Today, over 400 million tons of plastic is produced every year for various purposes, from industrial usage to household items. And, the majority of plastic produced every year is unrecyclable.
According to a report, 79% of plastic waste is disposed of in landfills or dumps, while over 12% is burnt or destroyed. Only 9% of the plastic is recyclable, which is only a small fraction. On the other hand, 32% of plastic, i.e., around 141 million tons of packaging waste, is leaked into the environment without caring for the marine ecosystems.
The Shocking Aftermath Of Using Plastic
First and foremost, the plastic you use is damaging your health and that of your loved ones. According to several studies, people ingest around 5 grams of plastic per week. This is equal to eating your credit card every week by using bottled water or the packaged food we consume.
The plastic disposal and incineration industry has also played a role in the destruction of marine life and that on land to a great extent. Some researchers estimate that there will be more plastic in the ocean than the fish by 2050.
Can you imagine your kids pointing out a fish, which is only plastic floating underwater? Isn’t it heart-wrenching? A simple everyday product, yet so deadly.
How To Replace Plastic With Eco-Friendly Polymers
It’s time to look for replacements. Environmental scientists have now developed more durable polymers that serve the same purpose as plastic. But, the difference here is they can easily be decomposed. Having said that, there are several other ways to reduce plastic usage.
Many countries are doing their part in making the world plastic-free, including Canada, Europe, India, and China as the topmost contributors in this cause.
Here is how you can make a difference:
- Boycott single-use plastic items
- Look for alternatives like compostable biopolymers
- Use bio-degradable plastics only
- Use natural fiber cloth
- Choose wood, glass, or bamboo for sustainable household accessories
- Use paper bags instead of plastic bags
- Use paper packaging instead of plastic packaging
- Use paper cutlery, straws, and crockery instead of plastic ones
In Conclusion
The damage caused by plastic is long-term and irreversible, but we still have time to stop it dead in its tracks. There is no time like now to renew your commitment to the planet and the wellbeing of your upcoming generations by responsibly sourcing alternatives to plastic.
Replace the plastic with eco-friendly polymers, natural fibers, and natural materials that are easy to dispose of, decompose, and incinerate without damaging your health or environment.
The only way to do it is by making better and informed eco-friendly choices.
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