Plastic pollution statistics have assumed scary proportions if we open our eyes and look around into our surroundings. Plastic is a popular material used in a wide variety of ways. Many of the items we buy or use is either made of plastic or wrapped with it. Plastics are used because they can last longer and are easy and cheap to make. Unfortunately these same useful qualities have made plastic a huge pollution problem. It is discarded easily since it is cheap and its long lasting makes it survive in the environment for long periods.
Plastic pollution is a threat to life that has gained significant media attention in the last couple of decades. Several laws and amendments have been enacted by government in order to curb the pollution caused due to the usage of plastic. This issue has also been raised globally by environmentalists and NGOs all across countries. “Zero waste” is a concept in which production, consumption and recycling of products is carried out, without throwing even a fraction of the plastic garbage into the environment. Many countries are working tirelessly to achieve their goal of zero waste. The only way to overcome the problem of plastic is total recycling of plastic bags or using other alternatives. We must make efforts to finding efficient plastic pollution solutions before we run out of places to dump the plastic wastes.
Ways to stop plastic pollution
The concept of zero waste is likely to fail in its objectives. But we can try our maximum to reach the goal of zero waste. It would be an astounding success even if we are able to eliminate at least 40%-50% of plastic waste. Now let’s have a look at the solutions to plastic pollution.
Everything that goes wrong in the environment is usually blamed on governments. Wait for environment laws rather than waiting for governments to make laws and compel us to conserve our nature. A huge difference can be made if each one of us becomes ready to do our bit for nature. You can become an environmentally aware citizen if you are ready to follow some simple steps.
• Try to buy products with less plastic packaging and carry jute, paper or your own personal bag to the market. Even if you don’t possess any one of the bags mentioned above, carry a plastic bag so that you can avoid carrying an extra plastic bag back home.
• Educate and encourage shoppers to use their own bags or recycled paper bags. Encourage people to use their own bags while going purchasing. Try to spread this extremely beneficial habit.
• Internet is an awesome source through which you can find tips to reduce plastic pollution at home, work and during journeys.
• Try to spend time with communities in endeavours of environmental pollution control. Depending on your qualification and ability, volunteer for NGOs.
• Encourage the reuse of plastic substances. Support recycling schemes and other similar schemes that help the environment.
• Always remember that plastic waste can cause only harm and so practice and promote its proper disposal.
• Never throw plastic waste in the street, out of the car or on the pavement.
• Since the problem of plastic pollution is serious, it requires further urgent study. Reduce the amount of plastic used in wrapping and packing which is usually thrown away immediately.
• The dangers of plastic pollution should be labelled as a warning on plastic wrappings and bags.
Plastic is a useful and popular material which can be produced with relatively little damage to the environment. They are not themselves a problem. The one-off applications of plastic, its excessive use and careless disposal has turned it into a very dangerous material. A solution could be found to this problem only by the combined effort of the government and its citizens
