essay on plastic waste

Plastic Pollution Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on plastic pollution.

Plastic is everywhere nowadays. People are using it endlessly just for their comfort. However, no one realizes how it is harming our planet. We need to become aware of the consequences so that we can stop plastic pollution . Kids should be taught from their childhood to avoid using plastic. Similarly, adults must check each other on the same. In addition, the government must take stringent measures to stop plastic pollution before it gets too late.

Uprise of Plastic Pollution

Plastic has become one of the most used substances. It is seen everywhere these days, from supermarkets to common households. Why is that? Why is the use of plastic on the rise instead of diminishing? The main reason is that plastic is very cheap. It costs lesser than other alternatives like paper and cloth. This is why it is so common.

Secondly, it is very easy to use. Plastic can be used for almost anything either liquid or solid. Moreover, it comes in different forms which we can easily mold.

Furthermore, we see that plastic is a non-biodegradable material. It does not leave the face of the Earth . We cannot dissolve plastic in land or water, it remains forever. Thus, more and more use of plastic means more plastic which won’t get dissolved. Thus, the uprise of plastic pollution is happening at a very rapid rate.

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Impact of Plastic Pollution

Plastic Pollution is affecting the whole earth, including mankind, wildlife, and aquatic life. It is spreading like a disease which has no cure. We all must realize the harmful impact it has on our lives so as to avert it as soon as possible.

Plastic pollutes our water. Each year, tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean. As plastic does not dissolve, it remains in the water thereby hampering its purity. This means we won’t be left with clean water in the coming years.

Furthermore, plastic pollutes our land as well. When humans dump Plastic waste into landfills, the soil gets damaged. It ruins the fertility of the soil. In addition to this, various disease-carrying insects collect in that area, causing deadly illnesses.

Should Plastic Be Banned? Read the Essay here

Most importantly, plastic pollution harms the Marine life . The plastic litter in the water is mistaken for food by the aquatic animals. They eat it and die eventually. For instance, a dolphin died due to a plastic ring stuck in its mouth. It couldn’t open its mouth due to that and died of starvation. Thus, we see how innocent animals are dying because of plastic pollution.

In short, we see how plastic pollution is ruining everyone’s life on earth. We must take major steps to prevent it. We must use alternatives like cloth bags and paper bags instead of plastic bags. If we are purchasing plastic, we must reuse it. We must avoid drinking bottled water which contributes largely to plastic pollution. The government must put a plastic ban on the use of plastic. All this can prevent plastic pollution to a large extent.

FAQs on Plastic Pollution Essay

Q.1 Why is plastic pollution on the rise?

A.1 Plastic Pollution is on the rise because nowadays people are using plastic endlessly. It is very economical and easily available. Moreover, plastic does not dissolve in the land or water, it stays for more than hundred years contributing to uprise of plastic pollution.

Q.2 How is plastic pollution impacting the earth?

A.2 Plastic pollution is impacting the earth in various ways. Firstly, it is polluting our water. This causes a shortage of clean water and thus we cannot have enough supply for all. Moreover, it is also ruining our soils and lands. The soil fertility is depleting and disease-carrying insects are collecting in landfills of plastic.

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The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Conservation

Children Play among Plastic

While plastic pollution is a worldwide problem it is most obvious in less-wealthy African and Asian nations, like the Philippines. Here, children play among plastic waste on the shore of Manila Bay.

Photograph by Randy Olson

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also have trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations. How Did this Happen? Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II to the extent that life without plastics would be unimaginable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and lessening pollution —and saved lives with helmets, incubators , and equipment for clean drinking water. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: Today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used for mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastics by the Numbers Some key facts:

• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
• Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

How Plastics Move around the World Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream . Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. On Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre , a circular ocean current. Microplastics Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than half a centimer (one-fifth of an inch) across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench, the deepest trough . Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers (or the even smaller nanofibers), meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air. Harm to Wildlife Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics. Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by  abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings. Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation. Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death. Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to  reproductive systems , prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations. Stemming the Plastic Tide Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel, a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society—say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

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• Plastic Pollution Essay

Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste makes its way from our homes and offices to landfills and bodies of water, causing contamination. For the sake of health and the environment, it is important to properly dispose of such plastic waste and to reduce its widespread use. Here we have provided both a Long and Short essay on plastic pollution for students of Class 1 to 12.

Students can refer to these plastic pollution essays in English to gain some insights on the topic as well as a reference for writing their essays.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is becoming more of a global problem. Governments, foundations, and some social media organizations are all attempting to raise awareness about this issue. Plastic goods are commonly used in industry because they are more effective and less costly than other materials.

Plastic, on the other hand, triggers a slew of environmental issues. Plastic pollution has several negative effects on our climate, but the three most important are ocean pollution, land pollution, and food pollution.

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on the oceans, and it's getting worse every year. Some governments are imposing strict regulations to discourage the use of plastic goods so that people are aware of the effect of plastic waste on the environment. As a result, action must be taken to address this issue before it is too late.

Plastics come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are commonly used in our everyday lives. Today, it's difficult to find a substance that isn't made of plastic. Thermosets, also known as thermoplastics, are used in several products.

The following are a few examples of plastic objects that people typically use in their daily lives:

PET fabric and polyester condensers.

Plastic tapes–fabrics, garments, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings, tarpaulins, etc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–used in water bottles, tubes, detergent bottles, food trays in microwaves.

PET fabric and polyester condensers, LCDs, and plastic tapes–fabrics, clothes, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings have frequently broken FAQor or wall corsets made of polyvinyl chloride, automobile instrument boards, electrical wiring sheaths, games, syringes, cloth covers, window frames, and other high-density polyethene building materials Plastic bags, trash bags, prescription bottles, empty food containers, bottles, and milk bottle liners are all examples of items that can be recycled.

While it might seem that addressing chemical waste issues is as simple as recycling or washing empty bottles, the reality is that polluting plastic can vary in size from large to small.

Even if you don't want it on those products, plastic is all around us. Milk boxes are stuffed with cardboard, water bottles are strewn around, and some items can also contain small plastic pieces. Chemical pollutants are more likely to enter the environment and cause harm each time one of these items is discarded or swept away.

Plastic is one of the many widely available but overused items in today's world due to its low cost. When burned in the open, this does not decompose quickly and pollutes the underlying soil or groundwater.

Commercial fisheries are an unavoidable requirement in many parts of the world, but many people consume fish daily. Nonetheless, this industry has culminated in a variety of solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. Plastic is often used in the nets used by certain large-scale troll operations. Second, they spend a lot of time submerged in water, where they can freely release contaminants, but they are frequently dissolved or killed, leaving them to live wherever they land. It not only destroys and threatens native animals, but it also allows chemicals to swim away and contaminate nearby fish.

The majority of the items are made of plastic, but most of the materials are not biodegradable, making disposal difficult. There were no natural methods in place to recycle non-biodegradable plastics. It cannot be recycled or left to starve in the manner in which traditional waste is discarded or spilt.

Also, reuse does not reduce steel use because it recycles existing plastics in a new shape. In a variety of ways, the method of paper recycling can result in the release of plastic allergens.

Short Plastic Pollution Essay in English

Plastic waste has long-term social, economic, and ecotoxicological effects. Entanglement, swallowing, and starvation are some of the physical effects on sea life. Chemical influence: the accumulation of residual chemical contaminants like PCBs and DDT.

It's easy to see how this amount of oil, which isn't meant to penetrate, can harm the environment over time, causing long-term problems for plants, animals, and humans. The following are a few of the major long-term consequences of pollution:

Upsets the Flow of Food - Polluting materials, which come in smaller and larger dimensions, impact even the tiniest species on the earth, such as plankton. When these species become contaminated as a result of plastic ingestion, it poses a threat to larger animals that depend on them for food. Any move further along the food supply chain can cause a slew of problems. Furthermore, it means that plastic is present in the fish that so many people consume daily.

Groundwater Pollution - Chemicals are released into the soil and leak into groundwater, resulting in groundwater pollution (also known as groundwater contamination). Such a type of water pollution may also occur naturally as a result of the presence of a minor and undesirable component, contaminant, or impurity in underground water, in which case it is more likely to be referred to as waste rather than pollution. Plastics are responsible for almost all the waste and pollution that pollutes the world's oceans. It will have devastating effects for a variety of marine animals, with repercussions for those that consume fish or other sea life for food, such as humans.

Land Pollution - Once dumped in landfills, the plastic reacts with water or forms toxic chemicals. If these pollutants flow deep into the water, they degrade its efficiency. The stench wafts through the litter and transports waste from one place to the next. They can also become entrapped in posts, traffic lights, trees, walls, houses, and other structures, as well as predators that may arrive in the area and suffocate to death.

Air Pollution - Air pollution appears to be a mix of solid particles and gases in the atmosphere. Pollutants from automobiles, plants, smoke, pollen, and mould spores can all be stored as particulate matter. Ozone is a chemical that contributes significantly to urban air pollution. Smog is the term for when ozone causes air pollution. Some of the toxins in the air are poisonous.

Plastic trash disposal that isn't done properly would have a huge environmental effect. To ensure that the environment remains free of plastic waste, waste disposal using green technologies and proper waste management must be strictly controlled. The preservation of the environment from rising plastic contamination is the responsibility of every human being.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastic can be found in everything from milk cartons to water bottles. Plastics are inexpensive, simple to manufacture, and extremely durable. Toxic contaminants have a greater probability of infiltrating the environment and causing harm every time one of these plastic objects is disposed of or rinsed down the drain.

It is one of the most commonly available and overused items in the world today because it is less expensive. Demand for low-cost plastics is increasing because of rising urbanization and population increase.

Because they're so inexpensive, they're also easily discarded. When burned in the open air, it does not degrade quickly and pollutes the ground and air nearby.

Waste is frequently carried by the winds. Plastic, because it is lightweight, is carried away by gentle winds and washed into sewers, rivers, streams and, eventually, the oceans. Natural disasters, such as floods, should also be taken into account as sources of plastic pollution.

Commercial fishing is a necessary economic industry in many regions of the world, but it has contributed to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans in several ways. Plastic nets are commonly utilized in certain large-scale fishing activities. They are frequently broken apart or misplaced and can rot wherever they fall. Marine animals become entangled in nets and/or ingest the poisonous particles.

FAQs on Plastic Pollution Essay

1. What do we Mean by Plastic Pollution?

Plastic Pollution occurs when synthetic plastic goods accumulate in the atmosphere to the point that they pose a threat to wildlife and their ecosystems, as well as human populations.

2. What are the Ways in Which we can Avoid/Control Plastic Pollution?

The reality is that the only way to fix this problem is for people and businesses all over the world to agree to and enforce pollution-reduction policies. The best plastic pollution solutions to control and avoid it are listed below.

