Plastic is composed of many harmful pollutants. It can cause serious harm to the environment. To prevent this, you need to know about some harmfull effects of plastic on the environment and its solutions.
As the population is rising at an alarming rate, the garbage production rate is also increasing. Soda cans and bottles of water are indeed easily disposable, but the storage of these products has led to increased plastic pollution in the world.
Causes of Plastics Pollution
Plastic causes harm to an area when it starts to accumulate there and harms the natural surroundings. Plastic accumulation causes problems for wildlife, animals, birds, and humans, so why not stop this? By now, you should be aware of 10 points on harmful effects of plastic on the environment, but clarity is required.
It can even harm tiny species included in the food chain, so it’s high time to find solutions to prevent the accumulation of plastic.
Let’s learn about the 10 points on harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
10 Points on Harmful effects of plastic on the environment
This massive amount of plastic can cause serious harmful effects on the natural environment. Plastic takes time to break down and causes lifelong negative impacts on natural surroundings and humans also. Some of the significant long-term harmful effects of plastic on the environment are listed below.
1. Effect on human
Plastic affects human health as toxic chemicals from plastics can enter the body through seafood consumption. Micro plastics have been found in marine species, many of which end up on our plates. Additionally, humans ingest microplastics through bottled water and inhale them due to poor waste management practices.
2. Disturbs food chain
Food chains can be large or small, and plastic can cause harm to tiny organisms of the food chain. When microscopic organisms of the food chain get affected, it will cause problems for larger animals who depend on these small animals for food.
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This will further create problems in the food chain, and ultimately to humans as humans eat animals
3. Effect on groundwater
Water is the essential element required by every living being, but the danger of water pollution is increasing due to waste and plastic leakage.
Whenever rain occurs, the harmful particles from garbage come into groundwater and make the water contaminated with toxins. Oceans also get affected due to plastics which causes detrimental effects on marine species.
4. Effect on land
When plastic gets accumulated on land, the plastic comes in contact with water and forms toxic chemicals. When plastic waste goes underground, it harms the quality of land and water.
Plastic flows from one place to another due to wind, and it increases the land garbage. Plastica waste can get stuck with anything like traffic lights, poles, etc., and can cause problems to animals who come in contact with this waste.
5. Effect on air
If you burn plastic in the open air, it causes harmful effects due to the release of harmful toxins. If this deadly toxin is released into the air and comes in contact with humans and animals, it affects the health of biological species and causes severe respiratory diseases.
6. Effect on animals
Animals are significantly affected by plastic pollution. Many ingest plastic or become entangled in it, leading to injury, illness, or death. The toxins in plastic can also disrupt ecosystems and harm wildlife health.
7. Effect of plastic bags on the environment
Plastic bags take several years to decompose, due to that toxic substances are released into the soil, making them harmful. Plastic bags, if not appropriately decomposed, then it will become a severe environmental issue. Animals consume these plastic bags that can suffocate them, but humans can do many things to save the environment.
8. Never vanish
Plastic doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which persist in the environment. These microplastics can spread far and wide, contaminating water and soil.
9. Effect on the beauty of nature
Accumulation of plastic dramatically affects the beauty of nature. The beauty of nature degrades due to this plastic waste. People throw away the plastic waste here and there without realizing the consequences, then these plastics release their harmful toxins in nature and make it toxic.
10. Effect on business
Plastic pollution negatively impacts tourism and local economies. Littered environments are less attractive to tourists, which can lead to financial losses for businesses that rely on tourism. Additionally, cleaning up plastic waste is costly for municipalities.
Solutions to prevent the effects
If every individual and every company vows to practice things that can reduce the accumulation of plastic, then this world can become a better place to live. The whole world will become free from the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
The best solutions to prevent the harmful effects of plastic on the environment are as below.
- If individuals and companies commit to reducing plastic use, we can mitigate its harmful effects. Here are some practical solutions:
- Use Reusable Bags: Instead of plastic bags, opt for reusable bags made from cloth or other sustainable materials.
- Choose Metal Water Bottles: Replace single-use plastic bottles with reusable metal ones.
- Use Reusable Containers: For food storage, use containers made of glass or metal instead of plastic.
- Opt for Recyclable Packaging: Choose products with minimal plastic packaging or those that come in recyclable materials.
- Carry Reusable Items: Take your reusable bags and containers when shopping or dining out to avoid using disposable plastics.
- Avoid Microbeads and Microfibres: Avoid cosmetics containing microbeads and clothes made from synthetic fibers that shed microplastics during washing.
- Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and waste.
Eco-friendly plastic products
To further reduce the harmful effects of plastic, consider using eco-friendly plastic alternatives. Here are a few options:
Plastic Kalas bowl
A Plastic Kalas bowl could be a perfect item used as a reusable product for gifting. The product has high utility and comes in various colors. These recyclable plastic bowls are under 500rs.
