You shouldn't use plastic bags. They harm the environment and end up in landfills and oceans. A lot of animals die cuz them plastic ends up inside of them. Plastic is hard to dispose of, and burning plastic releases harmful gases into the air. Plastic is usd in a lot of stuff. It is made of human-made, synthetic polymers. And carbon and other elements. Plastic water bottles have BPA in them, which is very harmful to your health. But just because something is BPA doesn't mean that that item is okay to use,p that plastic could still make you sick. Plastic ends up in oceans and now has a ratio of 1-2 plastic to plankton, plastic that ends up in the ocean, breaks up in to micro plastics which end up in seafood, that humans eat, they are really tiny so you won't see them, but of you eat seafood, you could and probably are eating plastic. Plastic is getting mass produced and by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. When drinking water, use ceramics or steel bottles. Reuse plastic. Recycle or compost it, reduce your use of it, and refuse plastic that you do not need.
Plastic
During our travels, we often have to rely on plastic items such as water bottles, coffee/soda cups, and carryout bags. What are the alternatives to using these items, if we want to avoid plastic?
It has become a common sight to see plastic pollution in our environment, including our oceans and rivers. The impact of plastic on wildlife is significant, with animals and birds suffering from entanglement and ingestion of plastic materials.
Plastic usage is not localized; it is a global issue. Plastic can travel long distances - on land, through the air, and in water.
Despite its widespread use, there are no statutory warnings about the dangers of plastic.
There is a statutory warning on cigarettes, chemicals, dangerous objects, and medicines. However, there is no statutory warning on plastic that it is dangerous for the planet and has far-reaching ill effects.
This has created a harmful cycle: humans use plastic, it is discarded and ingested by animals, which humans then consume, leading to potential health issues such as respiratory problems and cancer.
Microplastics are also a concern, as they can harbor harmful bacteria and have adverse effects on the environment and wildlife.
While the popular mantra is to reduce, reuse, and recycle, the question remains - why not eliminate the use of plastic?
When we know that plastic is indestructible and not disposable then should not we eliminate its use? Reuse has the same side effects as the original. Why to reuse? Its disease-causing properties are still there. Is not it wise to eliminate its use?
Recycling involves the melting of plastic and giving it a new shape. More gases are released while recycling. Workers exposed to these gases are at risk.
Plastic is virtually indestructible, and while recycling is an option, it releases harmful gases and poses risks to workers. Are there viable alternatives? Yes, there are.
We can choose to eat with clean hands, order only what we need to, avoid using excess packaging, and opt for fresh food supplies that don't require plastic wrapping. Using natural materials like pottery and cloth instead of plastic, and repurposing existing containers and bags for household storage are other practical solutions.
Is plastic truly disposable and easy to get rid of? The reality is that plastic-related issues are escalating.
Some diseases affect people who are involved in the consumption of its causative agent e.g. alcohol, drugs, etc. However, plastic can take the life of someone who is not even willingly or intentionally using it e.g. animals, or birds. Plastic is affecting many lives on this planet.
Is it cheap to use plastic? Not really, if we consider its ill effects and disease-causing properties. Plastic garbage piles up and needs land to dispose of it. Workers involved in recycling are exposed to dangerous gases.
Although it may seem cost-effective, the detrimental impacts of plastic, including environmental pollution and health risks for those working with it, must be considered.
Bharti Raizada
July 26, 2024