Shop Friendly - Plastic bags have become a daily convenience, but they can be easily replaced with plastic bags, some of which are elegantly structured and lightweight. Simply add up how many things you typically carry out of a store and divide by the number of times you shop there. It's a substantial sum of money! Take a bag and, if you have any, just use plastic bags as much as you can.

Get Rid of Bottled Water - Drinking plenty of water is recommended every day, and giant water bottles are becoming a popular way to stay hydrated during the day. Furthermore, some of these are only licenced for individual use, meaning that any full container will end up in the trash. Several companies are now selling recycled water bottles as a substitute, reducing plastic waste and the availability of leaky bottles.

Reduce the Usage of To-go Containers - You'd be amazed to hear how much plastic is used in the manufacture and storage of food containers. Though the cafe's drink cup is documented and usually wrapped in acrylic for padding (for either a cup of coffee or a piece of cardboard to see what's going on). Plastic food plates, lids, and cookware can all be quickly replaced with recycled materials, resulting in a substantial reduction in waste from only one meal.

3. Why is plastic pollution on the rise?

The accumulation of plastic in the environment causes plastic pollution. Primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, are classified as primary, whereas secondary plastics, which emerge from the decomposition of primary plastics, are classified as secondary. Its world production is increasing at an exponential rate. Plastic pollution is on the rise because of people's persistent need to use plastic. Its outstanding features, including simplicity of shape, low cost, and mechanical resistance, all contribute to its success. It is both inexpensive and readily available. Furthermore, plastic does not decompose in the soil or water; it persists for over a century, contributing to an increase in plastic pollution. Plastic is practically everywhere because it is the suitable material for packaging. Natural disasters, such as floods, should be considered plastic pollution sources.

4. How does plastic pollution affect the environment?

Plastic pollution has a range of effects on the environment. Plastic stays in the ecosystem for a long time, causing a hazard to wildlife and spreading pollutants. Plastic also majorly contributes to global warming. Almost all plastics are made from chemicals used in the manufacturing of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. To begin with, it pollutes our water. So, there is a scarcity of clean water and everyone's needs for clean water can’t be fulfilled. It is also eroding our soils and fields. Disease-carrying insects are accumulating in plastic landfills, and soil fertility is worsening. Plastics are also released into the atmosphere when they are burned in incinerators, releasing greenhouse gases and hazardous air pollution. Plastic has an impact on all organisms in the food chain, from microscopic plankton to whales.

5. Where can I get a collection of long and short essays for my school?

Vedantu has a good collection of long and short essays to help students from Class 1 – 12. Vedantu's online educational platform will provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. You will be able to chat with some of the instructors with adequate expertise to coach you for school exams, competitive exams, and so on through our live interactive teaching sessions. In addition to coaching classes, we provide revision notes for grades 6 to 12. You can also easily download them and access them as per your convenience. Students who are looking for good quality study material, can download that from Vedantu website in PDF format with no extra cost. You can also get more resources for free by downloading the Vedantu app.

How Can We Reduce Plastic Pollution?

This article was reviewed by a member of Caltech's Faculty .

Plastic is incredibly useful in modern life, but its widespread use may impair human sustainability. The production and disposal of plastic generates greenhouse gases and hazardous waste. Plastic and the chemicals it emits are building up on land and in oceans, lakes, rivers, ice, and air, and the resulting damage to human and ecological health is currently poorly understood. Most plastic is not recyclable and the vast majority does not biodegrade. Further, plastic products often break down into very small fragments called microplastics that can pollute ecosystems and harm organisms.

Why Plastic Pollution Is a Problem

Plastic is everywhere, from bags and single-use bottles and packages to car parts, pipes, and siding. Likewise, plastic waste is ubiquitous . It has been found, for example, in Arctic sea ice , beer , farm soil , trout and other wild freshwater fish , shrimp and other shellfish , songbirds and seabirds , human placentas , the Great Pacific Garbage Patch , midoceanic atolls , sea caves , the air and rain , and national parks and wilderness areas . While the impact of plastic pollution on sea life is well documented, scientists are just beginning to measure plastic's effects on humans and human fertility , land ecosystems , and crops and other plants .

The United States alone generated 35.7 million tons of plastic waste in 2018. Of that, 27 million tons was landfilled, 5.6 million tons incinerated, and three million tons, or 8.7 percent may have been recycled. (Some reports suggest that plastic scrap shipped abroad for recycling may instead end up in landfills and waterways.)

Researchers estimate that nearly 7,000 million tons of virgin plastic have been manufactured around the world as of 2015. Of that, 9 percent may have been recycled, 12 percent has been incinerated, and the rest is in landfills, still in use, or in our environment. Globally, about one fourth of plastic waste is never collected . In less wealthy countries, waste plastic is sometimes burned in the open, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

What is plastic made of?

The main ingredients in plastic come from oil and natural gas processing . Different molecules are used to make different types of plastic, giving them distinctive properties and chemical structures. Manufacturers also mix in additives to give specific products their desired qualities. These chemicals, such as colorants, plasticizers, flame-retardants, stabilizers, fillers, reinforcing fibers, and biocides sometimes contain hazardous substances, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium compounds, as well as BPA .

Caltech chemists and their colleagues are designing molecules and nanoscale catalytic devices that may make it possible to produce plastic from chemicals derived from carbon dioxide rather than fossil fuels, with the goal of reducing the climate impact of plastic manufacturing .

What types of plastic can be recycled?

Many consumer plastic products are imprinted with triangular recyclable symbols . But only two kinds of plastic commonly end up recycled : #1, PET or polyethylene terephthalate, and #2, HDPE or high-density polyethylene, and within those, usually only bottles, tubs, and jugs (generally not, for example, salad containers, berry boxes, or clamshell packages). Together, these account for a small fraction of all plastic waste .

Plastics that are recyclable are typically downcycled rather than fully recycled. This means that they are turned into products of lesser value that often cannot be recycled again. When plastic waste is turned into a more valuable product, such as clothing or shoes, that is called upcycling.

Recycling results in a product of equivalent value that can be recycled multiple times. However, the number of times a plastic can be effectively recycled is currently limited.

Recycling Innovation

Chemical recycling is an emerging method that chemists are trying to develop. It would break plastics down into their basic, raw materials, sometimes through the use of customized enzymes , so that they can be remade and recycled an infinite number of times. Using similar approaches, polymers that are more difficult to recycle could potentially be turned into biodegradable compounds and used in cleaning products.

Because different types of plastics have varying properties, plastic products need to be sorted before they can be recycled. Some packaging, usually used to keep food fresh, cannot be sorted or recycled because it is made from layers of different types of plastic. Scientists are working on solvents that could separate multilayer packaging into its component polymers, which could then be used instead of new plastic. Others are making molecules that would allow multiple types of polymers to mix and still create viable recycled materials.

Dive Deeper

Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

Evaluating Scenarios Toward Zero Plastic Pollution

Caltech and UCLA Researchers Discover Effective Pathway to Convert Greenhouse Gas into Valuable Products

Plastic factories like this one in China are increasing production of virgin plastic, even as plastic pollution sweeps into the oceans in record volumes.

Plastic pollution is a huge problem—and it’s not too late to fix it

Correcting our plastic waste problem requires a fundamental change in thinking about how plastics are made, used, and discarded, two new studies say.

The global campaign to gain control of plastic waste is one of the fastest-growing environmental causes ever mounted. Yet it hasn’t been enough to make a dent in the growing tonnage of discarded plastic that ends up in the seas.

In the next 10 years, the waste that slides into waterways, and ultimately the oceans , will reach 22 million tons and possibly as much as 58 million tons a year. And that’s the “good” news—because that estimate takes into account thousands of ambitious commitments by government and industry to reduce plastic pollution.

Without those pledges, a business-as-usual scenario would be almost twice as bad. With no improvements to managing waste beyond what’s already in place today, 99 million tons of uncontrolled plastic waste would end up in the environment by 2030.

These two scenarios, the result of new research by an international team of scientists, are a far cry from the first global tally published in 2015, which estimated that an average of 8.8 million tons flow into the oceans annually. That was a figure so startling to the world when it was published five years ago, it helped invigorate the plastic trash movement.

Jenna Jambeck, the University of Georgia engineering professor who calculated that number, also came up with a vivid analogy to put it in context. It would be the equivalent of one dump truck tipping a load of plastic into the ocean every minute every day for a year. Jambeck is also part of the team that came up with the new calculations. But coming up with a new way to visualize 22 to 58 million tons proved a challenge.

“I don’t know. We’re getting into the realm of what’s incomprehensible,” she says. “How about a football stadium filled with plastic every day? Or enough plastic to cover Rhode Island or the country of Luxembourg ankle deep?”

Neither of these new analogies, while accurate, capture the magnitude of what’s at stake. (More: We're drowning in plastic—find out why. )

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Like climate change, a lot rides on how the global community responds in the next couple of decades. And, though the parallels between the problem of plastic waste and climate change are obvious—both are rooted in oil, the basic ingredient to make plastics, they are dissimilar in one key way: plastic’s persistence. While there is some possibility, however remote, that technology and restoration of natural ecosystems could remove CO 2 from the atmosphere, there is no such analog for plastic. Virtually indestructible, it doesn’t disappear.

“For me, the biggest issue is the question of permanence,” says George Leonard , the Ocean Conservancy’s chief scientist and a member of the team that produced this newest forecast. “If we don’t get the plastic pollution problem in the ocean under control, we threaten contaminating the entire marine food web, from phytoplankton to whales. And by the time the science catches up to this, perhaps definitively concluding that this is problematic, it will be too late. We will not be able to go back. That massive amount of plastic will be embedded in the ocean’s wildlife essentially forever.”

The power of two

Royal Dutch Shell will produce plastic pellets like these at its new plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The plant will create more than a million tons of the tiny pellets. Many in the Pittsburgh area see it as an economic engine, but others worry about the long-term environmental harm.

The analysis is the second in recent weeks to look ahead to the future of the plastic economy and conclude that correcting the waste problem—40 percent of plastic manufactured today is disposable packaging—requires a fundamental change in thinking about how plastics are made, used, and discarded.

The new findings were made by a team of scientists funded by the National Science Foundation through the University of Maryland’s National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center ( SESYNC ). The other project, which looks ahead to 2040, was led by the Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, a London-based environmental advisory and investment firm, and was first made public in July. Both studies were published together in the journal Science in September.

What’s unusual is that two independent scientific working groups, using differing methodologies and timelines, reached the same broad conclusions. Both laid blame for the rising tonnage of plastic in the seas on the growth of plastic production that is outpacing the world’s ability to keep up with collecting plastic trash. They also agreed that reducing surging waste requires reducing surging production of virgin plastic.

“The magnitude of the problem is the same. The difference is in methodology,” says Stephanie Borrelle, a marine biologist in New Zealand and lead author of the SESYNC study. “We have to do something about this and do it soon. Our annual count of leakage doesn’t account for what’s already in the oceans.”

