Beat plastic pollution

Beat plastic pollution: is it possible? Know its impact and solutions

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Abstract:

This research article covers the following topics यह शोध आलेख निम्नलिखित विषयों को कवर करता है hide
1 Abstract:
2 Introduction of Plastic:
3 The problem of plastic waste and its impact:
3.1 Current scenario of plastic pollution:
3.2 Problems caused by plastic waste:
3.3 Effect of plastic pollution on the environment:
3.4 Effects of plastic pollution on wildlife:
3.5 Health problems caused by plastic pollution:
3.6 Effect of plastic pollution on marine environment:
4 Introduction to Bioplastics and Biodegradable Plastics:
5 Introduction to Micro-plastics:
5.1 Major types of micro-plastics:
6 Various effects of micro-plastics:
7 Let’s beat plastic pollution by knowing these measures:
7.1 3R principle of plastic management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
7.2 Preference should be given to alternatives made from natural materials:
7.3 Innovation and research should be promoted:
7.4 Role of government policies and global efforts:
8 Steps taken at the international level:
9 Conclusion:
10 Reference:

Beat plastic pollution, have we ever thought about it? Have we ever thought about how to manage waste? Once we believed that plastic makes our life easy. Wherever we go, we buy something, put it in plastic and come back home. This was easy for both the customer and the seller. But today this plastic has become such a big challenge for us that it has become imperative to solve this problem. Today plastic pollution has become such a problem that it has become a serious threat to our environment, marine life and human health. Pollution is increasing due to excessive use of plastic and to deal with it, it has become extremely important to adopt a plastic-free lifestyle. In this article, research-based views have been given on green alternatives by introducing plastic, plastic waste management, biodegradable alternatives and microplastics. This research article also encourages people to adopt a plastic-free life.

Introduction of Plastic:

Today it seems that we cannot live modern life without using plastic as it has become an integral part of our lives. Elias, S.A. defines plastic as “During the 20th century, synthetic organic polymers have been called “plastics” (Elias, 2018). Plastic is not only used in homes, shops, schools and offices because it is cheap and easily available, but it is also used everywhere. Today plastic is used in homes, shops, schools and offices, and even in food items. Geyar and his team write on the use of plastic that “Due to their practical properties, including adaptability, light weight and affordability, plastics have largely replaced glass, aluminium and natural fibres in the modern world.” (Critchell et al., 2019; Geyer et al., 2017) As easy as plastic is to use, it has a great negative impact on the environment because plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose and when it breaks down into small particles, it pollutes water, air and land. Also, it becomes fatal for marine life. To deal with plastic pollution, we need to adopt a plastic-free lifestyle. In this article, we have tried to consider the ill effects of plastic, benefits of plastic-free living and measures to adopt it.

The problem of plastic waste and its impact:

Today plastic is no longer a product that makes our lives convenient. Today plastic is standing in front of us as a global problem from the point of view of environmental pollution. Today, on the increasing amount of plastic at the global level, Geyer, R. writes in his research article that “from 1950 to 2015, the amount of plastic increased from 2 million metric tons to more than 400 million metric tons” (Geyer et al., 2017). Needless to say, the use of plastic is not only harmful for the environment but it will also become a terrible crisis for the coming generations.

Current scenario of plastic pollution:

In the journey of world development, we see that the use of plastic products has increased rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. Due to increased production and ease of use, it has become available everywhere today. There is no part of life left where plastic is not used. It is being widely used in packaging, household items, electronics, health services and even in the textile industry. Considering the problem of plastic pollution, Mangal and his team have written in their research paper that “The accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic waste in wetlands and aquatic environments is increasing every day. According to data collected from various scientific reports, about 100-250 megatons of plastic waste reaches the oceans every year. According to the Central Control Board of India (2019-2020), about 3.5 million metric tons of plastic waste is produced in India every year, while only 5-10% of the waste produced is recycled.” (Mangal and team 2023) After reading the views of many scholars and many reports, the conclusion of the current scenario of plastic is that since 1950, about 9.2 billion tons of plastic has been produced in the world, out of which only 9% plastic is recycled. The remaining plastic is accumulating in landfills (garbage pits), oceans and the environment. According to an estimate, about 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into the sea every year, which seriously affects marine life.

