Introduction
The documentary A Plastic Tide focuses on one of the most relevant issues in environmental studies – the impact of plastic waste on oceans and sea life. The film examines this problem through a series of interviews and educational material, demonstrating the necessity of recycling to prevent disastrous consequences. Ultimately, the main thesis of the movie is that plastic waste is a global problem that presents an immediate danger to both people and marine ecosystems.
Discussion
The film provides extensive supporting evidence to prove its main argument and convey the message that it is critical to introduce new and effective recycling policies to prevent the negative impact of plastic waste. First, the movie shows shocking images of beaches globally littered with tons of rubbish, from India to Scotland. It is a global problem because ocean currents can move the plastic waste from one part of the world to the opposite. Secondly, the movie explains the risks of microplastic – tiny details of plastic items that present immense danger to marine wildlife and humans. Fish and even birds consume a large amount of microplastic and cannot effectively digest it. Consequently, people eat seafood and ingest this microplastic, which has negative effects on their health. The experts in the movie estimate that an average person in Belgium eats nearly 11,000 particles of microplastic per year (“A Plastic Tide,” 30:40). This evidence clearly conveys how dangerous plastic waste is for the ocean wildlife and humans.
Conclusion and Reaction
Personally, I was impressed by the dimensions of the problem and particularly by how much plastic waste affects people. I looked into the issue further and found that microplastic can lead to multiple diseases, such as respiratory and cognitive complications (Landrigan et al.). Moreover, the negative effect is even more prominent in pregnant women, leading to severe problems in babies, such as ADHD and autism (Landrigan et al.). Reflecting on the video and research, I am genuinely inclined to change my habits and take an ecologically friendly way of life more seriously. I want to lead a healthier life and contribute to the well-being of the planet, humans, and sea life.
Works Cited
“A Plastic Tide.” Films On Demand, Films Media Group, 2017, Web.
Landrigan, Philip J., et al. “Human Health and Ocean Pollution.” Annals of Global Health, vol. 86, no. 1, 2020, pp. 151–183., Web.