Both projects also concluded that plastic waste could be significantly reduced, though not eliminated, using existing technologies. That includes improving waste collection and recycling, redesigning products to eliminate packaging made from unrecyclable plastics, expanding refillables, and in some cases substituting other materials. But solutions such as recycling, now globally hovering around 12 percent, would also require a massive scaling-up with many additional recycling facilities that don’t exist.

The SESYNC project also calls for cleaning up plastic waste from shorelines, where possible. To give an idea of the scale involved in achieving that goal, it would require a billion people to participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s annual beach cleanup that now attracts about one million volunteers.

“The inconvenient truth now is that this business-as-usual growth in production of new plastics is not compatible with ending plastics in nature,” says Ben Dixon, a former sustainability manager at Royal Dutch Shell and partner at SYSTEMIQ. “That’s the inconvenient truth both studies get to the heart of. We may see more pressures from investors, customers, and a changing of the world underneath the feet of these companies.”

Both projects captured the attention of the plastics industry, which was quick to praise the research, but dismissed the idea of reducing production of virgin plastic as “highly counterproductive and impractical,” in the words of the American Chemistry Council, a trade group for the petrochemical industry. In emailed responses, ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical, two of the world’s leading manufacturers of polyethylene, agreed.

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“Reducing production to solve the waste problem will, in turn, aggravate the carbon and climate problem as alternative materials have higher emissions,” Dow said.

The manufacturing of plastic emits less CO2 and uses less water than for glass or aluminum. Some argue that such accounting doesn’t always factor in all the costs, such as environmental cleanup and weight. Glass manufacturing emits less CO2 per gram, but glass bottles are heavier. And, in the marine world, they say, it’s beside the point: Turtles eat plastic bags, not glass bottles and aluminum cans.

Todd Spitler, an Exxon spokesman, said the company’s focus will be on “increasing plastic recyclability, supporting improvements in plastic waste recovery and minimizing plastic pellet loss from our operations."

The SESYNC study calls for setting global limits on the production of virgin plastic, a recommendation unlikely to be realized. At the last United Nations Environmental Program meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2019, negotiations to pass a resolution calling for phasing out single-use plastic by 2025 and to draft a legally binding treaty on plastic debris ended in a stalemate.

The Pew/SYSTEMIQ study calls for reducing virgin production by 11 percent, arguing there is enough waste plastic that could be recycled and remade into new plastic to satisfy demand. The problem is that virgin plastic—new resin created from natural gas or oil—is so cheap to make that it undermines the economics of the recycling market. It is simply less expensive to manufacture new plastic than to collect, sort, and process disposable plastic into new feedstock. Especially now, with the collapse of oil prices. (Read more on the SYSTEMIQ study here.)

Plastic production to increase by 2050

In fact, production is forecast to more than double by 2050—increasing to 756 million tons anticipated in 2050 from 308 million tons produced in 2018, according to a report published by the American Chemistry Council in 2019. In the United States, $203 billion has been invested in 343 new or expanded chemical plants to produce plastics, according to ACC figures published last February. Production capacity for ethylene and propylene is projected to increase by 33 to 36 percent, according to an estimate by the Center for International Environmental Law.

Keith Christman , the ACC’s managing director of plastics markets, says the demand for plastic products, such as lightweight automobile parts and materials used in home construction, including insulation and water piping, is only going to grow.

“New technologies is the direction that we see the industry going,” he says.

Historically, plastic production has increased almost continuously since the 1950s, from 1.8 million tons in 1950 to 465 million tons in 2018. As of 2017, 7 billion of the 8.8 billion tons produced globally over that whole period have become waste.

The industry attributes future growth to two factors: the increasing global population and demands for more plastic consumer goods, fueled by the increasing buying power of a growing middle class. The UN projects that the world’s population, now about 7.8 billion, will add about two billion more by 2050, primarily in Asia and Africa. Globally, the middle class is anticipated to expand by 400 million households by 2039—and that is where the plastics market growth will occur.

Africa, to cite one example, shows the complications that lie ahead for gaining control of plastic waste in the coming decades. The continent today generates waste at a low rate by global standards, according to a UN report published last year. It also has limited environmental regulations, weak enforcement, and inadequate systems in place to manage waste. But as its population explodes and becomes more urban, and as buying habits change with higher standards of living, sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to become the dominant region producing municipal waste.

“Everyone is going to need to play a role along the whole value chain,” says Guy Bailey , a leading plastics analyst at Wood Mackenzie, a consulting firm specializing in energy, chemicals, mining and other research.

“If you are a recycler, it is difficult to make an investment when oil prices completely destroy the economics of your business. If you are a packing company, you are faced with so many choices of materials, it’s hard to know which to pick. If you are a chemical company, you clearly can see the reputational challenge. They risk losing their social license to operate if things go too far. They want to address those challenges.”

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, founded last year by 50 industry titans, committed to investing $1.5 billion in creating solutions to improve methods for collecting plastic waste and recycling into new products. So far, it has launched 14 projects, many in Southeast Asia and Africa, including in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Ghana.

Jacob Duer, president and CEO, said the new report “reiterates the necessity and the urgency in addressing the issue and underlines the importance of a paradigm shift.”

As the organization, based in Singapore, matures, he says the number of projects and capital investment will grow. But it opposes reducing virgin plastic production.

Both Duer and Martyn Ticknet, head of the Alliance’s project development, see similarities between tackling plastic waste and global efforts to close the hole in the ozone layer that began in the 1970s. Last year the hole had shrunk to its smallest size on record since its discovery.

“We’ve solved major crises before,” Ticknet says. “It takes some time to get going.”

Related Topics

• WATER POLLUTION
• PLASTIC WASTE

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Home sweet … garbage? The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is teeming with life

Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?

Microplastics are hidden in your home. Here’s how to avoid them.

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The plastic pollution crisis

Plastics only began to be produced in large quantities following the second world war – but plastic pollution has since become one of the most serious threats humanity faces. By 2015, 60% of all plastic ever produced had become plastic waste, and in today’s world, plastic waste is ubiquitous – it’s in the air, in the soil, in freshwater, and in the sea.  

Much of the world’s plastic waste – from large items down to barely visible microplastic particles – ends up in the ocean, where it can persist for hundreds of years. Here it has negative effects on marine life of all kinds, and ultimately causes harm to humans too. Up to 12 million tonnes of plastic debris is entering the global ocean every year:  2  the UN calls it ‘a planetary crisis’.

The highly populated, semi-enclosed Mediterranean basin is one of the global hotspots for marine plastic pollution. Urgent and wide-ranging action is required to radically reduce the amounts of plastic that reach the sea and bring the situation under control – but for this to happen, we need to build as full a picture as possible of what’s actually going on.

 Where does ocean plastic come from? 

Overall, 80% of marine plastic debris comes from land, and 20% is produced by ocean-based sources such as fishing, shipping and aquaculture.  3  Much of it is comprised of industrial and domestic waste from metropolitan and urban areas with poorly managed collection and disposal systems. Rubbish finds its way into rivers and other waterways, sometimes through storm drains and sewage outfalls, and these take it all the way to the sea. It’s estimated that 94% of the plastic pollution that enters the Mediterranean comes in the form of macroplastics, but microplastic pollution is significant too. Land-based sources of microplastics include agricultural polyethylene sheets that fragment from weathering, biosolids and sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, and grey water from washing clothes made with synthetic fibres.  4  Sewage entering municipal treatment systems is high in microfibres from textiles, microplastics from personal care products, and degraded consumer products.

Between 80 and 90 percent of microplastics entering treatment systems remain in residual sewage sludge. This sludge is often used as fertilizer in agriculture, resulting in plastic being deposited on agricultural fields where it can remain for long periods of time – or be washed into the rivers and out to sea. Based on a recent study, microplastics can persist in soils for more than 100 years, due to low light and oxygen conditions 5 .    

The plastics life cycle

Plastic pollution is a design, production, consumption and disposal challenge that must be tackled across plastic’s entire life cycle. Many factors contribute to the issue, most obviously unsustainable consumption patterns, non-existent or ineffective legislation, inefficient waste management systems, and a lack of coordination between different sectors.

The impacts of plastic pollution on biodiversity and human health

Plastic pollution has adverse impacts on ocean ecosystems, the integrity of food supplies, and people’s livelihoods.

Entanglement and ingestion are the most common hazards for marine species, almost all of which – from microscopic zooplankton to the largest marine mammals – will come into contact with plastic waste during their lives. Entanglement in plastic ropes, lines and discarded fishing gear injures and kills all kinds of marine animals; while ingestion at every stage of the food chain can cause fatalities or have major impacts on physiological functions including nutrition, growth, behaviour and reproduction.  

 Once microplastics and nanoplastics are ingested by marine animals they become part of the food web, and can ultimately enter the human food chain.  

Confronting the issue: a harmonised methodology and a global agreement

Plastic leakage is a complex issue, involving multiple sources and actors, and addressing it requires stakeholders to join forces and intervene at various levels. Before this can happen, though, countries and cities face an initial knowledge gap: they need to establish the magnitude of the challenge they face, and gain an understanding of the processes involved.  Resolution No. 6 on marine plastic litter and micro-plastics  adopted at the  Fourth Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4)  in 2019 highlighted the importance of a h armonised methodology to measure plastic flows and leakage along the value chain, and generate actionable data.

 Once these facts are established, countries need practical and legislative tools to address the root sources of the problem. With this in mind, the  Fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5)  created an expert group on marine litter and microplastics. The group is “reviewing the present situation and analysing the effectiveness of existing and potential response options related to marine plastic litter and microplastics”. It developed and signed “a new global agreement , to provide a legal framework of global response and to facilitate national responses especially for those countries with limited resources and capacities that could contain either legally binding and/or non-binding elements”.

The  Programme for the Assessment and Control of Marine Pollution in the Mediterranean (MEDPOL)  of the   United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)   is responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) for the Pollution and Litter and Noise clusters.   MED POL supports the Contracting Parties in the formulation and implementation of pollution control and prevention policies as well as regulatory measures. MED POL also undertakes regular activities to promote capacity-building and provides technical assistance on monitoring and assessment, implementation and enforcement. Its purpose is to assist Mediterranean countries in the implementation of three major protocols of the  Barcelona Convention:

•  The Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources 
•  The Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft 
•  The Protocol on the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

The Mediterranean: plastic pollution hotspot

The Mediterranean Sea is a global hotspot for plastic pollution, its semi-enclosed basin concentrating marine litter at levels comparable to those found in the five subtropical gyres  7  ,the most notorious being the ‘Great Garbage Patch’ of the North Pacific.

