Plastic pollution poses numerous threats to our environment, leading to a range of environmental challenges such as natural disasters, reduced air quality, and ecosystem degradation. One key initiative to address this issue is World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5th annually. Below are several strategies aimed at mitigating plastic pollution.
What is plastic pollution?
Plastic pollution is the extraction of plastic materials by the environment. Which in turn has adverse effects on wildlife, wildlife habitats, and even humans. Plastic pollution is capable of wreaking havoc on the environment. Because it is a process that is leading to damage to our environment. Currently, the amount of plastic pollution is increasing continuously. Plastic is generally a polymer.
It is produced chemically from fossil fuels or natural gas. As a result, plastic waste has spread all over the world, including our environment, from the bottom of the ocean to Mount Everest, and even in the polar regions. As a result of which many problems are created in our nature. Due to our unconsciousness, we are exposing ourselves to harm. It is possible to prevent it only through our awareness.
The environmental impact of plastic pollution is escalating, presenting a grave threat to nature. While plastic serves various purposes, its detrimental effects on the environment are undeniable. The demand for plastic is soaring globally, leading to the proliferation of plastic waste in various forms such as polythene bags, cosmetic packaging, household items, and commercial products. This waste, once discarded, inflicts significant harm on our environment, including:
- Land and soil contamination
- Air pollution
- Proliferation of microplastics
- Damage to marine ecosystems
The persistence of microplastics exacerbates the issue of plastic pollution. Unlike organic materials, plastic takes an exceedingly long time to decompose, breaking down into minuscule particles known as microplastics. These particles pose health risks as they permeate the air, leading to various diseases. Furthermore, they contaminate our food chain, entering our bodies and causing significant health hazards.
Plastic use and disposal
Plastic is used in many ways in our daily life. Notable among them are products like polythene and various types of straws and bottles. They are used in almost all countries of the world. According to a study, the production of plastic packets alone required 146 million metric tons in 2020. This amounts to about 28 percent of the total global plastic waste. Unbeknownst to almost all of us, plastic is having a huge impact on our environment.
Our used plastic waste ends up in landfills, which take years to decompose. Also in different places with different types of water bodies. Due to which the problem of increasing sea pollution is increasing. So we have to use plastic properly. So that our environment is beautiful and disease free. And with proper management we can prevent it.
Plastic pollution in sea water
Plastic pollution has many effects on our environment and nature. Along with our environment, it causes various damages in sea water. The plastic we use forms a waste. As a result, it is thrown around us to prevent it. One of them is the reservoir, in various places including the center of the sea. In 2012, research reported that there was an estimated 165 million tons of plastic waste in the world’s oceans. Which is beyond our imagination. And every year its amount is increasing. As a result, marine animals are facing various problems including loss of life.
As a result, harmful chemicals such as bisphenol, polystyrene etc. are constantly filtered from the plastic. Which can cause quite a lot of damage to our environment including the ocean. According to statistics, there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the sea water. And more and more plastic is accumulating every year, destroying marine life and the environment around us.
The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife
The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife is extensive, particularly concerning the food cycles of animals. Plastic poses a significant threat to our environment, with its usage witnessing a steady rise over time. Consequently, its adverse effects on animals have become increasingly apparent. Scientists have discovered substantial quantities of plastic waste in the stomachs of various marine species, including sea turtles.
Whenever this happens, the animals starve because the plastic waste clogs their digestive system. As a result many animals die. We need to reduce the amount of plastic we use. Because it is leading us to harm in many ways. As a result of which various changes are seen in nature including the loss of life of marine animals.
Developing countries around the world are launching various programs to reduce plastic pollution. Which can play an important role in protecting our environment. Also, many places are trying to reduce plastic materials including polythene. And some institutions are banning the use of plastic. So we all should do our own responsibility to protect the environment by reducing the use of plastic.
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Writer,
Rupsana Hasan
Intern,
Content Writing Department
YSSE