Our planet is in a dire state. Unfortunately, technology that has allowed humanity to prosper is negatively impacting our ecosystem. The situation has gotten so drastic that ecologists are warning us that we are getting past the point of no return. Numerous issues such as pollution, global warming, climate change, carbon dioxide levels, deforestation are permanently changing the face of our planet. One of the greatest threats facing us is plastics and micro plastics pollution. Most of it is not disposed of correctly and ends up harming land and marine wildlife. To save our environment, we must find a suitable way to deal with plastics and microplastics.
In 1907, the first fully synthetic plastic was invented by Leo Baekeland and revolutionized mass manufacturing (Science History Institute, n.d.). Humans did not need to mine natural resources anymore; all human needs could be fulfilled in the laboratory. During the Second World War, plastic production increased by 300% as it was used to make military equipment such as helmets, raincoats, tents, and parachutes (Science History Institute, n.d.). After the war, production boomed as plastic containers, tables, chairs, and Saran Wrap flooded the market. It was going to be the great equalizer that would provide every family with comfort and abundance thanks to its cheapness, lightness and durability (Science History Institute, n.d.). Gradually, however, environmental concerns appeared because most plastic is used only once before it is thrown out and pollutes nature for centuries. Furthermore, plastic eventually breaks down into microplastics, small pieces less than five millimeters long. These pieces wind up in open landfills or natural environments, where they are eaten by animals and either block or chemically poison their airways and digestive tracts (Parker, 2019; Richie & Roser, 2018). Plastics in the ocean also release toxins and affect the quality of our drinking water. The material that was supposed to ensure a brighter future for humanity is actually contributing to its death.
Our planet is in a dire state. Unfortunately, technology that has allowed humanity to prosper is negatively impacting our ecosystem. The situation has gotten so drastic that ecologists are warning us that we are getting past the point of no return. Numerous issues such as pollution, global warming, climate change, carbon dioxide levels, deforestation are permanently changing the face of our planet. One of the greatest threats facing us is plastics and microplastics pollution. Most of it is not disposed of correctly and ends up harming both humans and wildlife. To save our environment, we must find a suitable way to deal with plastics and microplastics.
In 1907, the first fully synthetic plastic was invented by Leo Baekeland and revolutionized mass manufacturing (Science History Institute, n.d.). Humans were not required to mine natural resources anymore; all our needs could be fulfilled in the laboratory. During the Second World War, plastic production increased by 300% as it was used to make military equipment such as helmets, raincoats, tents, and parachutes (Science History Institute, n.d.). After the war, production boomed as plastic containers, tables, chairs, and Saran Wrap flooded the market. It was going to be the great equalizer that would provide every family with comfort and abundance thanks to its cheapness and durability (Science History Institute, n.d.). Gradually, however, environmental concerns appeared because most plastic is used only once before it is thrown out and pollutes nature for centuries. Furthermore, plastic eventually breaks down into microplastics, small pieces less than five millimeters long. These pieces wind up in open landfills or natural environments, where they are eaten by animals and either block or chemically poison their airways and digestive tracts (Parker, 2019; Richie & Roser, 2018). Plastics in the ocean also release toxins and affect the quality of our drinking water. The material that was supposed to ensure a brighter future for humanity is contributing to its death.
Many governments and organizations are struggling to come up with solutions to this pressing problem. Firstly, we must decrease overall plastic consumption. This can happen either through the invention of biodegradable alternatives or by producing only reusable plastic products. Secondly, it is important to use public policy and awareness campaigns. For example, numerous countries ban single-use plastic bags and the commercial use of microplastics. Extensive education programs and advertisements are launched to encourage more eco-friendly behavior among the general population, especially recycling. Thirdly, we must find ways to clean the current plastic debris from the environment with cost-effective technology such as clean-up boats and seabins. Plastics and microplastics are a complicated problem that requires a multisided solution.
In conclusion, every individual today has a moral duty to consider the influence of their everyday choices on the environment. While it is convenient, our current attitude towards plastic as a single-use disposable resource is not sustainable. Unless we do something right now, our world will become a giant landfill. This requires a multilayered solution that includes reducing manufacturing, changing public policy, and inventing cleaning technology.
References
Parker, L. (2019). The world’s plastic pollution crisis explained.National Geographic.
Ritchie, H. & Roser, M. (2018). Plastic pollution. Our World in Data.
Science History Institute. (n.d.). History and future of plastics.