The need for knowledge: PlastiMed project

In order to improve knowledge of the origins, distribution and leakage of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, a quantitative study on the impact of microplastics in the Mediterranean ecosystem was conducted. The research was based on samples collected during two main expeditions,  ExpeditionMED  and  Tara Méditerranée 2014  . In the latter, 75,000 microplastic particles were collected and analysed, making it the largest study of this kind in the Mediterranean to date. Following the expeditions, a database of Mediterranean plastic polymer types, including their geographical distribution, was completed, and a modelling study of the circulation of plastic debris in the Mediterranean was developed.

 The recent IUCN report   Mare Plasticum :  The Mediterranean   provides information about the quantity of plastics leaking into the Mediterranean Sea every year, also highlighting the countries and cities with the highest plastic leakage rates. This map is a combination of both studies, merging information gathered through fieldwork and desk-based analysis.

Taking action

The  Beyond Plastic Med  (BeMed) initiative was launched in 2019 to develop and support a network of stakeholders committed to implementing concrete solutions for the prevention of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean. By raising awareness of the issue, bringing together companies and organisations who can contribute to the project’s aims, and spreading best practices in the field, BeMed is an important umbrella for much of the work going on in the Mediterranean today.

In 2019, IUCN-Med launched the   Plastic Waste-Free Islands Mediterranean   project, as part of its global   Close the Plastic Tap   programme. The initiative’s overarching goal is to drive the circular economy agenda forward and to reduce plastic waste generation and leakage from islands. The programme of work focuses on tackling plastic pollution at its source by engaging a wide range of stakeholders – including governments, industries and society – and on addressing plastic pollution knowledge gaps. 

Surfrider Europe has been advocating for enhanced environmental policies to tackle plastic pollution and raising awareness among citizens to change their behaviour.

Tara Foundation conducted a 2019 expedition along nine major European rivers to research the origins and flux of microplastic waste, using its scientific expertise to raise awareness and educate the general public, as well as mobilise political decision-makers at the highest level.

In 2017, Région Sud (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) established the Zero Plastic Waste Pledge to enable local authorities, companies and associations to commit to reducing plastic waste at sea and on land. Région Sud and the IUCN signed a   joint declaration   at the World Conservation Congress, reflecting strong engagement and the beginning of coordinated action against plastic pollution.

Co-developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the IUCN, the   National Guidance on Plastic Pollution Hotspotting and Shaping Action   contributes to filling gaps in knowledge. It provides a methodological framework and practical tools applicable at national level. Beyond the quantification and qualification of plastic pollution, the guidance offers an effective interface between science-based assessments and policy-making. The guidance maps plastic leakage and its impacts across the value chain by collecting and analysing data on plastic production, consumption, waste management and disposal, and prioritises hotspots for action. It enables governments to collaborate with key stakeholders to identify and implement corresponding interventions and instruments in these hotspots, ensuring that action takes place in the areas that need it most. Once decision-makers are equipped with reliable knowledge through use of the guidance, they can set targets, agree and implement actions, and monitor progress.

• Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made.  Science advances ,  3 (7), e1700782.  DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700782 
• Boucher, J., & Friot, D. (2017).    Primary microplastics in the oceans: a global evaluation of sources    (Vol. 43). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 43pp.
• Mendenhall, E. (2018). Oceans of plastic: a research agenda to propel policy development. Marine Policy, 96 , 291-298.  DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2018.05.005 
• Horton, A. A., Walton, A., Spurgeon, D. J., Lahive, E., & Svendsen, C. (2017). Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities.  Science of the total environment ,  586 , 127-141.  DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.190 
• Azoulay, D., Villa, P., Arellano, Y., Gordon, M. F., Moon, D., Miller, K. A., & Thompson, K. (2019).    Plastic & health: the hidden costs of a plastic planet .  Geneva: CIEL;
• Peng, L., Fu, D., Qi, H., Lan, C. Q., Yu, H., & Ge, C. (2020). Micro-and nano-plastics in marine environment: Source, distribution and threats—A review.  Science of the Total Environment ,  69 8.  DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134254 
• Cózar, A., Sanz-Martín, M., Martí, E., González-Gordillo, J. I., Ubeda, B., Gálvez, J. Á., ... & Duarte, C. M. (2015). Plastic accumulation in the Mediterranean Sea.  PloS one ,  10 (4).  DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0121762 
• Kedzierski, M., Palazot, M., Soccalingame, L., Falcou-Préfol, M., Gorsky, G., Galgani, F., ... & Pedrotti, M. L. (2022). Chemical composition of microplastics floating on the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.  Marine pollution bulletin ,  174 , 113284.  DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113284 
• Pedrotti Maria Luiza, Lomard Fabien, Baudena Alberto, Galgani François, Kedzierski Mikaël, Elineau Amanda, Henry Maryvonne, Bruzeau Stéphane, Reverdin Gilles, Boss Emmanuel, & Gorsky Gabriel. (2021). Tara Mediterranean surface plastic quantitative dataset [Data set]. Zenodo.  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5538238  .
• Boucher, J., Billard, G., Simeone, E. and Sousa, J. (2020). The marine plastic footprint. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. viii+69 pp.
• Boucher, J. & Bilard, G. (2020). The Mediterranean: Mare plasticum. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. x+62 pp.

Acknowledgements

This web story has been edited by IUCN Med and its partners, with financial support from the   Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation   .

Produced and designed by   Swim2Birds   &   IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation.

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What is plastic pollution?

How plastics damage our lives and the environment—and why recycling is not the answer..

Plastics: we can't live without them, or so it seems.

While using plastics in some cases may be unavoidable, we can take steps to reduce our constant consumption and discarding of the chemical-laced material.

The U.S. produces 234 pounds of plastic waste per person per year, and hardly any of it is recycled.

Here's a comprehensive introduction to plastic waste and plastic pollution, how we got here, and what we can do about it.

How does plastic cause pollution?

An excavator pushes through a landfill. About 79% of plastic is ending up in landfills or as litter in our environment. (Credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels)

Plastics are an untamed and unmanaged beast:

• More than 1 million plastic bags are used every minute , with an average "working life" of only 15 minutes
• 500 billion plastic bags are used annually—and that's just plastic bags.
• Of all plastics the world has produced, only 9% of the nine billion tons has been recycled —most ends up in landfills, dumps, or in the environment.
• The ocean is expected to contain 1 ton of plastic for every 3 tons of fish by 2025 and, by 2050, more plastics than fish (by weight).
• Studies suggest that the total economic damage to the world's marine ecosystem caused by plastic amounts to at least $13 billion every year.
• If current consumption habits continue, we're on pace to have discarded 12 billion tons of plastic waste into landfills and our environment by 2050.

Why is plastic a problem?

Two marketing strategies employed by the plastics industry have successfully propelled plastic to regular household use:

• Promoting throwaway culture
• Creating eco-campaigns that shift blame to the individual.

These strategies, along with the lack of legislation preventing mass consumption, have caused single-use plastics to flourish.

What is throwaway culture?

Food in disposable plastic packaging is a common sight in grocery stores.

Throwaway culture is a modern phenomenon that was slowly impressed upon the consumer after the Great Depression and war-era years of frugality. Through advertisement, the plastics industry had to convince the public that single-use plastics were possible, acceptable, and even necessary.

Today it's hard to imagine a world without single-use plastics: our "to-go," "hustle," and "convenience" cultures have adopted and even celebrated the ease of disposables.

• In 2013, the plastics industry put 78 million tons of plastic packaging on the market, with a total value of $260 billion.
• 95% of that plastic packaging's material value, or $80 billion to $120 billion annually, is lost to the economy after a short first use—but the ease and low cost of churning out more disposables prevents the effort to maintain that value after it's sold.

In detail: This captivating article by Rebecca Altman highlights the lobbying efforts that led to the eternal existence of the plastic bag. "If the plastics industry wants to drive sales ... it must teach customers how to waste."

How do eco-campaigns encourage plastic pollution?

The recycle symbol—a sign of environmental activism—also encourages consumption. (Credit: ready made/pexels)

The recycling logo—one of the most recognizable images of the environmental movement—was created in a contest held by a plastics company.

It's an icon that persuades consumers we can continue to consume products and materials, because the cycle will create an ecological balance between production and consumption that mitigates the environmental impact.

Failure to recycle is placed on the individual consumer, not on the manufacturer—even though many common plastics can't be recycled, and the fact that 91% of plastic not being recycled suggests a systematic failure.

• Stat: For all its campaigns, the United States recycles less than 10% of its plastics.

Campaigns such as "Keep America Beautiful" were also funded by companies that produce plastic waste, such as Coca-Cola and Dixie Cup.

The message suggests individual responsibility to keep litter out of our environment, and invokes individual guilt and shame for the pollution that is there.

Again, it effectively shifts blame from corporations mass-producing pollutants, the root cause of the issue.

Are there laws against plastic pollution?

Plastic shopping bags are one of the greatest contributors to plastic waste. (Credit: Peteruetz/Wikipedia)

Another reason plastic waste and pollution has amassed so quickly is the lack of legislation regulating plastics. As of May 2020, there are currently no federal laws restricting single-use plastics, the single highest contributor to plastic waste.

Congress could work to shape federal policy by modeling legislation after existing local and state laws passed to tackle the plastics problem.

• For example, in 2015, Congress passed a federal act banning plastic microbeads in health and beauty products after several states did the same.

Today, however, the plastics problem remains unregulated and continuously building. The recent coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a ban on reusable bags in grocery and retail stores, prompting greater usage of single-use plastic bags that activists have worked so hard to discourage.

In detail: Focusing on BPA , this article from our founder Pete Myers discusses why chemical regulation, thought to stifle innovation, is key to reversing today's epidemic of chronic diseases.

About plastics

Plastic was first invented in 1862 as a substitute for ivory.

During World War II, plastics gained popularity as military resources. After the war ended, the plastics industry began marketing to consumers: in the 1950s, polyester and polypropylene were introduced into consumer products, and plastics took off from there.

In detail: This article from the Science History Institute covers the rise of the plastic empire, from origins to looking into the future.

A variety of chemical building blocks are used to construct plastics; the resulting wide range of unique properties is what makes plastic so versatile.

However, its benefits were quickly discovered and mass-produced without concern for the detriments:

• Plastic doesn't biodegrade, instead, it breaks into smaller and smaller fragments of plastic—known as microplastics— that are much more difficult to remove from the ocean and appear in our drinking water, food, and air.
• The very same chemicals that make plastic so useful can also release toxics into your food, body, and overall lifestyle.

In detail: Our year-long investigation into the common plastic additive BPA reveals dangerous neglect by the federal government to protect our health.

How does plastic pollution affect humans?

Many chemicals found in plastics can have adverse effects on human health, including increased risk of infertility.

Exposure to microplastics, as well as the chemicals added to plastics during processing, harm our health.

• Stat: Microplastics have been found in 90% of bottled water and 83% of tap water .

