Question

Essay on pollution caused by plastics

Answer 1

Plastic pollution is defined as the accumulation of the different types of plastic material on land, as well as in water bodies like rivers, oceans, canals, lakes, etc. As a commodity, it is used on a large scale all around the world. Basically, it is a synthetic polymer that consists of many organic and inorganic compounds, and is mostly derived from petrochemicals like olefins. Plastic materials are mainly classified as thermoplastics (polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride) and thermosetting polymers (polyisoprene). Apart from these, they can also be classified as biodegradable, engineering, and elastomer plastics. Although they are extremely useful in many ways, and have been an important part of the global polymer industry, their production as well as disposal, pose a great threat to all the life forms on Earth.

Answer 2

Answer:

Plastic Pollution

Plastics are things or objects made of organic polymers or synthetic compounds. Plastic was seen as a boon because it is easily available, cheap, and can be used to manufacture things of all shapes and sizes. But the overuse of plastic has led to pollution of enormous proportion with many harmful consequences.

Effects

Plastic products are not bio-degradable and can remain unchanged for many years. Durability is a property we want in the products that we use. But the durability of plastic resulted in the piling of plastic trashes in the form of plastic bags, plastic water bottles, and other plastic containers.

Plastics are a health hazard. Exposure to toxic chemicals emitted by plastics causes cancer, weakens the immune system, and is responsible for many other diseases.

Plastic garbage has created an unhygienic condition in our environment. Disposable of plastic litter has become a major difficulty in our towns and cities.

Since it is not biodegradable, plastics adversely affect the fertility and the quality of the soil.

Freshwater sources like rivers and lakes are becoming dumpsters for plastic bags.

Plastic wastes, 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 bags, plastic bottles, and other discarded plastic products do not degrade. They accumulate in drainage systems and block the flow of water causing waterlogging.

Plastic is often disposed of by burning and this releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere. This pollutes the air that we breathe and escalates global warming.

Prevention

To prevent plastic pollution, the reduction of the use of plastic products is the first step. If the demand is less, production will decrease. Say "No" to plastic bags. Refuse any plastic bags from shop owners when shopping. Carry your shopping bag.

Carefully separate plastic waste 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.

Educate other people about the dangers of plastic products and how to reduce plastic pollution.

Don't buy bottled water. Always carry your non-plastic water bottle.

Everyone must participate in the movement to clean up land and water from plastic wastes.