Impacts of Plastic Usage

Now, the whole world is facing many problems because of the plastic waste. So, we have to think twice before we throw away the plastic waste indiscriminately.

Polyethylene, a type of plastic used for product packaging, has become a major problem increasing the environmental pollution. The plastic bags made of polyethene, get many years to decompose completely. When these plastic bags perish under sunlight, toxic chemicals are released into the soil, and they even get spread into the groundwater. These chemicals get entered to our food chain, when animals accidentally ingest them, and when we eat food that were grown in those polluted lands. Even when these plastic wastes are burned, they release toxic chemicals causing air pollution. These things cause cancers in human body. The lands filled with these plastic wastes, emit methane and carbon dioxide gases, during the decomposition stage. High levels of methane emitted, reduce the amount of Oxygen breathed causing vision problems, headache, vomiting, slurred speech, memory loss, unconsciousness etc... So, should we let the next generations to live in a world filled with these offensive chemicals?

We can see that; the Sea creatures are threatened because of these plastic wastes we throw away. These creatures are also a part of this beautiful world and they also have the right of living. But we are depriving their habitats putting their lives in danger, by creating garbage patches in the oceans. This causes 100 million marine animals to be killed each year. Seabirds, turtles, whales and fishes get this waste mistaken as their prey, and eat the waste, causing themselves to be suffocated. When algae grow on floating plastic, those algae get eaten by krill. Seabirds and fish which come looking for krill, get attracted to the odor of dimethyl sulfide released by the krill and eat this plastic waste instead of krill. As well as, it’s stated that 100,000 marine animals die from getting entangled to the plastic waste like nets, annually. Ghost nets harm coral reefs and block the sunlight which is needed for reefs. What if this plastic waste gets rise than the fishes in the oceans? What would happen if these sea creatures were gone extinct?

Not only the sea creatures, but also the animals like Elephants and Cattle, eat these plastic debris. Sometimes, People dump plastic waste like wrappers, bottles and plastic bags, in the forests after cleaning. When elephants try to eat the food waste in plastic bags, they get those plastic bags also swallowed. Then, their stomachs get filled by the swallowed plastic and it reduces the feeling of hunger. So, they eat less, get weaken and finally end up dying. As well as, toxic chemicals which are contained in plastic increase diseases, causing these animals to suffer for months or even years before they die, and causing their reproductivity to get reduced.

Considering the above facts, we have to look for the methods of reusing and recycling the plastic waste in order to reduce the usage. As well as, we have to think of the other alternative materials which can be used instead of plastic.

The used plastic bags and bottles can be used again as planters. And, instead of buying watering cans, we can reuse the plastic bottles and cans. All you need to do is punching some holes in the cap of the bottle or the can. After using, we can give those plastic to recycling center. You have to know that; which kind of plastic can be recycled. Plastic containers have numbers on the bottom denoting which kind of plastic it is. #1 and #2 are always recyclable, while #6 aren’t recyclable.

When it comes to the other materials which can be used instead of plastic, the Glass bottles can be easily used, because they are infinitely recyclable and they can be reused to store homemade drinks, leftovers etc... And, instead of plastic bags, Eco-friendly bags made of fabric, natural fibers, hemp, rush, wool, paper can be used. Now we can see drinking straws, table wares, tooth-brushes made of Bamboo, being used. As well as, cleaning brushes, combs, cutting boards, spoons, forks, cups which are made of wood, can also be used.

Let’s make the environment free of plastic, letting the next generations to live peacefully, without being bothered by these wastes.

Penned By 

Ridmi Kaushala