Many chemicals used in plastics are known endocrine disruptors, causing reproductive issues such as infertility, hormonal imbalances, and greater risk of cancer.

• For example, the phthalate DEHP, added to plastic goods to make them more flexible (garden hoses, shower curtains, medical equipment, etc) is a probable human carcinogen.

In detail: This article by Pete Myers demonstrates the issues (read: toxics) that can arise with recycling plastics into food packaging.

How does plastic waste affect the environment?

Plastic pollution that has washed up on the shores of Ghana. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Plastic causes an overabundance of problems when discarded into our environment.

• Plastic bags block waterways and clog sewers, providing breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes that in turn proliferate the risk of diseases such as malaria.
• In poorer countries, plastic waste is burned as heat for cooking, exposing people to toxic emissions and contributing to poor air quality.
• Floating plastic debris serves as a vehicle for alien species to hitchhike to unfamiliar parts of the world, becoming invasive species and threatening biodiversity.

Plastics are also one of the main end products of fracking—a practice linked to water and air contamination. Fossil fuels are used to make plastic, so as the demand for plastics increases, it supports the natural gas and oil industry.

In detail: This piece published for World Environment Day visually demonstrates just how much plastic ends up in our waterways, and this story from Jessica Knoblauch emphasizes the environmental toll of plastics .

How is plastic killing animals?

Seabirds using plastic waste to build nests. It's estimated that 99% of seabirds will have ingested plastic waste by 2050. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Many marine species, such as turtles and dolphins, mistake plastic fragments for food. Ingesting plastic is often fatal to animals—too much plastic blocks their digestive tracts, causing them to starve.

• Stat: Plastic fragments have been found in 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species .

Styrofoam products, containing possible carcinogens such as benzene and styrene, are highly toxic when ingested and can damage animals' lungs, nervous systems, and reproductive organs.

Chemicals ingested by these animals can make their way up the food chain onto our dinner plates.

Where we’re at with plastic pollution

Global plastic bag bans, July 2019. Source: UNEP

The tide of plastic waste has yet to be stemmed. However, attention given to the issue has dramatically increased in recent years. Countries across the world have taken steps to ban single-use plastics and ramp up access to recycling.

In detail: This article by Stephen Buranyi for The Guardian looks at "the worldwide revolt against plastic" - and whether "our rage" will be enough to make a difference.

We're getting there. In Sweden, only 4% of household waste ends up in landfills—the rest is either recycled or used as fuel in waste-to-power energy plants.

The success in Sweden has led to waste-to-energy initiatives in four other European countries. Kenya's strict plastic bag ban has led to so much success that other east African nations are considering following suit.

The EU approved a single-use plastic ban, and countries such as Canada and Peru have plans in place as well. Eight U.S. states have plastic bag bans , with additional major cities following suit.

Progress is being made. However, change at the corporate level is of the utmost importance for large-scale effects.

In detail: Look into the future of plastic and plastic waste with our founder and Chief Scientist, Pete Myers.

How can plastic pollution be reduced?

If this matters to you, say something. Contact your local government, pressure your representatives , find others in your community that also care.

To be clear, change doesn't have to start with federal legislation: it can begin in your home and in your consumption habits.

• Forgo plastic in favor of glass and metal alternatives, from water bottles to food storage containers.
• Use a reusable water bottle and avoid sending 167 plastic bottles per year to the landfill.
• Using plastic wrap? Switch to tinfoil or beeswax wraps.
• Plastic sponges are inefficient and get destroyed easily. Instead, use a bristle brush or steel wool.
• There are so many other plastic alternatives out there—growing consumer demand is changing the market. Do your research and make the change for your health, your wallet, and the environment.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for our free Plastic Pollution weekly newsletter, sponsored by Plastic Pollution Coalition , for the most up-to-date information about plastics.

Further reading

From making it to managing it, plastic is a major contributor to climate change

Freshwater is getting neglected when it comes to plastic pollution resear ch

Financial fallout from coronavirus could devastate the fracking and plastics industries

Banner photo credit: Marco Verch/flickr

About the author(s):

Gwen Ranniger is the former Communications and Engagement Manager at Environmental Health Sciences.

• Fertility crisis leaves little time for solution - EHN ›
• Record levels of harmful particles found in Great Lakes fish - EHN ›
• Op-Ed: Closing the plastic tap - EHN ›
• Lawsuits against the plastics industry for health and environmental harm could exceed $20 billion by 2030 - EHN ›
• Pete Myers to address US Senate committee on the dangers of plastic - EHN ›
• Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health - EHN ›
• Chemical recycling “a dangerous deception” for solving plastic pollution: Report - EHN ›
• California avanza con una ley histórica de reducción de residuos plásticos - EHN ›
• California moves forward with landmark plastic waste reduction law - EHN ›

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Short Essay: Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The proliferation of plastic waste in our oceans, rivers, and landfills has detrimental effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. As a result, addressing the issue of plastic pollution has become a critical priority for individuals, communities, and governments worldwide.

Writing an essay on plastic pollution provides an opportunity to delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this pervasive problem. It allows us to explore the environmental, social, and economic implications of plastic pollution while raising awareness and encouraging action. By examining the issue from various angles, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem and contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at mitigating its impact.

Table of Contents

Plastic Pollution Essay Tips

Understand the topic: Begin by thoroughly researching and understanding the topic of plastic pollution. Familiarize yourself with the causes, impacts, and potential solutions related to this issue. Gather relevant data, statistics, and case studies to support your arguments.

Develop a clear thesis statement: A strong thesis statement is essential for guiding your essay and stating your main argument or perspective on plastic pollution. It should be concise, specific, and debatable. For example, “Plastic pollution is an urgent global crisis that requires immediate action from individuals, industries, and governments.”

Plan your essay structure: Outline the main sections of your essay, such as the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should have a clear purpose and flow logically from one point to another. Consider using subheadings to organize your ideas within the body paragraphs.

Start with a compelling introduction: Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on plastic pollution and its significance, and clearly state your thesis statement. You can use a relevant anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a startling statistic to engage the reader from the outset.

Provide evidence and examples: Support your arguments with credible evidence, facts, statistics, and real-life examples. This can include scientific studies, expert opinions, case studies, and personal anecdotes. The use of concrete evidence strengthens your essay and makes it more persuasive.

Address causes, impacts, and solutions: Dedicate separate paragraphs or sections of your essay to explore the causes of plastic pollution, its environmental and societal impacts, and potential solutions. Provide a balanced view by presenting different perspectives and discussing both immediate and long-term measures that can be taken.

Use clear and concise language: Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using jargon or technical terms without proper explanation. Use simple language to ensure that your arguments are easily understood by a wide audience.

Consider counterarguments: Acknowledge and address counterarguments to strengthen your essay’s credibility. Anticipate potential objections or opposing viewpoints and provide well-reasoned responses to demonstrate the validity of your argument.

Conclude effectively: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Emphasize the importance of taking action to combat plastic pollution and leave the reader with a sense of urgency and a call to action.

Revise and edit: Once you have completed the initial draft of your essay, take the time to revise and edit it for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly and that your arguments are well-supported. Proofread carefully to eliminate any spelling or punctuation errors.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #1

Plastic pollution has become a pervasive and escalating environmental issue that demands immediate attention. The exponential increase in plastic production and consumption, coupled with inadequate waste management practices, has resulted in the widespread contamination of our ecosystems. This essay delves into the causes and consequences of plastic pollution, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

The causes of plastic pollution are manifold. The prevalence of single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, has skyrocketed due to their convenience and affordability. However, these items are discarded after a single use, leading to a staggering accumulation of plastic waste. Inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the problem, with improper disposal and insufficient recycling infrastructure allowing plastic to infiltrate our natural environments. Additionally, the continuous production of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels, further depletes precious resources and intensifies the environmental impact.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and devastating. Marine ecosystems bear the brunt of this crisis, with plastic waste infiltrating oceans and endangering marine life. Marine animals mistakenly ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in injury, suffocation, and death. The detrimental effects extend to terrestrial ecosystems as well, where land animals and birds suffer from ingestion or entanglement, disrupting ecological balance.

Moreover, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles that result from the degradation of larger plastic items, have infiltrated our food chain. Consuming seafood and other food products contaminated with microplastics exposes humans to potential health hazards, including the ingestion of toxic chemicals associated with plastics. Furthermore, the leaching of harmful additives from plastic products can lead to chemical exposure, with adverse effects on human well-being.

To combat plastic pollution, concerted efforts are required. First and foremost, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can opt for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags and stainless steel water bottles, to minimize their reliance on single-use plastics. Governments and industries must also take responsibility by implementing policies that restrict the production and use of disposable plastics. Promoting recycling and investing in comprehensive waste management systems are vital to ensure proper disposal and prevent plastic from entering our environment.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, threatening ecosystems and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in excessive plastic consumption and inadequate waste management. It is imperative that we address this issue urgently. By reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, we can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Only through collective action and a shift towards more sustainable alternatives can we mitigate the devastating impact of plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #2

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste have resulted in a global crisis that threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human well-being. This essay discusses the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address this escalating problem.

The causes of plastic pollution are rooted in our reliance on single-use plastics and inadequate waste management practices. The convenience and affordability of items such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging have led to their widespread use and subsequent disposal. However, these products have a short lifespan and are often discarded improperly, ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, lack of recycling facilities, and limited public awareness further contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and multifaceted. Marine ecosystems bear a significant brunt, with plastic debris suffocating coral reefs, contaminating water bodies, and endangering marine life. Sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal. Plastic pollution also affects terrestrial ecosystems, as land animals and birds may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, disrupting their natural habitats and food chains.

In addition to environmental impacts, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in water sources, air, and even food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food products raises concerns about the potential health effects, including the absorption of toxic chemicals associated with plastics.

Addressing plastic pollution requires collaborative efforts and systemic changes. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is essential. This can be achieved through promoting reusable alternatives, supporting initiatives that encourage the use of sustainable materials, and implementing policies that restrict the production and use of single-use plastics. Additionally, improving waste management practices is crucial, including the establishment of effective recycling programs, investment in infrastructure, and raising public awareness about proper waste disposal.

Furthermore, innovation and research play a vital role in finding sustainable alternatives to plastic and developing environmentally friendly packaging materials. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to support and implement these solutions.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached critical levels, posing severe threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in the excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste. To mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution, concerted efforts are needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and foster innovation in sustainable alternatives. By taking immediate action, we can protect our environment and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #3

Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. The widespread production, consumption, and improper disposal of plastic materials have led to the contamination of our oceans, land, and air. This essay explores the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

One of the most significant impacts of plastic pollution is on marine ecosystems. Plastic waste, particularly single-use items like bags and bottles, finds its way into rivers and eventually the oceans. Marine animals mistake plastic debris for food and can suffer from ingestion or entanglement. This leads to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems supporting a diverse array of marine life, are also threatened by plastic pollution. The accumulation of plastic waste smothers and damages coral, hindering their growth and survival.

