plastic pollution essay introduction

Plastic Pollution Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on plastic pollution.

Plastic is everywhere nowadays. People are using it endlessly just for their comfort. However, no one realizes how it is harming our planet. We need to become aware of the consequences so that we can stop plastic pollution . Kids should be taught from their childhood to avoid using plastic. Similarly, adults must check each other on the same. In addition, the government must take stringent measures to stop plastic pollution before it gets too late.

Uprise of Plastic Pollution

Plastic has become one of the most used substances. It is seen everywhere these days, from supermarkets to common households. Why is that? Why is the use of plastic on the rise instead of diminishing? The main reason is that plastic is very cheap. It costs lesser than other alternatives like paper and cloth. This is why it is so common.

Secondly, it is very easy to use. Plastic can be used for almost anything either liquid or solid. Moreover, it comes in different forms which we can easily mold.

Furthermore, we see that plastic is a non-biodegradable material. It does not leave the face of the Earth . We cannot dissolve plastic in land or water, it remains forever. Thus, more and more use of plastic means more plastic which won’t get dissolved. Thus, the uprise of plastic pollution is happening at a very rapid rate.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Impact of Plastic Pollution

Plastic Pollution is affecting the whole earth, including mankind, wildlife, and aquatic life. It is spreading like a disease which has no cure. We all must realize the harmful impact it has on our lives so as to avert it as soon as possible.

Plastic pollutes our water. Each year, tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean. As plastic does not dissolve, it remains in the water thereby hampering its purity. This means we won’t be left with clean water in the coming years.

Furthermore, plastic pollutes our land as well. When humans dump Plastic waste into landfills, the soil gets damaged. It ruins the fertility of the soil. In addition to this, various disease-carrying insects collect in that area, causing deadly illnesses.

Should Plastic Be Banned? Read the Essay here

Most importantly, plastic pollution harms the Marine life . The plastic litter in the water is mistaken for food by the aquatic animals. They eat it and die eventually. For instance, a dolphin died due to a plastic ring stuck in its mouth. It couldn’t open its mouth due to that and died of starvation. Thus, we see how innocent animals are dying because of plastic pollution.

In short, we see how plastic pollution is ruining everyone’s life on earth. We must take major steps to prevent it. We must use alternatives like cloth bags and paper bags instead of plastic bags. If we are purchasing plastic, we must reuse it. We must avoid drinking bottled water which contributes largely to plastic pollution. The government must put a plastic ban on the use of plastic. All this can prevent plastic pollution to a large extent.

FAQs on Plastic Pollution Essay

Q.1 Why is plastic pollution on the rise?

A.1 Plastic Pollution is on the rise because nowadays people are using plastic endlessly. It is very economical and easily available. Moreover, plastic does not dissolve in the land or water, it stays for more than hundred years contributing to uprise of plastic pollution.

Q.2 How is plastic pollution impacting the earth?

A.2 Plastic pollution is impacting the earth in various ways. Firstly, it is polluting our water. This causes a shortage of clean water and thus we cannot have enough supply for all. Moreover, it is also ruining our soils and lands. The soil fertility is depleting and disease-carrying insects are collecting in landfills of plastic.

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• Plastic Pollution Essay

Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste makes its way from our homes and offices to landfills and bodies of water, causing contamination. For the sake of health and the environment, it is important to properly dispose of such plastic waste and to reduce its widespread use. Here we have provided both a Long and Short essay on plastic pollution for students of Class 1 to 12.

Students can refer to these plastic pollution essays in English to gain some insights on the topic as well as a reference for writing their essays.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is becoming more of a global problem. Governments, foundations, and some social media organizations are all attempting to raise awareness about this issue. Plastic goods are commonly used in industry because they are more effective and less costly than other materials.

Plastic, on the other hand, triggers a slew of environmental issues. Plastic pollution has several negative effects on our climate, but the three most important are ocean pollution, land pollution, and food pollution.

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on the oceans, and it's getting worse every year. Some governments are imposing strict regulations to discourage the use of plastic goods so that people are aware of the effect of plastic waste on the environment. As a result, action must be taken to address this issue before it is too late.

Plastics come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are commonly used in our everyday lives. Today, it's difficult to find a substance that isn't made of plastic. Thermosets, also known as thermoplastics, are used in several products.

The following are a few examples of plastic objects that people typically use in their daily lives:

PET fabric and polyester condensers.

