Surjit Singh Flora
Plastics are often considered significant hazards to the environment, leading to increased pollution and negative impacts on the surroundings. Changes have occurred in habitats, leading to harmful effects primarily caused by pollution. Plastics are responsible for the pollution that has a detrimental effect on the oceans. Plastic pollution is a significant issue that has a widespread impact on the environment and biodiversity. Approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually.
Plastics have a significant impact on the environment due to their slow decomposition rate, causing lasting harm. Moreover, plastic waste frequently finds its way into oceans and waterways, causing harm to marine life and disturbing ecosystems. Small plastic particles known as microplastics can enter the food chain and pose health risks to both humans and animals. Moreover, the manufacturing of plastics adds to greenhouse gas emissions and depends on finite resources. In general, the extensive use and incorrect disposal of plastic present major obstacles to environmental sustainability.
Plastic pollutants may harm human health. Plastics may cause cancer, cognitive damage, and other environmental problems. It exposes humans to lead, cadmium, and mercury. Toxic chemicals influence cancer, birth defects, immunity, and child development. Plastic bottles and food containers contain bisphenol-A, a hazardous chemical. This hazardous chemical harms our health. It also impacts the thyroid hormone receptor. This might cause hazardous conditions like hypothyroidism.
The poison of pollution is gripping our environment tightly. It’s common for there to be one or two patients in every household. Various health issues, such as cancer, asthma, tuberculosis, and others, have become prevalent among the population. We do not consider the reasons behind all these events unfolding right before our eyes. In this modern era, the primary cause is humanity’s pursuit of wealth and materialism. In this competition, environmental concerns are completely ignored as everyone is focused on contaminating the surroundings. Rural and urban areas are equally important in this.
Everywhere we go and, in every direction, we turn, we see large mounds of dirt, plastic, garbage bags, water bottles, and plastic wrapping papers. It’s unfortunate to witness the living conditions in these areas. This is turning into a significant issue. Despite the bans and penalties proposed by many countries on polythene and plastic items, these regulations are not effectively enforced. It appeared to not have been put into action.
Pollution, especially plastic trash, threatens ecosystems and human health worldwide. Due to its longevity and extensive usage, plastic pollution is common. Due to their abundance and slow breakdown, plastic bags make a significant contribution.
Shopping and packaging in plastic bags affect the environment. Poor disposal pollutes streams, towns, sewers, and wildlife. Plastic bags create greenhouse gases and demand more resources, mainly fossil fuels.
Plastic pollution demands multifaceted solutions. Reducing plastic use, recycling, and investing in sustainable materials and processes requires government, industry, community, and individual action.
The ongoing use of plastic bags, particularly for hot food packing, raises health concerns. The plan to restrict hot edibles in plastic bags and hazardous containers, especially in cities, reduces these hazards.
Also, Crude oil, natural gas, and coal are essential components in the production of plastics. These materials are harvested from the earth and then taken to processing facilities. The amount of greenhouse gases released during the process is significant; plastic-making activities alone contribute billions of tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. When these plastics are produced and used, mostly as single-use items (making up about 40 per cent), they enter another harmful phase. Plastics are often used and then disposed of in landfills, incinerated, or rarely recycled.
Incinerating plastics leads to air pollution. Individuals residing close to the burning sites breathe in numerous harmful pollutants that come from the incineration process. These individuals experience health problems such as respiratory issues. It’s important to note that incineration sites are typically located close to slum areas. Individuals who are already struggling financially and marginalized from major economic opportunities face a range of health issues and fall further into a cycle of complex poverty.
Furthermore, consider the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are a major factor in the phenomenon of global warming. Global warming is a significant concern that requires attention. Research suggests that crop failure in many developing countries is a result of global warming. This is a matter of great concern.
Landfilling is also not a favourable option. It’s rather unattractive, to begin with. Underground seepage from landfills can have negative impacts on biodiversity, soil conditions, and groundwater. This results in a variety of additional issues. Everything is interconnected; one action initiates a chain reaction.
After being disposed of, plastics break down into tiny pieces known as microplastic. These substances are transported by air and water worldwide, posing significant threats to human and animal health.
Packed in polythene-born diseases
Almost half of the amount of plastic used in packaging is used to store compost materials in the form of polythene films, bottles, cups, boxes, trays, tea, chips, vegetables, food, etc. It is packed in polythene, which can lead to many diseases. In fact, polythene comes in many different forms and colours, which is why many harmful chemicals are used to mould it into these forms. Scientists around the world are continuing to search for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic for packaging with a view to a safe environment.
If we fail to address the plastic pollution on land, our future generations will be exposed to plastic in their food, water, and air. Plastic pollution is a significant issue that needs attention. It has a far-reaching impact on life. We need to take action.
Scientists have made an innovative discovery regarding certain bacteria capable of biodegrading plastics. Moreover, organic plastics show great potential as an alternative. There have been suggestions to utilize plastic wastes in the construction of roads and houses. Consideration has been given to producing crude oil from plastic, as plastic is derived from petroleum products, resembling a form of reverse engineering. Plastics have already been utilized for generating electricity. More research and innovation are needed to clean up the millennium-old mess.
It is important to introduce sensitization about plastic pollution in the school syllabus. Plastic materials should have pictorial warning labels similar to those found on cigarettes. It is important to have advertisements showcasing the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution on various media platforms. Additionally, it’s important for individuals to have a reusable bag on hand to reduce plastic consumption.
How can we address the issue of plastic pollution?
If no action is taken, the delicate balance of nature will be destroyed, leading to a complete disruption of ecosystems crucial for all life on earth. Producers need to shift away from excessive plastic packaging and opt for biodegradable containers. Encouraging legislators to prohibit single-use plastic bags can make a significant impact and bring about positive change.
Remember to bring canvas and paper bags when shopping at the supermarket and other places.
We have the option to purchase items in bulk and use our own containers. We can show our support for organizations such as The Ocean Cleanup, Shepherds of The Sea, and other similar groups dedicated to cleaning up beaches and waterways. We can help by volunteering to clean up plastic from beaches, parks, and other natural areas, as well as highways, streets, and beyond.
We should make an effort to collect plastic whenever we come across it on the street, in front of our homes, businesses, or while shopping. We can recycle cans and bottles and choose to purchase beverages such as sodas in glass bottles. Here is an incomplete list.
The choice is yours: do you want your future generation to be happy and healthy or suffer from plastic poison?
(The author is veteran journalist and
freelance writer based in
Brampton Canada).