Terrestrial ecosystems are also affected by plastic pollution. Land animals and birds can become entangled in plastic items or ingest them, resulting in injury or death. Plastic waste disrupts the balance of ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and overall ecological health.

Plastic pollution poses risks to human health as well. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have infiltrated various sources, including drinking water, air, and food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans raises concerns about potential health effects, as they can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants. Furthermore, plastic products often contain additives like phthalates and bisphenols, which can leach into the environment and pose potential health risks such as endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders.

To tackle the issue of plastic pollution, a multi-faceted approach is required. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can make conscious choices to minimize their use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives. Governments should implement policies that promote sustainable practices, such as banning or taxing single-use plastics and encouraging the use of biodegradable or compostable materials.

Improving waste management systems is another vital aspect of addressing plastic pollution. This includes investing in recycling infrastructure, implementing waste separation programs, and raising awareness about proper waste disposal and recycling practices.

Innovation and research play a significant role in finding alternative materials to plastic and developing sustainable packaging solutions. Governments, industries, and research institutions should collaborate to support and fund initiatives that promote the development and adoption of these alternatives.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has severe consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans, land, and air poses a significant threat to the environment and biodiversity. Immediate action is needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and promote sustainable alternatives. By working together, we can mitigate the devastating effects of plastic pollution and ensure a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Plastic pollution is damaging our environment rapidly. Waste plastic material is hard to dispose of and contributes to major pollution on earth. This has become a cause of global concern. The increasing use of plastic bags, utensils and furniture, the amount of plastic waste has also gone up and so has the plastic pollution. It is time we must take this problem seriously and work towards eradicating it.

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Long and Short Essay on Plastic Pollution in English

Here are essays on plastic pollution of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams and school assignments. You can select any plastic pollution essay as per your need and requirement:

Short Essay on Plastic Pollution 200 words – Essay 1

Plastic pollution is caused due to the accumulation of the waste plastic material in the environment. Plastic is a non bio-degradable substance. It doesn’t get disposed off in the soil or water and its effect is worse when burnt. It is thus a challenge to dispose it off. Remains in the environment for hundreds of years and causes air, water and land pollution. It is hazardous for the humans, animals as well as the plants. Several animals, birds and marine creatures die due to plastic pollution each year.

Plastic plates, bags, spoons, glasses and other material are readily available in the market. These are economical and easy to use. People prefer using these use-and-throw utensils during gatherings and parties as it shuns the hassle of clearing and cleaning the utensils later. All they need to do is to gather these and throw them away. However, little do they realize that this waste is not disposed off so easily. It continues to remain in the environment and harm us adversely.

Not just plastic utensils and carry bags, furniture and various other things made out of plastic are also used extensively world over. It is high time we must realize the harmful effects of plastic pollution and contribute our bit towards bringing it down.

Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution 300 words – Essay 2

Plastic pollution, caused due to plastic waste, has reached alarming heights and is increasing rapidly with every passing day. It has become a cause of global concern as it is destroying our beautiful planet and having negative repercussions on all kinds of living beings.

Ways to Beat Plastic Pollution

Here are two simple ways to lower plastic pollution that we can practice in our daily life:

• Avoid Usage/ Look for Alternatives

The first and the most important step towards beating plastic pollution is to avoid the usage of plastic products.

Now, since we have grown quite accustomed to using plastic products and these are light on our pocket, we cannot avoid their usage completely. However, we can certainly avoid using those plastic products that can easily be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, instead of using plastic bags, we can easily opt for a jute, cloth or paper bag when we head for shopping. Likewise, instead of using disposable plastic cutlery and utensils during parties we can use those made of steel, paper, thermocol or any other material which is reusable or easy to dispose.

If you cannot avoid using plastic bags or other products for some reason then it is suggested to at least reuse them as many times as you can before disposing them off. We are in a habit of throwing the plastic bags and containers we get with packed food almost immediately after use even though these can be used a couple of times before disposing off. We should reuse these instead. This can be our contribution towards reducing the plastic waste and bringing down plastic pollution.

Essay on Causes and Effects of Plastic Pollution 400 words – Essay 3

Plastic pollution has become a major threat to our environment in today’s times and it is likely to make things worse in the times to come. There are many reasons that lead to this type of pollution. The adverse effects of plastic pollution are also plenty.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

• Economical and Easy to Use

Plastic is one of the most widely used substances when it comes to production of containers, bags, furniture and various other things. This is because it is economical and can easily be molded into different forms. The increasing use of plastic goods has increased the plastic waste which is a cause of plastic pollution.

• Non-Biodegradable

Plastic waste which is increasing by the day is non-biodegradable. Plastic does not get disposed of in soil or water. It remains in the environment for hundreds of years and adds to the land, water and air pollution.

• Plastic Breaks but Doesn’t Dissolve

Plastic bags and other items made from plastic break into tiny particles that make their way into the soil or enter the water bodies thereby contributing to plastic pollution.

Effects of Plastic Pollution

Here is how plastic pollution is effecting our environment and life on earth:

• Pollutes Water

Plastic waste is entering the water bodies such as rivers, seas and even oceans and is polluting our water drastically. This water is then supplied at our places. No matter how much we filter this water it can never get back to its pure form and thus has negative repercussions on our health.

• Pollutes Land

Large amount of plastic waste is dumped in landfills. Wind carries plastic bags and other small plastic particles from one place to another thereby effecting major area. Plastic particles release harmful chemicals that deposit in the soil and ruin its quality. It impacts the growth of the plants. Besides, waste lying on the land breeds mosquitoes and other insects that are carriers of various serious illnesses.

• Harms Marine Life

Plastic bags and other plastic litter that goes into rivers and seas are mistaken as food by the marine creatures who often gulp them and eventually fall sick.

• Harms Animals

Animals mostly feed on food thrown in the garbage. They eat plastic bags and other items along with other things. Plastic bags often get stuck in their intestines and choke them to death. They are also a cause of many serious illnesses.

Essay on Solutions of Plastic Pollution 500 words – Essay 4

Plastic pollution has become a growing concern worldwide. The government of many countries is taking measures such as banning plastic bags to reduce plastic pollution. However, bringing down this problem is only possible if we all contribute our bit as responsible human beings.

Government Must Take Stringent Steps

It is time the government of various countries must take strict measures to fight plastic pollution. Here are few steps they should follow:

• Keep a Tab on Plastic Production

With the increasing demand of plastic products in the market, the number of factories manufacturing plastic is increasing worldwide. The government must not allow any more plastic manufacturers in the market to keep a tab on the production of the items made of plastic.

• Ban Plastic Items

The government of many countries have put a ban on the use of plastic bags as they contribute to maximum amount of plastic pollution. However, in some countries such as India, this ban has not been implemented well. The government must take stringent steps to stop the use of plastic bags. This should involve putting a ban on the production of plastic bags as well as punishing those found using these.

• Spread Awareness

It is of utmost importance to spread awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste on our environment. This can be done by way of television and radio advertisements, billboards and social media. This should help people understand the seriousness of the issue and how their contribution can make a difference.

Other Simple Solutions to Lower Plastic Pollution

Here are certain simple ways in which we can lower plastic pollution and make our environment cleaner:

• Don’t Use Plastic Bags

Plastic bags get broken into tiny pieces that go into the water bodies and enter the soil thereby disrupting the growth of plants and causing harm to the aquatic life. Mostly used for grocery shopping, these bags can easily be replaced by reusable cloth bags.

• Say No to Packaged Drinking Water

Packaged drinking water comes in plastic bottles and glasses. These waste bottles and glasses contribute immensely to plastic pollution. As responsible citizens we must stop purchasing packaged drinking water and carry our own water bottles instead.

• Avoid Ordering Food

Most fast food restaurants deliver food in plastic containers that add to waste plastic. It is better to avoid ordering food from such restaurants. It is better to have home cooked food.

Many recycling companies take used plastic containers, plastic bottles and other stuff made of this material and recycle it. It is suggested to give away such plastic items to these companies rather than throwing them in the bin and adding to the plastic waste.

• Purchase Bulk Grocery

It is a good idea to purchase bigger packages of the grocery items rather than going for several small packets. These items are mostly packed in plastic bags or containers. So, this way you will reduce plastic waste.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution 600 words – Essay 5

Plastic pollution is increasing by the day. Research shows that the use of plastic has increased drastically in the last two decades. Plastic is convenient to use and costs less. This is the reason why people are more inclined towards purchasing various products made of plastic. To meet the growing demands of the people, the number of factories manufacturing plastic products has increased rapidly. The more plastic used, the more plastic waste gets accumulated on our planet and causes the hazardous plastic pollution. This is becoming a threat to life as it is giving way to various illnesses.

Plastic Production: Consuming Useful Resources

Not only is disposing of plastic a serious concern but the production of this substance is equally devastating for us. The production of plastic involves valuable fossil fuels such as oil and petroleum. These fossil fuels are non-renewable and hard to extract.

A lot invested in fetching these fossil fuels and these required for various other purposes. If we continue to use these valuable fuels for the production of plastic, we shall run out of them and would not be able to employ them for producing or running other more important things.

Marine Life: Worst Effected by Plastic Pollution

Plastic bags and other plastic particles carried by wind and water into the seas, oceans and other water bodies. People who go for picnics and camping also litter plastic bottles and packets of chips that add to plastic pollution.

All this goes into the rivers and seas and effects the marine creatures adversely. These poor creatures mistake plastic for food and eat it. This results in serious illness in fishes, turtles and other marine creatures. Many of them die because of plastic pollution each year. Researchers claim the number of deaths and illnesses caused due to plastic pollution will increase in the coming years.

Plastic Pollution: A Threat to Humans and Animals

Just like the marine creatures, animals also consume plastic lying in the garbage mistaking it for food. At times, they gulp the entire plastic bag by mistake. This gets stuck in their intestines and suffocates them to death. Plastic waste keeps deteriorating with time and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Large chunk of mosquitoes penetrate here and give way to various diseases each year.

Plastic waste is also polluting the rivers that are a source of drinking water for us. The quality of drinking water is getting worse day by day due to plastic pollution and this is resulting in various water borne diseases.

Collective Effort to Fight Plastic Pollution

It is difficult to dispose plastic products. It is dangerous when plastic waste goes to the landfills and even more dangerous when it goes into the water bodies. Unlike, wood and paper we cannot even dispose it of by burning it. This is because burning plastic produces harmful gases that are dangerous for the environment and life on earth. Plastic thus causes air, water and land pollution.

No matter, how hard we try we cannot do away with the plastic products completely. However, we can certainly restrict our plastic usage. A number of plastic products such as plastic bags, containers, glasses, bottles, etc can easily replaced by eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth/ paper bags, steel utensils and so on.