Problems caused by plastic waste:

Excessive use of plastic is a serious problem today. The use of plastic causes many adverse effects. It is not only dangerous for the environment but also negatively affects the ecology, wildlife and our health. “Excessive plastic use and improper waste management practices can result in many adverse environmental, financial and health effects. Plastic pollution affects land habitats, marine ecosystems, drinking water supplies and the atmosphere” (Gasperi, J. and team 2018). Thus, plastic pollution causes problems at many levels.

Effect of plastic pollution on the environment:

Excessive use of plastic causes slow but widespread problems on the environment and ecology. Plastic is a waste that causes widespread imbalance in the ecosystem. It gets deposited in the bodies of various organisms in the form of small particles. The result is that not only one food chain but the entire food chain gets affected and there is a long-term serious impact on the ecology. Land and water pollution: Plastic waste gets deposited in rivers, lakes and oceans, destroying aquatic ecosystems. It can also render land unusable as plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose.

Effects of plastic pollution on wildlife:

Many animals eat plastic mistaking it for food, which leads to their death. If we talk about domestic animals, we find that cows, dogs, buffaloes and cattle die after eating plastic in small towns and rural areas, which we constantly read in the news. Not only this, wildlife is also not free from the crisis of plastic. Marine creatures, especially turtles, fishes and birds, are most affected by plastic waste.

Health problems caused by plastic pollution:

We should never think that plastic only harms wildlife or the marine environment, human health is also not safe from plastic pollution because plastic contains many harmful chemicals which enter our body by mixing with water sources and can cause cancer, hormonal imbalance and other diseases.

Effect of plastic pollution on marine environment:

Plastic is such a pollutant that dissolves in water, soil and air and takes the form of pollution. When plastic is thrown into the sea, it becomes fatal for marine creatures. Sea turtles, fish and animals eat plastic thinking it to be their food, due to which they die and the marine food chain gets affected. In the context of the widespread impact of plastic on the environment, ecology and fauna, Geyer et al. in their research article Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made in 2017 has clarified that “millions of metric tons of plastic waste enters the marine environment every year. This flow adversely affects marine life through ingestion, entanglement and habitat disruption. From plankton to large marine mammals, marine species face harmful consequences due to ingestion of plastic particles, leading to health problems and potential ecosystem disruption. Apart from the marine ecosystem, plastic waste also affects the terrestrial environment.” (Geyer, R., Jambeck, J.R., Law, K.L. 2017) Therefore, today we need to rethink the widespread damage caused by plastic from a new perspective. I would even go further to say that just thinking will not do anything, we have to implement strict rules and bring the dream of a plastic-free world to reality.

Introduction to Bioplastics and Biodegradable Plastics:

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that naturally break down into organic components and do not harm the environment. References to Bioplastics and Biodegradable Plastics Various scholars write that “Bioplastics are plastic products made from renewable biomass feedstocks such as starch, cellulose, or polylactic acid.” (L. G. Hong, N. Y. Yuhana, and E. Z. E. Zawawi 2021) These materials have many benefits, including lower levels of carbon emissions when used compared to traditional materials. (E. G. Shershneva 2022) degradability, and the ability to reduce dependence on fossil resources. Therefore, the growing awareness about bioplastics can make it a suitable solution for applications in food packaging.” (T. D. Moshood and team 2022) 

Introduction to Micro-plastics:

Today, microplastic particles are being found widely in the earth’s atmosphere, which is a matter of concern for the entire environment, organisms. Introducing microplastics, Seakleang Soknea and his team write that “Microplastics (MPs) are types of semi-synthetic plastics, which are smaller than 5 mm and are present in almost terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environments. These MPs are generally toxic to human health, such as oxidative stress, heart disease and cancer.” (Seakleang Soknea 2024) Microplastics are such small particles, whose size is less than 5 millimeters. There are two types of them. One is primary microplastics, which are deliberately made in small sizes, such as fibers from cosmetics, toothpaste and clothing, etc. And the second type is produced by the breakdown, wear and destruction of larger plastic products. 

Major types of micro-plastics:

PLA (polylactic acid): This is a type of microplastic made from corn, sugar cane and potato starch. PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates): This microplastic is a biodegradable plastic produced by bacteria that affects a wide range of organisms. Starch-based plastic: This is 100% biodegradable and used in packaging.

