To begin with, what is plastic? Why is plastic consumed in large quantities? Why do people choose plastic over anything and what are its impacts? These questions are of general concern. To be more precise, Plastics’ earned vogue or popularity soon after the First World War. Plastics, in general, can be made from a group of elements that can be shaped or molded as per needs when it’s soft and then can be hardened to maintain the shape. The invention of plastics took place in 1862 in the form of cellulose to avoid the use of natural polymers like amber and animal horns. Synthetic plastics or man-made polymers are produced by natural products such as gas, oil, or coal.

Consumption of plastics is widely seen and they are used as a substitute for glass, wood, and metals since they are cheap and easy to use. People started believing that plastics are important in our day-to-day life and they established a dependable relationship. To date, the invention of new types and forms of plastics are planned and developed.

An estimation of 5 million tons of plastic waste enters the oceans annually and around 75% of waste littered into the oceans are plastics. This is the major threat to the aquatic system of life and it pollutes the marine habitats worldwide. According to a recent study, China generates 28% of the overall plastic creation, and Asia contributes 49% of worldwide plastic production. Europe plays about 19% of its role in it. Around 9 billion tons of plastics are produced since the 1950s. In some studies, it has been seen that the scientific invention and development in the late 1970s created an undeniable bond between people and plastics.

General uses and their effects

Most common uses come from the ‘lightweight’ of the plastic materials as they are consumed or used largely in the heavy transportation industry, for example, the aircraft industries. The versatile characteristics involve cost-effectiveness and durability that’s why they are used in the production of alternative materials like glass or metals. Their resistance to corrosion makes them the most commonly used products in the construction industry. From packaging to electrical and electronic devices, agriculture to the sports industry, and other recreation industries uses plastics as their major or primary products in the production of goods. The pharmaceutical and medicine industry consumes plastics in a large quantity as various kinds of medical instruments and equipment are made with the help of polymers and common examples include disposable syringes and sterile packaging.

Holding its most versatile characters of non-degradable properties, it is widely dumped in landfills, terrestrial areas, and other natural habitats. The plastics are followed or carried away to the water resources such as to the ocean and other water reservoirs due to their low-density level and ends up polluting the water resources. Accumulation of plastic in the forest and other grasslands creates a major threat to the animal habitats. They nibble on plastics as they think of them as food items to be consumed. This results in plastic indigestion and other entrapment. The first case of plastic indigestion in the seabird’s carcasses was reported in the 1960s. Major impairments include ulcers, reduced reproductive output, lacerations, and even death in some cases.

Studies from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation show that by 2050, the ocean will contain at least 937 million tons of plastic and 895 million tons of fish in it. Plastics are notably the worst element seen in the soil that leaves a serious threat to humankind and animal habitats.

What to do to safeguard Mother Nature?

We know that plastics are harmful to living things and the environment but the fact is plastics are recyclable and can be reused for several purposes instead of dumping them on the land and its soil. Despite its harmful effect, it is widely consumed in our daily lives. As they are easily affordable and widely acceptable it can be overused and simultaneously it reduces the usage of plastics in high volume. There are several ways to reduce the usage of plastics at household levels but the industries play a crucial role in pollution caused by plastic usage. They should be socially active and responsible for such instances.

Recycling plastics and using them over a long period will save time and energy. It is the first step in reducing environmental pollution. Recycled plastics are used in many applications such as construction practices, packaging, walkways, building railings, and fences and signs.

If the plastics are left unnoticed and it nearly takes 500 years to decompose and now think about the consequences of it. Recycling involves the separation of plastics according to their categories and it is labor-intensive. If we let it slide from our plate, it will someday find its way to deplete our mother nature. The process of recycling plastics involves sorting, shredding, and get rid of impurities just like paper. The shreds are then melted and shaped into pellets, from which we can make other products as a result.

On the other hand, what happens if we don’t recycle the plastics we use? The crucial result is an increase in pollution. We have enough knowledge about pollution and pollutants. We must look into the consequences and try not to pollute the environment further. Plastic bottles are the only thing that shares a major part in water pollution.

Overflow of landfills and destruction of natural habitats comes hand-in-hand as a result of improper recycling of plastics. Landfills are made to dump the waste materials. And if waste materials aren’t properly dumped then unpleasant smells and toxic chemicals from wastes are released into the air and the soil. Chemicals are released from Styrofoam, refrigerators, microwaves, barriers, and other e-wastes.

When we don’t reduce, recycle, and reuse plastic material we automatically fall into the trap of destroying our land and the livelihoods in it. Furthermore, our earth cannot cope up with the natural phenomena and ends up in a tricky situation. And luckily, recycling isn’t that hard and can be done easily if we follow the simple steps starting from reducing to reusing.

At BigBin, we take advanced measures and steps to recycle plastic waste. Get in touch with us to know about our recycling and waste management process.

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