Controlling plastic pollution is not solely the government’s responsibility. In fact, the government alone cannot do anything. We need to act responsibly and do our bit to bring down the plastic pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions on Plastic Pollution

What is the short paragraph of plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and landfills. It is a significant global concern due to the detrimental effects it has on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Plastic materials, such as bottles, bags, and microplastics, take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-lasting pollution. Plastic pollution not only degrades the beauty of our natural surroundings but also poses risks to marine life, as animals can mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it. It is crucial to address plastic pollution through sustainable practices and the reduction of single-use plastics.

What is plastic essay in English?

Plastic is a synthetic material derived from petrochemicals. It has become an integral part of our modern lives due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. However, the excessive and irresponsible use of plastic has led to a grave environmental crisis. Plastic pollution is a pressing issue worldwide, with devastating effects on ecosystems and human health. Plastic takes centuries to degrade, resulting in its accumulation in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats. It poses a significant threat to marine life, as animals often mistake plastic debris for food or become entangled in it. To mitigate plastic pollution, it is essential to promote recycling, reduce single-use plastics, and adopt sustainable alternatives.

प्लास्टिक निबंध को इंग्लिश में क्या कहते हैं?

एक प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण निबंध कैसे शुरू करें: प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण निबंध को शुरू करने के लिए आप निम्नलिखित तरीकों का उपयोग कर सकते हैं: एक उद्धरण या किसी रोचक तथ्य के साथ प्रारंभ करें जो प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण के बारे में ध्यान आकर्षित कर सके। प्लास्टिक का परिचय दें और इसके महत्वपूर्ण उपयोगों का वर्णन करें। प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण के प्रमुख कारणों का विवरण करें, जैसे एकल उपयोग प्लास्टिक, कंटेनरों और पैकेजिंग, और अनुचित तरीके से प्लास्टिक की उपयोगिता का उपयोग करना। प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण के परिणामों पर विचार करें, जैसे समुद्री जीवों के लिए खतरा, जैव विविधता पर प्रभाव, और मानव स्वास्थ्य पर आपत्तिजनक प्रभाव। प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण को रोकने के उपाय पर चर्चा करें, जैसे कि प्लास्टिक की उपयोग सीमित करना, पुनर्चक्रण को बढ़ावा देना, बायोडीग्रेडेबल प्रोडक्ट्स का उपयोग करना, और सब्सिडीज़ और कानूनी प्रावधानों का समर्थन करना।

How do you start a plastic pollution essay?

Grab the readers attention: Begin with a captivating opening sentence or a thought-provoking question related to plastic pollution. This will engage the reader and make them interested in reading further. Provide background information: Introduce the topic of plastic pollution and its significance. Discuss the widespread use of plastics in various industries and its impact on the environment. Highlight the harmful effects of plastic: Explain the detrimental effects of plastic on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Discuss how plastic pollution leads to habitat destruction, marine pollution, entanglement of animals, and ingestion of microplastics. Address the environmental impact: Describe how plastic waste contributes to pollution, particularly in oceans and landfills. Talk about the slow decomposition rate of plastic and the long-term consequences it has on the environment. Discuss the human health risks: Highlight the potential health risks associated with plastic pollution. Mention the harmful chemicals present in plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), and their effects on human health, including hormonal disruptions and potential carcinogenic properties. Explore the social and economic implications: Discuss how plastic pollution affects communities, particularly those living near polluted areas or dependent on natural resources. Address the economic costs of plastic pollution, such as the impact on tourism, fishing industries, and waste management. Propose solutions: Shift the focus towards solutions to combat plastic pollution. Discuss individual and collective actions that can be taken to reduce plastic consumption, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Highlight success stories: Share examples of communities, organizations, or countries that have successfully implemented measures to reduce plastic pollution. This can inspire readers and demonstrate that change is possible. Emphasize the importance of education and awareness: Stress the significance of spreading awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution. Discuss the role of education in changing behaviors, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policy changes. Conclude with a call to action: Summarize the main points of the essay and leave the reader with a compelling call to action. Encourage individuals to make conscious choices, support initiatives, and actively participate in reducing plastic waste.

How is plastic harmful?

Plastic is harmful due to several reasons: Environmental impact: Plastics are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They contribute to pollution, littering ecosystems, and causing harm to wildlife. Marine pollution: Plastic waste in oceans harms marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. It disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems and poses a threat to marine species. Microplastics: Plastic breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which are found in water bodies, soil, and even the air we breathe. These microplastics can be ingested by organisms, potentially entering the food chain and posing health risks. Human health risks: Some plastics contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC, which can leach into food, beverages, and the environment. These chemicals are associated with various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and potential carcinogenic effects.

How can we avoid plastic?

To avoid plastic and reduce plastic consumption, consider the following: Carry reusable bags: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping instead of using single-use plastic bags. Say no to plastic straws and utensils: Opt for reusable alternatives like metal or bamboo straws and utensils. Use a refillable water bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Bring your own containers: When ordering takeout or buying food, use your own containers to avoid disposable plastic containers. Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging: Look for products with eco-friendly packaging or those that use minimal plastic packaging. Recycle and dispose of plastic properly: Follow proper recycling practices and dispose of plastic waste responsibly to prevent it from ending up in landfills or oceans. Support alternatives to plastic: Choose sustainable alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo products instead of plastic whenever possible. Spread awareness: Educate others about the consequences of plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in your community.

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Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

• Updated on  
• Feb 12, 2024

Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Plastic is everywhere. From our clean bedrooms to large ocean bodies, our life is surrounded by plastic. Did you know that the world annually produces around 35 crore tonnes of plastic waste?

In the modern world, plastic has become one of the major sources of pollution. Plastic is a non-biodegradable component, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Most of the used plastic ends up in landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the soil and water. The burning of plastic causes air pollution, as it releases volatile organic compounds. 

Essay on beat plastic pollution is one of the most common essay topics assigned to school and college students. An essay on beat plastic pollution must cover the causes of plastic pollution, its consequences, and mitigation strategies. Below, we have provided all the details to add to an essay on beating plastic pollution.

This Blog Includes:

What is plastic pollution, 1. single use plastic, 2. lack of recycling infrastructure, 3. improper disposal, 5. overconsumption of plastic products, 6. inadequate regulations, 1. water pollution, 2. soil contamination, 3. harm to wildlife, 4. microplastic contamination, 5. disruption of ecosystem, 6. risk to human health, how to beat plastic pollution.

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

The accumulation of plastic substances and objects in our natural environment, like waterbodies, soil, etc. is known as plastic pollution. This pollution hurts the natural environment, our resources, and even on animals around us. According to a UN report, more than 100 million marine animals die every year due to plastic waste alone. Some of the common plastic wastes are cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, etc. 

Also Read: Types of Water Pollution

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Several causes can be cited as reasons for plastic pollution. It is our improper disposal and management of plastic materials that causes plastic pollution. Plastic is often called ‘unnatural’ as it is created by humans and negatively affects the environment. Plastic is cheap and its elements are in abundance. 

It is the major cause of plastic pollution. Most of the plastic produced is used only once. Hence, named single-use plastic. The billions of plastic bags, bottles, food packaging and trays produced end up in landfills and water bodies. Even if we try our best to stop this single-use plastic, it will still end up in the same place. 

In developing and underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of plastic recycling infrastructure, which threatens the environment. These countries lack the necessary infrastructure for plastic waste disposal, which results in landfills and water pollution. 

Improper disposal of plastic waste affects our food chain. Inadequate waste management and improper disposal of plastic items are major contributors to plastic pollution. Littering, dumping plastics in landfills, and improper disposal practices can result in plastic entering water bodies, soil, and the air.

Since its invention, plastic demand has always reached a new peak, driven by factors like population growth and consumer preferences, leading to higher production and disposal of plastics. This contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste in various ecosystems.

Not everybody considers plastic a threat to the environment. That’s why, there are weak or insufficient regulations on the production, use, and disposal of plastic products. Lack of enforcement and oversight allows for improper disposal and management practices.

Consequences of Plastic Pollution

Our environment is not the only victim of plastic pollution. Our ecosystems, wildlife and our health are also affected by plastic waste. Plastic chokes marine wildlife, killing millions of marine animals every year. Plastic production is energy-intensive as the machines used require a significant amount of energy.

Every year, around 14 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine environment and animals. The accumulation of plastic waste in water bodies can have long-term ecological consequences.

Improper disposal of plastic waste results in soil contamination. Plastics release harmful chemicals as they break down, affecting soil quality and potentially harming plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Domestic animals are often fed food entangled in plastic items. In India, a large number of cows and buffalos die as most people often have their food wrapped in plastic bags. The ingestion of plastic can lead to internal injuries, blockages, malnutrition, and death. Marine animals, in particular, are at risk as they can easily ingest or become entangled in plastic debris.

Although plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, the larger plastic items break down into smaller particles called microplastics. Microplastics can contaminate water bodies, soil, and air, posing risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They can also enter the food chain, potentially affecting human health.

Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and their interactions. The presence of plastic debris in natural habitats can lead to changes in biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem function. 

Microplastics and the chemicals associated with plastics can enter the human food chain, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food items. 

Remember the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle strategy? Here’s a little different approach introduced by the United Nations Environment Protocol (UNEP): Reuse, Recycle, and Reorient. Through this approach, the UNEP has planned to reduce plastic waste by 80% in the next two decades. 

We as plastic producers and consumers must take environmentally friendly actions and effectively implement this approach in our daily lives. 

• Firstly, we must eliminate unnecessary plastic, such as plastic packaging, reusing refillable water bottles, and every single-use plastic item. 
• Reducing plastic production will be the next step. We must advocate and support policies that regulate the plastic production, use, and disposal of plastics. Encouraging local representatives can greatly reduce overall plastic production and promote anti-plastic pollution measures
• Promoting and implementing recycling programs and guidelines will help reduce the overall production of plastic waste. It can be done by practising the separation of recyclables from non-recyclables and ensuring their proper disposal.
• Identification of which plastic item is useful and which is not must be done. Recycling is a great way to beat plastic pollution, but it alone cannot achieve the desired goals. 
• Avoiding microplastics can help in combating plastic pollution. We must choose personal care products that do not contain microbeads. The plastic clothes are made of synthetic fabrics, which shed microfibers during washing.

To eliminate plastic pollution, we must unite as one and take immediate action. We only have one home and we must do everything in our power to save it from such harmful events.

Ans: The accumulation of plastic substances and objects in our natural environment, like waterbodies, soil, etc. is known as plastic pollution. This pollution hurts the natural environment, our resources, and even on animals around us.