Plastic tapes–fabrics, garments, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings, tarpaulins, etc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–used in water bottles, tubes, detergent bottles, food trays in microwaves.

PET fabric and polyester condensers, LCDs, and plastic tapes–fabrics, clothes, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings have frequently broken FAQor or wall corsets made of polyvinyl chloride, automobile instrument boards, electrical wiring sheaths, games, syringes, cloth covers, window frames, and other high-density polyethene building materials Plastic bags, trash bags, prescription bottles, empty food containers, bottles, and milk bottle liners are all examples of items that can be recycled.

While it might seem that addressing chemical waste issues is as simple as recycling or washing empty bottles, the reality is that polluting plastic can vary in size from large to small.

Even if you don't want it on those products, plastic is all around us. Milk boxes are stuffed with cardboard, water bottles are strewn around, and some items can also contain small plastic pieces. Chemical pollutants are more likely to enter the environment and cause harm each time one of these items is discarded or swept away.

Plastic is one of the many widely available but overused items in today's world due to its low cost. When burned in the open, this does not decompose quickly and pollutes the underlying soil or groundwater.

Commercial fisheries are an unavoidable requirement in many parts of the world, but many people consume fish daily. Nonetheless, this industry has culminated in a variety of solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. Plastic is often used in the nets used by certain large-scale troll operations. Second, they spend a lot of time submerged in water, where they can freely release contaminants, but they are frequently dissolved or killed, leaving them to live wherever they land. It not only destroys and threatens native animals, but it also allows chemicals to swim away and contaminate nearby fish.

The majority of the items are made of plastic, but most of the materials are not biodegradable, making disposal difficult. There were no natural methods in place to recycle non-biodegradable plastics. It cannot be recycled or left to starve in the manner in which traditional waste is discarded or spilt.

Also, reuse does not reduce steel use because it recycles existing plastics in a new shape. In a variety of ways, the method of paper recycling can result in the release of plastic allergens.

Short Plastic Pollution Essay in English

Plastic waste has long-term social, economic, and ecotoxicological effects. Entanglement, swallowing, and starvation are some of the physical effects on sea life. Chemical influence: the accumulation of residual chemical contaminants like PCBs and DDT.

It's easy to see how this amount of oil, which isn't meant to penetrate, can harm the environment over time, causing long-term problems for plants, animals, and humans. The following are a few of the major long-term consequences of pollution:

Upsets the Flow of Food - Polluting materials, which come in smaller and larger dimensions, impact even the tiniest species on the earth, such as plankton. When these species become contaminated as a result of plastic ingestion, it poses a threat to larger animals that depend on them for food. Any move further along the food supply chain can cause a slew of problems. Furthermore, it means that plastic is present in the fish that so many people consume daily.

Groundwater Pollution - Chemicals are released into the soil and leak into groundwater, resulting in groundwater pollution (also known as groundwater contamination). Such a type of water pollution may also occur naturally as a result of the presence of a minor and undesirable component, contaminant, or impurity in underground water, in which case it is more likely to be referred to as waste rather than pollution. Plastics are responsible for almost all the waste and pollution that pollutes the world's oceans. It will have devastating effects for a variety of marine animals, with repercussions for those that consume fish or other sea life for food, such as humans.

Land Pollution - Once dumped in landfills, the plastic reacts with water or forms toxic chemicals. If these pollutants flow deep into the water, they degrade its efficiency. The stench wafts through the litter and transports waste from one place to the next. They can also become entrapped in posts, traffic lights, trees, walls, houses, and other structures, as well as predators that may arrive in the area and suffocate to death.

Air Pollution - Air pollution appears to be a mix of solid particles and gases in the atmosphere. Pollutants from automobiles, plants, smoke, pollen, and mould spores can all be stored as particulate matter. Ozone is a chemical that contributes significantly to urban air pollution. Smog is the term for when ozone causes air pollution. Some of the toxins in the air are poisonous.

Plastic trash disposal that isn't done properly would have a huge environmental effect. To ensure that the environment remains free of plastic waste, waste disposal using green technologies and proper waste management must be strictly controlled. The preservation of the environment from rising plastic contamination is the responsibility of every human being.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastic can be found in everything from milk cartons to water bottles. Plastics are inexpensive, simple to manufacture, and extremely durable. Toxic contaminants have a greater probability of infiltrating the environment and causing harm every time one of these plastic objects is disposed of or rinsed down the drain.

