CONTENT ON PLASTIC POLLUTION
Answers
Plastic pollution is caused by the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. It can be categorized in primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, or secondary plastics, resulting from the degradation of the primary ones. It can also be defined by its size, from microplastics - small particles (<5 mm) of plastic dispersed in the environment - to macroplastics.
Plastic pollution can take different forms including:
The accumulation of waste
The accumulation of marine litter, fragments or microparticles of plastics and non-biodegradable fishing nets, which continue to trap wildlife and waste.
Waste causing the death of animals by ingestion of plastic objects
The arrival of microplastics and microbeads of plastics from cosmetic and body care products
Since its commercial development in the 1950s, plastic has been a real success. Its global production is growing exponentially. Its success comes from its remarkable qualities: ease of shaping, low cost, mechanical resistance, etc. Being the ideal material for packaging, plastic is basically everywhere.
But what are the causes of plastic pollution?
Negligence is the main cause. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of marine litter comes from land. This pollution comes mainly from household waste, which is poorly recycled, dumped in landfills or abandoned in nature. This waste is carried by the winds, pushed by the rains into sewers, streams, rivers, and finally in the oceans. Natural disasters such as floods must be considered as other causes of plastic pollution as well.
Answer:
Plastic pollution and prevention
Plastic products are not bio-degradable and can remain unchanged for many years. They adversely affect the fertility and the quality of the soil. Plastics products including plastic bags are a health hazard. Exposure to toxic chemicals emitted by plastics causes cancer, decreases the effectiveness of the immune system, and is responsible for many other diseases.
The dumping of plastic bags, plastic bottles, etc. has created an unhygienic condition to our environment. Plastic litter has become major pollution to our towns and cities.
Plastic products, especially plastic bags find their way into rivers and oceans. They are swallowed by fish, seabirds, and other marine creatures leading to death by suffocation.
Plastic products including plastic bags are often disposed of by burning and this releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere. This pollutes the air we breathe and increases global warming.
To prevent plastic pollution, reduce the use of plastic products. If the demand is less, production will decrease. Say "No" to plastic bags. Refuse any plastic bags from shop owners when you are shopping. Carry your own shopping bag.
Carefully separate plastic products from other garbage for recycling.
Stop buying plastic products. Replace plastic bags with bags made of biodegradable materials like cotton and jute and recycled paper bags.
Stop burning plastic as a means of waste disposal. The toxic gases released pollute the air we breathe. It increases global warming. Don't buy bottled water. Always carry your non-plastic water bottle.