Disadvantages of the using plastic.
Answers
Harmful Nature
Disposable plastics used in packaging foodstuff meant for human consumption contain harmful compounds. Improper disposal of these packaging products leads to these harmful compounds finding their way to water bodies, where they dissolve over a long time due to their non-biodegradable nature. Littered plastics are also harmful to animals because they occasionally eat them and die. Additionally, plastics fabrication involves the use of potentially dangerous chemicals, which are added as stabilizers or colorants. Most of these chemicals have not undergone an ecological risk appraisal, and their impact on human well-being and the environment is presently vague. One example is phthalates, which are used in the manufacture of PVC.
Environmental Degradation
Plastics are generally non-biodegradable; hence, they may take centuries to decay. This is due to the intermolecular bonds that constitute plastics, whose structure ensures that the plastics neither corrode nor decompose. Plastics disposed of indecently get washed away to water reservoirs. They clog waterways and float on reservoirs, polluting and making them unsightly.
Low Melting Point
Plastics generally have a low melting point, so they can't be used where heat levels are high. This also means they cannot be used as protective barrier for furnaces. Some plastic products are highly flammable -- polystyrene, acrylics, polyethylene and nylons commonly used in packaging, home and office appliances. This makes them a fire hazard.
Durability
Plastics generally have a short useful life compared to metals. This short life cycle results in pile-ups of unwanted garbage in the office, home or waste yards. Although some of the plastics are recycled, most remain uncollected in dump sites and pollute the environment. Additionally, polythene bags are easily carried by wind, something that makes them almost impossible to collect for recycling.
Glass
Reusable, recyclable and made from natural raw materials, glass is one of the most earth-friendly food storage containers available. Glass canning jars are reasonably priced and available at grocery, department and hardware stores. Unlike plastic containers, which scratch, absorb odors and discolor, there is no need to replace glass unless it breaks. Its longevity and ease of reuse make it exceptionally earth-friendly.
Compostable/Biodegradable
Often, food containers labeled biodegradable can mislead consumers; they are not necessarily earth-friendly. Biodegradable products break down, but some might take many years to decompose, and others might release toxins into the environment as the containers decay. Biodegradable food containers designed for short-term storage are made from a variety of bio-based materials including sugar cane, bamboo and other fibers. These products break down quickly in compost facilities with no toxic byproducts.
Metal
Although stainless steel food containers are washable, reusable and long-lasting, they are more expensive than other storage options. Besides being earth-friendly, metal food containers are also travel-friendly. They can be easily packed for at-school or at-work lunches, avoiding the waste created by take-out or convenience food packaging. Recycle coffee cans for storing dry foods such as beans, rice or sugar. Aluminum food storage containers are reusable and recyclable, but the extraction of aluminum is not earth-friendly. So, limit the use of containers made of aluminum.
Plastic
Although it does not have an earth-friendly reputation, some plastic is recyclable and safe for repeated use. Check the bottom of the container for plastics labeled 1PET, 2HDPE, 4LDPE and 5PP. Most of these plastics are accepted in municipal recycling programs and break down without toxic leaching. Avoid plastics with PVC and BPA because these compounds are toxic chemicals that can leach into food, especially when the container is heated.
Answer:
1. plastic is widely used in packaging
2. many animals eat plastics materials and die