Various effects of micro-plastics:

Microplastics i.e. small plastic particles dissolve in water sources and mix with drinking water and enter the body through water. When they enter the body, they interfere with the body’s natural system. For example, marine organisms eat them, which leads to their entry into the food chain and eventually reach the human body. Microplastics cause many health problems and serious illnesses as the chemicals present in microplastics have the potential to cause cancer, reproductive problems and affect the nervous system. Explaining the nature of this microplastic, Eriksen, M. and his research team wrote that “the majority of the millions of tons of plastic produced every year end up in the ocean, from where they reach every part of the planet and undergo a slow but continuous process of disintegration.” (Eriksen and team 2014) Highlighting the impact of plastic on marine ecology, Wang, G.X. Wang and his team wrote that “The use of the term “disintegration” in the case of plastic does not refer to chemical decomposition but to fragmentation into smaller particles. The environmental conditions of the ocean (salinity, solar radiation, mechanical erosion) lead to the fragmentation of plastic objects (bottles, caps, nets, polystyrene pieces, etc.) into increasingly smaller fragments, MPs and NPs, and this phenomenon is particularly deadly because smaller fragmentations can increase biota interactions and entry into the food chain.” (Wang and team 2021)

When these small plastic particles enter the food chain, it has a negative impact on biodiversity. This negative impact starts from organisms living on surface waters and gradually spreads to all organisms down to the bottom. While comprehensively explaining the widespread negative impact of microplastics, Kim, J.H.; Yu, Y.B.; Choi, J.H. write in their research that “Due to the long life of plastic materials and the rapid increase in plastic production, MPs are becoming a major problem in the food chain. Contamination is on the rise and will continue to rise, especially disposable items, as seen recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aquatic animals can absorb MPS through oral ingestion, respiration, and/or skin adhesion. Once these tiny plastic particles enter the body, they can have serious effects by transferring to other internal organs through the circulatory or lymphatic systems of the creature’s body.” (Kim, J.H.; Yu, Y.B.; Choi, J.H. 2021)

Micro-plastics today have not only become a threat to animals but are also causing serious problems for humans. Micro-plastics not only interfere with the natural functions of the body but can also pose a terrible threat to humans by reaching human brain tissue. “According to the study published in Nature Medicine, 91 brain samples collected from individuals who died between 1997 and 2024 were analysed. The reports show a 50 percent increase in MNP concentrations from 2016 to 2024, with the average level increasing from 3,345 micrograms per gram to 4,917 micrograms per gram. Duke University neuroscientist Andrew West told Science News that the detection of such a large amount of plastic was unexpected, saying he “couldn’t believe it until he saw all the data.” (Gadgets 365 Staff 2025) After studying so many think tanks and reports, it goes without saying how harmful micro-plastics are to humans, animals, and the environment.

Let’s beat plastic pollution by knowing these measures:

When we consider the effects of plastic or microplastics, it is known that plastic is not only a threat to the entire human civilization but it is also a threat to every living being and environmental ecology on earth. Therefore, we need to work rapidly towards plastic management. The primary phase of plastic management starts from changes in individual lifestyles and goes up to government policies. If we do not create a plastic-free world today, it will be in front of us as a terrible crisis in the near future. Therefore, Lau, W. W., Shiran and their team write that “without effective government intervention, estimates suggest that annual plastic waste could nearly triple to 810 million metric tons by 2060” (Lau et al., 2020). Needless to say, plastic pollution is assuming such a form that its management has become imperative. Then the question is how can we manage plastic? In answer to this question, the 3R principle comes before us, through which we can turn this challenge into an opportunity.

3R principle of plastic management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

  • Reduce: This initial phase of plastic management begins with individual efforts and government policies. At the individual level, we can reduce the use of single-use plastic (such as straws, bags, bottles). In this effort, the government also needs to implement favorable policies.

Such as encouraging innovation in making paper, cloth or jute bags and putting pressure of more tax on plastic manufacturing companies can make it successful. Making people aware of the ill effects of plastic through various programs and encouraging them to adopt reusable and durable items.

