Solutions to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Plastic is very prevalent and has become an inseparable part of our lives. We use it in almost everything because of its extreme versatility that allows us to tailor it for our different needs. Plastic is useful from its smallest to largest form. Microplastics which are smaller than 5 millimeters are mixed in cleaning and beauty products to help exfoliate dirt thoroughly. Macro plastics on the other hand are used to make different objects such as containers, cellphones, and even large vehicles like ships and airplanes.

Plastic has distinct characteristics that are not found in other materials. It is lightweight, long lasting, water and chemical resistant, good electric insulator, low cost, and easily molded to different shapes making it a suitable substance for different usage.

This material is widely used for food packaging in restaurants and groceries. Plastic plays an important role to create disposable sterile materials such as syringes, gloves, IV tubes, and catheters for hospitals. It allows schools to cut expenses by using plastic tables and chairs for classrooms which is more affordable than woods. And, it provides safety for electrical devices as it is an excellent electric insulator.

Plastic is beneficial for all industries making it impossible to stop its production. Other materials are not suitable as its substitute. For instance, metal or glass cannot be use as an alternative to plastic car trim as they are heavy and would consume more fuel during travel. Using wood is also not a good choice as it would require cutting more trees which would cause more impact in the environment.

Everyday we are reminded of the harmful effects of plastic on our planet. It quickly accumulates landfill and oceans as it is nonbiodegradable unlike other materials such as wood or paper. Plastic takes decades or even centuries to decomposed. To make the matter worse, it releases harmful chemicals in water and soil which might stay forever. These chemicals are even more dangerous than the solid waste that we see. They can be consumed by land and marine animals causing them death or can be transferred to us as we consume the contaminated animals. Furthermore, these chemicals might also affect the quality of soil and water which can lead to poor agricultural and fish supplies.

Plastic pollution is a result of our mismanagement and negligence. We enjoyed the convenience of using plastic so much that we use them even for disposable or single-use items. Most of the plastic wastes that we see are from households and food packaging that we simply drop in bins without thinking of reusing or recycling them. 

Many cleaned-up attempts have been made to reduce plastic pollution but they are unable to cope up with the increasing amount of plastics entering the environment. Therefore, reducing the inputs of plastic waste in landfill and oceans must be prioritized. A global approach is important in achieving this by offering high-level solutions which could include banning the use of plastic bags and disposable bottles worldwide and applying scientific solutions like using plastic-eating mushrooms which was discovered in 2017 –studies and planning are  ongoing with regards to this new discovery.

Our individual actions are also important in dealing with plastic pollution. We need to discipline ourselves to avoid using plastics as much as possible. Carrying your own drink container instead of buying bottled water, bringing your own bag when doing groceries, using clay pots for your plants instead of plastic pots, reusing plastic containers as long as possible, and recycling are just few of the things you can do to lessen plastic wastes.