Climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, extinct species, AND the list goes on and on. Over the past few decades, our planet has suffered enormously and we as its inhabitants are observing the very noticeable changes our planet is going through.
Each day there is news about entire cities being flooded with water, the temperatures outside are rising and governments are advising citizens to reduce the usage of resources not because this is a responsible thing to do even when there is no threat of anything running out but because there is an actual emergency we are faced with. There is now no one who can deny this.
But what's the culprit? What exactly is it that has brought so much destruction to our planet?
The answer is simple.
OUR INSANE PLASTIC CONSUMPTION.
Bit by bit, plastic is entering our oceans, lakes, and landfills and creating problems for us, and the fact that we use so much of it makes the situation much worse.
Mentioned below are a few statistics that bring to the forefront the amount of plastic we consume on a daily basis.
● About 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every single year. Take a minute and process this number three hundred million tonnes is a lot.
● Plastic wastage is increasing at an estimated annual rate of 9%. As humans we have developed and grown in almost every area from technology to education, we have digitalized classrooms, and modern learning equipment but at the same time our education systems are not developed enough to teach individuals about the implications of plastic usage. Otherwise, our plastic usage would have had reduced and not increased.
● About 70,000 microplastics are consumed by every individual on an annual basis!
● Plastic pollution is responsible for the death of thousands of marine animals each year. It really is so unfair that these poor animals have to suffer as a consequence of our reckless practices. Often these animals also have to go through leg injuries as dumped-off plastic material may contain sharp objects that can give them bruises. Likewise, plastic gets stuck in the gills of fish making it difficult for them to breathe and causing them to suffer in pain until they eventually die.
● 75% of all the plastic that is produced, mostly as a consequence of trading activities ends up as waste!
● Out of all the plastic that is discarded 91% is never recycled
● 500 billion plastic bottles are used every year, so for every human that you have, there are 66 plastic bottles. A bit insane isn't it?
Now that we have a better idea about the extent to which plastic consumption has become widespread, let's discuss what makes plastic so deadly and how we can help put this plastic crisis to an end.
What makes plastic so deadly?
The thing about plastic that makes it so horrible is the fact that it is not biodegradable. Remember that empty pack of chips you threw away without giving it a second thought earlier today? Well, yeah that plastic bag is not getting biodegraded any time soon. You might have enjoyed that crunchy meal, our planet and the upcoming generations will not!
Another factor that makes plastic so deadly is the emissions it leaves. Research suggests that if plastic was a country it would classify as the fifth highest emitter in the world. Plastic releases many greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which eventually ends up contributing to environmental concerns such as global warming.
Furthermore, plastic pollution has been said to produce highly dangerous toxins such as toluene, benzene, and 1,3-Butadiene. All of these are carcinogenic!
SO IS IT TOO LATE NOW?
Well, we are standing at the very edge and one little push can throw us down, right in the pitch of hell QUITE LITERALLY but it is not late enough to give up completely.
Here is what you can do to become more sustainable and play your role in reducing the plastic problem.
The first step is acknowledging the fact that there is a problem, that you as an individual are contributing towards it, and also that you as an individual have it in yourself to bring about change!
This can be achieved only if you properly educate yourself about the damage plastic is bringing to our planet. Read about it online, go through research papers, and utilize your time and energy for something worthwhile.
Once this is sorted, get the actual work started that is replacing plastic items with sustainable alternatives. Instead of using single-use plastic bottles go for durable bamboo ones. Replace plastic bags with fabric-based tote bags. Instead of having your morning coffee in a plastic cup, take your favorite mug to the cafe.
Just have a look around, make a list of things that you use that are plastic based, and replace them with sustainable alternatives.
Another important thing that must not be ignored and is part of this process towards going plastic free or becoming sustainable, is getting others to do the same.
You can not put a gun on someone's head and scream ‘no plastic’ of course but you can raise awareness.
From time to time talk to your friends, classmates, and colleagues and educate them about the destruction plastic is bringing.
The fact that we live in such a modern digital world makes this so much easier to do. All you need to do is gather authentic information, combine it and share it on your socials. A lot of us tend to under-evaluate the extent to which our words have the power of bringing about change and of course, it's not just about the talking part, you practically implement what you preach as well.
If you are a teacher or a boss or in any place of authority you should try and incorporate sustainability-oriented ideas among the people you interact with. A teacher can for example give students assignments to research the negative impact of plastic and get them to come up with sustainable alternatives. You can make this creative and exciting for the kids so that they can enjoy the process while you can make them aware of some important issues.
Likewise, as a boss, you can work towards making your office space a more sustainable place and reward your subordinates for coming up with plastic-free solutions.
We hope that this article has been an eye-opener and a source of motivation for all those who are struggling with their journey towards sustainability.
To all my eco-friendly warriors out there, I appreciate your efforts, even if you are doing little but doing it with consistency, you are doing yourself and the world at large a favor. We are proud of you!
Together let's own our planet and make it a better place for ourselves and the upcoming generations!