It is one of the most commonly available and overused items in the world today because it is less expensive. Demand for low-cost plastics is increasing because of rising urbanization and population increase.

Because they're so inexpensive, they're also easily discarded. When burned in the open air, it does not degrade quickly and pollutes the ground and air nearby.

Waste is frequently carried by the winds. Plastic, because it is lightweight, is carried away by gentle winds and washed into sewers, rivers, streams and, eventually, the oceans. Natural disasters, such as floods, should also be taken into account as sources of plastic pollution.

Commercial fishing is a necessary economic industry in many regions of the world, but it has contributed to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans in several ways. Plastic nets are commonly utilized in certain large-scale fishing activities. They are frequently broken apart or misplaced and can rot wherever they fall. Marine animals become entangled in nets and/or ingest the poisonous particles.

FAQs on Plastic Pollution Essay

1. What do we Mean by Plastic Pollution?

Plastic Pollution occurs when synthetic plastic goods accumulate in the atmosphere to the point that they pose a threat to wildlife and their ecosystems, as well as human populations.

2. What are the Ways in Which we can Avoid/Control Plastic Pollution?

The reality is that the only way to fix this problem is for people and businesses all over the world to agree to and enforce pollution-reduction policies. The best plastic pollution solutions to control and avoid it are listed below.

Shop Friendly - Plastic bags have become a daily convenience, but they can be easily replaced with plastic bags, some of which are elegantly structured and lightweight. Simply add up how many things you typically carry out of a store and divide by the number of times you shop there. It's a substantial sum of money! Take a bag and, if you have any, just use plastic bags as much as you can.

Get Rid of Bottled Water - Drinking plenty of water is recommended every day, and giant water bottles are becoming a popular way to stay hydrated during the day. Furthermore, some of these are only licenced for individual use, meaning that any full container will end up in the trash. Several companies are now selling recycled water bottles as a substitute, reducing plastic waste and the availability of leaky bottles.

Reduce the Usage of To-go Containers - You'd be amazed to hear how much plastic is used in the manufacture and storage of food containers. Though the cafe's drink cup is documented and usually wrapped in acrylic for padding (for either a cup of coffee or a piece of cardboard to see what's going on). Plastic food plates, lids, and cookware can all be quickly replaced with recycled materials, resulting in a substantial reduction in waste from only one meal.

3. Why is plastic pollution on the rise?

The accumulation of plastic in the environment causes plastic pollution. Primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, are classified as primary, whereas secondary plastics, which emerge from the decomposition of primary plastics, are classified as secondary. Its world production is increasing at an exponential rate. Plastic pollution is on the rise because of people's persistent need to use plastic. Its outstanding features, including simplicity of shape, low cost, and mechanical resistance, all contribute to its success. It is both inexpensive and readily available. Furthermore, plastic does not decompose in the soil or water; it persists for over a century, contributing to an increase in plastic pollution. Plastic is practically everywhere because it is the suitable material for packaging. Natural disasters, such as floods, should be considered plastic pollution sources.

4. How does plastic pollution affect the environment?

Plastic pollution has a range of effects on the environment. Plastic stays in the ecosystem for a long time, causing a hazard to wildlife and spreading pollutants. Plastic also majorly contributes to global warming. Almost all plastics are made from chemicals used in the manufacturing of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. To begin with, it pollutes our water. So, there is a scarcity of clean water and everyone's needs for clean water can’t be fulfilled. It is also eroding our soils and fields. Disease-carrying insects are accumulating in plastic landfills, and soil fertility is worsening. Plastics are also released into the atmosphere when they are burned in incinerators, releasing greenhouse gases and hazardous air pollution. Plastic has an impact on all organisms in the food chain, from microscopic plankton to whales.

5. Where can I get a collection of long and short essays for my school?

Vedantu has a good collection of long and short essays to help students from Class 1 – 12. Vedantu's online educational platform will provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. You will be able to chat with some of the instructors with adequate expertise to coach you for school exams, competitive exams, and so on through our live interactive teaching sessions. In addition to coaching classes, we provide revision notes for grades 6 to 12. You can also easily download them and access them as per your convenience. Students who are looking for good quality study material, can download that from Vedantu website in PDF format with no extra cost. You can also get more resources for free by downloading the Vedantu app.