Ans: Plastic is everywhere. From our clean bedrooms to large ocean bodies, our life is surrounded by plastic. Did you know that the world annually produces around 35 crore tonnes of plastic waste? In the modern world, plastic has become one of the major sources of pollution. Plastic is a non-biodegradable component, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Most of the used plastic ends up in landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the soil and water. The burning of plastic causes air pollution, as it releases volatile organic compounds. 

Ans: Improper disposal of plastic waste results in soil contamination. Every year, around 14 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine environment and animals. In developing and underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of plastic recycling infrastructure, which threatens the environment. Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and their interactions. Microplastics and the chemicals associated with plastics can enter the human food chain, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food items.

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With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Plastic Waste Management Essay

Introduction

Take a look around, and do you find anything that is not made from plastic? The pen with which you write, water bottle, mobile phone covers, everything and anything that is near you is made up of plastic. In this age, plastic has become an unavoidable part of our lives, but we need to switch to eco-friendly materials. Have you thought about how plastic waste is treated? What will you do with your used refill of the pen, or where do all the plastic covers end up? The essay on plastic waste management will give you answers to these questions. You can check out other trivia questions on BYJU’S website and make kids’ learning interesting.

Although the answers are disturbing, as they mostly turn up in landfills without decomposing or get burned down by emitting poisonous chemicals in the air, we can tackle this issue if we follow certain measures. Plastic pollution is becoming a grave concern, and that is why we need proper ways for plastic waste management.

Causes and Effects of Plastic Waste

Let us understand the impact of plastic waste on the environment through this plastic waste management essay in English. But first, let us see how plastic waste gets accumulates in our surroundings. It is considered that human negligence is the main culprit behind the cause of plastic waste. We carelessly throw plastic litter around, and they remain abandoned, thus polluting water and land resources. Even after years, they will not decompose and find their way into aquatic life, thereby threatening their lives. We must treat plastic waste differently from other garbage, and this highlights the importance of proper plastic waste management.

Plastic waste has serious effects on both the environment and living beings. If we just throw plastics around, it will act as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects and cause us acute diseases. As plastic waste does not degrade completely, they remain on the land for many years, which affects soil fertility. There is also a high chance of clogging drains and pipes when the plastic enters the drainage system. Besides, when small plastic covers and sachets are disposed of, they get eaten by animals and fishes, thus threatening their lives. Therefore, plastic waste is a grave threat to everything in the environment at all levels.

Ways for Plastic Waste Management

The best way for plastic waste management is through the 3 Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle. We can understand this further in BYJU’S essay on plastic waste management. We must reduce the use of plastic by carrying a cloth bag or paper bag while shopping and refusing to accept plastic bags from shops. We can also replace plastic containers with metal/wooden boxes to store goods and clothes. If you buy a bottled drink from a supermarket, remember not to throw away the plastic bottle after use, but instead, reuse it to store water or create something unique. In addition, we can recycle plastic and try to use recycled products. Apart from these, let us make a vow not to burn or dump plastics, as plastic waste management will only be complete with these measures.

If you found the plastic waste management essay informative, you can find similar essays on BYJU’S website to enhance kids’ learning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions on Plastic Waste Management Essay

What is meant by plastic waste management.

Plastic waste is a rising problem in the environment that pollutes air, water and land. There must be proper and effective methods to treat plastic waste, and this is known as plastic waste management.

How to reduce plastic waste?

Reducing, reusing and recycling plastic is the most sustainable way to reduce plastic waste. In doing so, the amount of plastic waste will decrease gradually, and thus we can save our environment.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Plastic Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction.

Plastic pollution is a global problem. It refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment, which negatively impacts wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

The main cause of plastic pollution is improper disposal of plastic products. Items like plastic bags, bottles, and straws, often end up in rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine life.

Effects of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution can be harmful to animals and humans. Animals often mistake plastic for food, which can lead to health problems. For humans, it can affect the quality of air, soil, and water.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

To reduce plastic pollution, we can recycle, reuse, and reduce our plastic use. We can also participate in clean-up activities and advocate for laws to limit plastic production and use.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Plastic Pollution
• Speech on Plastic Pollution

250 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution, a critical environmental issue, is escalating at an alarming rate. It represents the excessive accumulation of plastic products in the environment, leading to adverse effects on wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

The Ubiquity of Plastic

The versatility, durability, and low cost of plastic have made it an integral part of our lives. However, these same properties contribute to its persistence in the environment. Single-use plastic items, in particular, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, are major culprits.

Environmental Impact

Plastic pollution has devastating effects on the environment. It chokes waterways, pollutes oceans, and harms wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic for food, causing starvation and death. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, pose a particularly insidious threat. They are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and ultimately being consumed by humans.

Human Health Risks

The health effects of plastic pollution on humans are increasingly becoming apparent. Chemicals leached from plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors. Moreover, microplastics in the food chain have potential implications for human health, although the full extent of these effects is still under investigation.

The issue of plastic pollution is a complex one, requiring a multi-pronged approach. It calls for innovative solutions in waste management, policy changes for reduction and recycling of plastic, and a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainable alternatives. As the scale of the problem becomes increasingly evident, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution.

500 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution represents a significant environmental crisis in the contemporary world. It is a global issue that transcends national boundaries, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Despite growing awareness, plastic pollution continues to intensify due to our reliance on single-use plastic items and inadequate waste management systems.

The Scale of the Problem

Plastics, due to their durability and slow degradation rate, have become a persistent pollutant. Approximately 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and around 60% of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the natural environment. In the oceans alone, it is estimated that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris. The scale of the problem is daunting and poses a significant challenge to global environmental sustainability.

Impacts on Marine Life

Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. Sea creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This results in physical harm, starvation, and often death. Furthermore, plastic debris acts as a transport medium for invasive species and pathogens, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems.

Impacts on Human Health

The threat of plastic pollution extends to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, can enter the food chain and human bodies. These particles can carry toxic chemicals, which may accumulate over time and pose potential health risks. The full extent of these risks is not yet fully understood, underscoring the need for further research.

Addressing Plastic Pollution

Addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there is an urgent need to reduce plastic production and consumption. This can be achieved through policy measures such as bans on single-use plastics, and through promoting a culture of recycling and reuse.

Secondly, improving waste management systems is crucial to prevent plastics from entering the environment. This includes enhancing recycling infrastructure and implementing waste-to-energy technologies.

Lastly, there is a need for more research to understand the full impacts of plastic pollution and to develop innovative solutions. This includes the development of biodegradable plastics and technologies to clean up plastic waste from the environment.

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that requires urgent attention. While the challenge is immense, it is not insurmountable. Through concerted efforts in reducing plastic production and consumption, improving waste management, and investing in research, we can mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and move towards a more sustainable future. The fight against plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, but a necessary step towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of all life on Earth.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Plastic Bags
• Essay on Principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in Plastic Waste Management
• Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic Bags

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Essay on Plastic Pollution for Students in English [500+ Words]

August 29, 2021 by Sandeep

Plastic Pollution Essay: On average, around 8 million metric tons of plastic garbage and waste are collected in the oceans every year. The economically low plastics prices have increased their usage rate, but this material is highly non-biodegradable, causing substantial environmental damage. It largely affects human lives, wildlife, and marine animals. It pollutes land and water resources. Many governments have strictly implemented the plastic ban in their nations. Below we have provided an essay on plastic pollution suitable for school students of classes 1 to 12.

Essay on Plastic Pollution 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Plastic Pollution Essay in English, suitable for classes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. This detailed essay of 150-500 words is greatly helpful for all school students to perform well in essay writing competitions.

Plastic pollution is a collection of plastic waste like plastic bottles, bags, etc., that adversely affects the environment. Nowadays, plastic is everywhere, and the amount of plastic we generate daily by using it for our comfort is enhancing rapidly. No one realizes how harmful it is. It is essential to understand how plastic harms nature, human beings, and other creatures on earth. We use plastic in various ways. It is used in building polythene bags, utensils, and many other things. Slowly it gets contaminated and leads to hazardous effects.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastics cannot be decomposed because of its properties. It is cheap and has endless uses. As a result, it is contaminated in the environment. Plastic is everywhere, milk cartons, water bottles, food wrappers, and many products are made up of plastics. Every time these items are thrown away, and they create harmful effects on the environment. As plastic is not expensive, it is one of the most easily available and overused items. When disposed of, it does not get decompose easily and pollutes our environment.

When small organisms eat plastic, they become poisoned. This poisons large animals who eat these tiny animals for food. With each step further along the food chain, this problem increases. Plastic is also present in the fish that many people eat every day. Many people eat fish, so fishing is an important activity in many parts of the worlds. Fishing is done by using finishing nets, and they spend a long time in the water, leaking toxins, sometimes they are left to remain wherever they fall.

This kills and harms aquatic living beings. Plastic carried by water flows to the sea and oceans, thus creating water pollution. It is impossible to break down plastics. Burning plastic is toxic, which releases toxic gases and harms the atmosphere. It is a fact that 40% of plastic is used only once. Several items, such as bags, bottles, and food packaging, are used only once and are left behind as litter. It is one of the biggest causes of plastic pollution.

Harmful Effects of Plastics

Plastic is harmful to plants, animals, and people. Improper disposal of plastics causes several problems. Some of them are:

• Throwing of plastics in open space creates unhealthy conditions, as it develops insects and mosquitoes that cause harmful diseases.
• Plastics stays in the soil for years and affects soil fertility and its quality.
• Plastic leftovers enter the drainage system and block the drains, which cause water-logging.
• The plastic manufacturing industry throws waste directly into the water bodies, thus affecting water.
• Burning of plastic leads to the release of poisonous chemicals. Thus leading to air pollution.
• Natural disasters such as floods are also one of the causes of plastic pollution.
• Plastic contains some chemicals that can affect the growth of crops by making it difficult for the process of photosynthesis to take place in agricultural fields.

Steps taken by Indian Government to decrease Plastic Pollution

The Government has announced several rules to stop the use of single-use plastics to reduce plastic pollution. These rules are applied in all states. Several rules announced by the government are-

• The Government has banned the use of carry bags made up of plastics and has suggested using bags made up of clothes or recycled plastic.
• The Government has banned all single-use plastics and the import of solid plastic waste. All states were prohibited from manufacturing single-use plastic products.
• The plastic of minimal diameter that is not soluble in water is banned.
• The Government has decided to use plastic waste for the construction of roads. It was stated that roads constructed using discarded waste plastics are durable against extreme weather conditions.
• In many states, garbage cafe is opened, where food to the poor is provided free in exchange for plastic waste. The ‘Meal for Plastic’ initiative has gained success and is rolled out in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the state government’s Aahar Scheme.

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• Air Pollution Essay
• Water Pollution Essay
• Essay on Pollution Crisis in Urban Areas

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Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

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• Topic: Ocean , Ocean Pollution , Pollution

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