  • Reuse: Plastic products can be reused as much as possible. If we do this, the demand for plastic will decrease and producers will naturally produce less. After some time this demand will be zero and plastic production will stop. Refillable bottles and containers should be adopted in various tasks and activities of life.
  • Recycle: Plastic waste should be properly separated and sent for recycling and recycling innovations should be encouraged and supported with financial resources through various means. In this direction, governments and companies should be encouraged to adopt effective recycling systems.

Preference should be given to alternatives made from natural materials:

Cloth and jute bags: We can use durable and reusable bags instead of plastic bags in our daily activities. Bamboo and wood products: We can also reduce plastic use by adopting bamboo-based products like toothbrushes, cutlery and straws. Items made from leaves and coconut shells: Can be used as disposable plates and utensils.

Innovation and research should be promoted:

Food-grade packaging material made from seaweed should be developed. Biodegradable packaging made from mushrooms should be promoted. Improvement in recycling techniques should be done to develop technologies to reuse plastic waste more efficiently.

Role of government policies and global efforts:

The government and the global community need to make extensive efforts at many stages to manage plastic or create a plastic-free world because plastic pollution is not a simple problem. The solution to this problem can come only from a combination of both the government and the individual efforts of the people. Considering the role of the government in plastic management, ‘Lonescu’ and his team write in their research paper that “without system intervention, global plastic waste will continue to accumulate rapidly. Solutions include reducing the use of unnecessary plastics, designing more recyclable products, expanding waste collection infrastructure, innovating chemical upcycling processes, and developing alternative biodegradable bioplastics.” (Ionescu et al., 2021)

Steps taken at the international level:

UN Plastics Agreement: There are more than 175 countries under this agreement. All these countries have signed an agreement to eliminate plastic pollution by 2024.

EU Single-Use Plastic Ban: Under this effort, many single-use plastic products have been banned by many European countries.

India Plastic Ban (2022): The Government of India has also banned single-use plastic, realizing the seriousness of plastic pollution.

Conclusion:

Plastic pollution is a serious problem, which not only harms the environment but also affects our health. We need to make revolutionary efforts on many fronts to control plastic pollution and protect the environment. To solve the problem of microplastics and plastic waste, we have to adopt biodegradable alternatives. For this, the government, industry and common citizens have to work together. If we take steps in the right direction, we can move rapidly towards a clean and green future.

Reference: 

  • Mangal Mangal, Chebrolu Venkateswara Rao and Tamal Banerjee, Bioplastic: an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable plastic, Accepted article published: 15 June 2023, Published online in Wiley Online Library: 29 June 2023 (Abstract) 
  • Gasperi, J., Wright, S.L., Dris, R., Collard, F., Mandin, C., Guerrouache, M., Langlois, V., Kelly, F.J., Tassin, B., (2018). Microplastics in air: are we breathing it in? Curr. Opin. Environ. Sci. Heal. 1, 1–5
  • L. G. Hong, N. Y. Yuhana, and E. Z. E. Zawawi, “Review of Bioplastics as Food Packaging Materials,” AIMS Mater Sci, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 166–184, 2021, doi: 10.3934/matersci.2021012.
  • E. G. Shershneva, “Biodegradable Food Packaging: Benefits and Adverse Effects,” in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, IOP Publishing Ltd, Feb. 2022. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/988/2/022006.
  • T. D. Moshood, G. Nawanir, F. Mahmud, F. Mohamad, M. H. Ahmad, and A. AbdulGhani, “Biodegradable, Plastic Applications Towards Sustainability: A Recent Innovations in the Green Product,” Clean Eng Technol , vol. 6, p. 100404, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1016/J.CLET.2022.100404.
  • Seakleang Soknea, Seihakpanha Makara, TJ Moore, Sreynich Chhun, Microplastic pollution – a Trent to human health: what can Cambodia do?, Paper presented on Conference: The 50th International Congress on Science, Technology and Technology-based Innovation, At: The Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, December 2024
  • Lau, W. W., Shiran, Y., Bailey, R. M., Cook, E., Stuchtey, M. R., Koskella, J., & Palardy, J. E. (2020). Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. Science, 369(6510), 1455-1461Myers (2014
  • Ionescu, T., Ortega, D. M., Christie, S. D., & Smith, Z. T. (2021). Towards sustainable plastics: Recyclability and biodegradability. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 1-21



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