opt for a porcelain coffee cup, metal utensils, bamboo straws, or metal water bottles. Whenever possible, avoid plastic take-out containers or request your food be packaged in a paper container.
2 – PACK YOUR CHILDREN'S LUNCH IN A REUSABLE CONTAINER.
With the increased availability of reusable, washable containers, it's now easier to find a solution that suits you and your family.
3 – RECYCLE WHENEVER YOU CAN.
Currently, around 90% of all plastic is not recycled. Set up recycling bins for plastic and paper inside and outside your home. If your waste management service does not collect recyclables, take them to a local recycling center.
4 – SWITCH PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS FOR STRING BAGS OR REUSABLE, WASHABLE BAGS.
Repurpose packaging materials you receive. Use recycled plastic as cushioning in boxes you're shipping.
5 – AVOID BEAUTY PRODUCTS WITH PLASTIC MICROBEADS.
These microbeads often end up in waterways, where they can be ingested by fish and other wildlife, sometimes with fatal consequences.
6 – COOK AT HOME MORE OFTEN.
It may seem trivial, but cooking at home rather than dining out is a step toward reducing plastic pollution. The more you cook at home, the less plastic is used in restaurants and the fewer plastic takeaway bags you'll accumulate over time.
7 – BUY IN BULK.
Choose large containers of yogurt over individual cups, and opt for big bags of chips rather than small packets. For children's lunches, use paper bags or small reusable containers for chips. Such food preparation not only promotes healthier eating but also benefits the environment.
8 – VOLUNTEER FOR CLEAN-UPS.
Participate in local plastic waste clean-ups in parks, rivers, or creeks. Collect plastic debris whenever you spot it during walks. At the beach, remove any plastic bottles or bags you find. Your actions could potentially save the lives of marine animals.
9 – REFRAIN FROM USING BALLOONS.
Refrain from decorating with balloons outdoors, particularly mylar ones, as they are plastic-based. Consumed balloon fragments can harm or even be fatal to wildlife.
10 – CHOOSE NON-SYNTHETIC FABRICS.
Surprisingly, some clothing contains small amounts of plastic. It's estimated that a third of oceanic plastic pollution originates from laundry, as synthetic materials release microfibers into the water during washing.
11 – SEEK ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC FOOD WRAP.
Plastic is commonly used in kitchens. Instead of wrapping food in plastic or using small plastic bags, consider these alternatives for food wrapping:
BEESWAX WRAP
Beeswax wraps are becoming increasingly popular. Made from cotton soaked in beeswax, these reusable wraps can be molded around objects you wish to cover, such as sandwiches.
GLASS JARS
Glass jars serve as excellent containers for food storage. Whether they are pickle jars, olive jars, or mason jars, you can wash and reuse them repeatedly. The metal lids have a plastic layer to seal and prevent oxidation. Always reuse your jars when possible and recycle them when it's time to dispose of them.
CLOTH WRAP
Cloth wraps with elastic edges are ideal for covering bowls. Alternatively, a clean cheesecloth can be placed over a bowl, secured with a rubber band or twine to fit snugly.
SIX SURPRISING SOURCES OF PLASTIC POLLUTION
It's common knowledge that items like packaging, food containers, toys, and certain shoes contain plastic. However, there are other surprising sources of plastic. Below is a list of six unexpected items that contain plastic.
GLITTER
Most glitter is made of microplastics, tiny plastic pieces that end up in oceans and waterways. Thankfully, eco-friendly glitter options exist, allowing you to enjoy sparkly crafts without adding to plastic pollution.
TEABAGS
TIN OR ALUMINUM CANS
DISPOSABLE CARDBOARD COFFEE CUPS
GLASS JAR LIDS
CLOTHING
- Acrylic
- Microfiber
- Polyester
- Nylon
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