Kouzzina reusable grocery bag
An eco-friendly, reusable, lightweight, foldable, and rigid bag. Much convenient for shopping, travel, and school purposes. It can be put in a pocket when not in use. The cost of these super comfortable, reusable grocery bags is 179 to 400rs.
Relemtra plastic cereal and dry food storage containers
With the help of these reusable plastic containers, the food remains fresh for a long time, and also the storage capacity is good. Containers are manufactured from non-toxic plastic.
Alternatives of Plastic Products
- ✔️8-Piece Reusable Utensils with Case：includes 1 x dinner knife,1 x dinner fork, 1 x dinner spoon,1 x soup spoon, 1 pair of chopsticks, 1 x bent straw, 1 x straight straw, 1 x straw brush, plus 1 x travel flatware carrying case,suitable for restaurant, travel, camp, school or workplace…
- ✔️High Quality Material : reusable utensils constructed by high quality rust-resistant food grade stainless steel, durable and healthy for daily use, dishwasher safe,smooth edges without rough spots, anti-oxidation, stylish and generous.
- ✔️Portable Utensils Set: small in size and light in weight,making it easy to carry around. suitable for daily use, travels, picnics, barbecues, street foods, school office lunches, camping, hiking,home travel, parties or and eating on the go, etc.
- Quality stainless steel for mirror finish, strength, durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Without bpa and toxin. Rust proof and hygenic. Dishwasher safe.
- Easily stackable in to each other. Saving space.
- Different sizes which will fulfill all your storage needs. Ideal for roti, chapati, khakhra, thepla, puri, bhakri, chocolate, buiscuits and more.
- EASY LUNCH PREP: Glass food containers are a convenient 35 oz (1040 ml) each. Just the right size for meal prep. Freeze preprepped meals, store leftovers or pack lunch into a cooler.
- SAFE AND FRIENDLY: As opposed to plastic, glass is friendly to the environment and free of chemicals. Hot foods can be transferred directly to the containers, as no chemicals will leach into the food. Lids are crafted of BPA-free plastic, making them a safe choice.
- PREMIUM GLASS: Crafted of borosilicate transparent glass, containers tolerate rapid temperature changes, never warping or cracking. Entirely safe to transfer from freezer to oven in instants. Glass containers won’t absorb stains or smells, making them the perfect choice for acidic foods. Glossy surface maintains the tastiness of food for long periods of time.
- AIRTIGHT SEAL: A locking lid creates an airtight seal for food freshness. Newly innovated hinged-lids technology enables the lid to flip open and shut quickly and last longer than those crafted of one piece. Containers are leakproof and perfect for the gym, pool, or work.
- Package Contents: 6 – Pieces Elate Water Bottle (880 ml Each)
- Single wall fridge bottle with inside outside stainless steel made which is rust free
- This bottle is easy to clean and maintain, Use a mild detergent or dish wash liquid and clean on the inside with a bottle brush
- This Bottle is unique in shape, it has leak proof technology, which make this product easy to carry at school, travelling and work, it is Odour Free and 100 percent Food Grade
- · Usage of Jute Pouch : This Jute Bags are suitable for wedding favor, jewelry packaging, gift wrapping, party, Christmas gift, festivals and other occasions.
- · Drawstring is there to secure bag Contents, it is easy to fasten and loosen, convenient to carry when you go out or ramble
- · Suitable For All Occasions Like Wedding Baby Showers,Functions,Birthdays,Festivals Or Any Event.
- DURABLE : Durable, reusable and sustainable, this traditional party favor bags is made from natural Jute Linen .You can feel good about buying these bags and because they can be reused, your wallet…
Conclusion
Hopefully, now all of you must be aware of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and their solutions. And the introduction of some eco-friendly plastic products will inspire people to use them more, rather than plastic products. Now, the time has come to understand this and stop this activity. Nature wants a plastic-free area.
Related Post : Importance Of Eco-Friendly Products | Why You Should Use Them
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Will it harm my health if I accidentally eat plastic?
Not much harm is caused if plastic is taken accidentally, as smaller pieces of plastic can pass through the body with the help of various acids and will not cause any problem. But, when the plastic piece is more extensive, it can cause problems as the plastic can’t digest in the body.
Q2. Is plastic harmful to the environment? What would you replace it with?
Yes, plastic is very harmful due to its non-biodegradable nature and toxic effects. Replace plastic with eco-friendly products like jute bags, stainless steel containers, bamboo utensils, and natural fibers.
Q3. Is it dangerous to drink tea in a plastic glass?
It is harmful to drink hot tea in a plastic glass, as the plastic break down into micro plastics when it comes in contact with any hot substance. When you take a sip of tea from plastic glass, then along with tea, some micro plastic will also enter into your body.
Q4. How will you convince people about the harmful effects of plastic?
It is essential to convince people or to create awareness among people about the recycling of plastic. Tell people to recycle plastic or use reusable bags, reusable containers, etc., and convince people not to throw things on just one use.
