Plastic, plastic everywhere! In every walk of our life, we are dependent on plastic, a versatile material. Once used, people discard single-use plastic. Waste is growing on the planet with overuse of plastics. Awareness about waste accumulation of plastics, with a lifespan of 100 to 500 years is growing. Discarded plastic bags find their way into the oceans via wastewater or rivers, contributing to global pollution. The increasing waste is littering landfills, collecting in the ocean, on hills, and at tourism sites. Incineration of plastic waste gives rise to greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution in the air, which contributes to global warming.
Crude oil, also known as liquid gold, serves as the raw material for 99% of plastic production. Oil refining and goods production contribute to GHG emissions, again adding to global pollution. In the ocean, more than 700 marine species are known to be harmed by microplastic (plastic pieces less than 5micron) getting lodged in their stomach. Plastics also affect human health adversely through ingestion of marine food/ bottled water containing microplastics or through inhalation of fumes from air. Toxic plastics and additives used in making colorful attractive goods have irreversible effects on human organs.
Plastics are proving to be the greatest sustainability paradox of our time because they are as much of a boon as they are a bane. Plastic is lightweight. Their use contributes to substantial energy savings and reduces carbon footprints, thereby mitigating adverse climate change. Plastic, with its widespread use in attractive food containers and agricultural produce storage, contributes to our food security. The health care sector is vitally dependent on the use of plastics, and the COVID-19 crisis has shown the criticality of plastics in prevention and protection. On the other hand, our living style and unconscious overuse have contributed immensely to this problem.
In 2022, the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) agreed to come out with a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution control by the end of 2024. The target year for ending plastic pollution is 2040. India even implemented a ban on single-use plastics effective July 1, 2022, so as to curb plastic pollution. Yet, plastic waste continues to be a challenge.
Success requires small and big steps to reduce everyday consumption of plastics. Behavioural changes include adopting a lifestyle to minimize plastic usage; avoiding temptation to use bottled water; saying no to plastic straws or disposable cutlery; carrying reusable shopping bags and carefully disposing single-use plastic bags to prevent their flow to rivers and oceans.
It is also critical to sensitize the younger generation to the perils of plastic. The World Earth Day (celebrated on April 22 every year) theme this year was Planet vs Plastics. The author organized a quiz for school students on plastic pollution, which created great interest and awareness amongst them.
Everyone in society has a major role to play in responsible use of plastics and dealing with plastic waste by helping to Recycle, Reuse, Refuse and Reduce, and we hope to see our Society, Club and all its residents do their bit in controlling this menace.
Note from Editor – Dr. Goel served as a senior scientist in Ministry of Science and Technology and now spends her time creating awareness on environmental issues.
