Plastic is everywhere nowadays. People are using it
endlessly just for their comfort. However, no one realizes how it is harming
our planet. We need to become aware of the consequences so that we can stop
plastic pollution. Kids should be taught from their childhood to avoid
using plastic. Similarly, adults must check each other on the same. In
addition, the government must take stringent measures to stop plastic pollution
before it gets too late.
Uprise of Plastic Pollution
We are
concerned about the air we breathe and the water we drink. If overfishing
continues, if pollution continues, many of these species will disappear off the
face of the earth.--– Bernard Marcus
Plastic
has become one of the most used substances. It is seen everywhere these days,
from supermarkets to common households. Why is that? Why is the use of plastic
on the rise instead of diminishing? The main reason is that plastic is very
cheap. It costs lesser than other alternatives like paper and cloth. This is
why it is so common.
Furthermore,
we see that plastic is a non-biodegradable material. It does not leave the face
of the Earth. We cannot dissolve plastic in land or water, it remains
forever. Thus, more and more use of plastic means more plastic which won't get
dissolved. Thus, the uprise of plastic pollution is happening at a very rapid
rate.
Effective Solutions to Plastic Pollution
The
reality is that the only way this problem can be addressed is by individuals
and companies around the world agreeing to implement practices that reduce
waste on every level. The top tips for reducing plastic waste are:
1. Shop Friendly
Plastic
bags were once a modern convenience but can be efficiently replaced by reusable
bags, many of which fold up compactly in order to be portable. Just think about
how many bags you typically carry out of a grocery store, and multiply that by
the number of times you grocery shop. That's a lot of plastic! Carry a bag and
always reuse plastic bags as much as possible if you have them.
2. Get Rid of Bottled Water
People
are meant to drink lots of water each day, and plastic water bottles have
become a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, most of these
are only recommended for single use, and that means that every time someone finishes
a bottle, it goes into the trash. Many companies now sell reusable water
bottles as a substitute, reducing plastic waste and exposure to leaking
bottles.
3. Forget to-go Containers
You would
be surprised at how much plastic is involved in the making and packaging of
food containers. Think the coffee shop's drink cup is paper? It's likely lined
with plastic for insulation (pour a cup of coffee on some cardboard and see
what happens).
Plastic
food containers, lids, and utensils are all easily replaced by reusable
containers, which will cut down significantly on even a single meal's waste.
4. Educate Businesses
Speak to
local restaurants and businesses about options that they can switch to for
packaging, storing, and bagging items. Many companies are starting to come up
with excellent low-cost replacements, such as bamboo utensils in place of
plastic ones.
5. Get Involved
Speak to
lawmakers and get involved with government on any level, and you'll see how
many special interest groups have made it so that we are dependent on plastic
without needing to be. Encourage the development of items, and propose
alternatives when applicable.
6. Recycle Everything
Try and
select items that come in non-plastic recycled and recyclable packaging, to do
your best to properly handle items that can't be reused. Check everything
before you put it in the trash, as more and more items are able to be recycled
these days.
Remember
that because plastic doesn't break down easily (if ever), recycling plastic
means that it is still plastic, just being used for a different purpose.
Therefore, you're not actually reducing plastic amounts or exposure, even in
the recycling process.
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