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Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics

09 May 2022

https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

Plastic is one of the most enduring materials man has created. Nowadays, we all know that it can take hundreds of years for plastic to degrade, and research is showing that it is possible that it does not even fully degrade, but becomes what we call microplastic .

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that can be eaten by marine animals and end up in their bodies and tissues, entering the food chain and leading to disastrous consequences for the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.

Even if human beings are becoming more and more aware of the hazards this material poses to life, the presence of plastic in our ocean is continually increasing, and plastic pollution is still one of the main causes of marine species extinction , health problems for human beings and animals alike, and the destruction of our ecosystems.

In this article, we will look at ocean plastic pollution and lay out the data and statistics you need to understand the daunting issue we are facing. Most importantly, we will also look at what we can do as individuals and as part of our society to prevent plastic pollution and save our planet.

Let’s start!

Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Where does it come from?

It is clear that plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues we are currently facing, but how did it come to be? Moreover, where does all the plastic in the ocean come from?

Plastics produced from fossil fuels are just over a century old , but they revolutionized our life completely. It allowed the invention of many life-saving devices and the implementation of new technologies that changed the course of history.

However, the great advantages plastic offered led to a throwaway trend that made us discover plastic’s dark side: the threat it poses to our environment and life.

The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering : we buy or use disposable plastic items (food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, bottles, etc.) and do not dispose of them properly, which cause them to end up in the waterways and eventually in the ocean.

Yet, not all-plastic waste in the ocean is an effect of littering: many plastics and microplastics are the product of improper manufacturing processes and about 20% of the ocean’s plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing.

Plastic Pollution: Key Facts

• Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year.
• Research states that, by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea.
• In the last ten years, we have produced more plastic products than in the previous century.
• The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has stated that basically 100% of all plastics human beings have ever created are still in existence.
• Plastic generally takes between 500-1000 years to degrade. Even then, it becomes microplastics, without fully degrading.
• Currently, there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean.
• This plastic either breaks down into microplastic particles (see below), or floats around and ends up forming garbage patches.

Garbage Patches in the Ocean

Most of the plastic we find in the ocean comes from land: it flows downstream through rivers all the way to the sea. At first, it may stay in coastal waters, but it can soon be picked up by rotating ocean currents , called gyres, and transported literally anywhere in the world.

According to National Geographic, scientists found plastic coming from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China on Henderson Island , an uninhabited isolated atoll halfway between Chile and New Zealand.

Usually, marine plastic debris groups up in what we call garbage patches, plastic accumulation areas, in the center of the ocean’s gyres. The biggest is the Great Pacific garbage patch , located between Hawaii and California.

Consequences

Today, plastic production and use is still at its highest, but the data on recycling are not at all promising: only about 10% of the plastic we produce is currently being recycled . The rest is either incinerated, causing air pollution, or it ends up in our oceans and environment.

Harm to Wildlife

Plastic pollution in the ocean has a devastating impact on marine life and ecosystems. The most obvious one being the damage plastic items cause to animals when they come into contact with or ingest them, which include suffocation, entanglement, laceration, infections and internal injuries.

17% of the species affected by the presence of plastic in the ocean are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Yet, there are more problems related to plastic: floating plastic items can help transport invasive species, which leads to threats for marine ecosystems , biodiversity and the food web.

Harm to Human Beings

As we explained above, microplastics have now become part of the food chain and have been found everywhere: in drinking water, salt, beer and in the soil where we grow our vegetables.

Plastic materials are carcinogenic and can affect the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, neurological, reproductive and immune disorders. Another health hazard is given by toxic contaminants that often accumulate on plastic’s surface, and are then transferred to humans through the consumption of seafood.

Climate Change

Plastic pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin : plastic production, as it is created from fossil fuels, highly contributes to the climate crisis.

Moreover, as we already mentioned, when plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, increasing emissions and worsening global warming.

Economic effects

According to research, the yearly economic costs of plastic in the ocean are estimated to be between $6-19bn USD. These costs are given by its impact on tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, and (governmental) cleanups.

Images of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Here, we have decided to show you some recent images of plastic pollution in the ocean.

This will help you comprehend the magnitude of the threat that plastic pollution in the ocean poses to our planet and life, as we know it, and hopefully help you develop a deeper awareness of what is going on.

Why it is Vital to Prevent Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is undoubtedly an issue that requires worldwide cooperation. Its consequences affect the whole planet and its inhabitants: it threatens ocean health , the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health , coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.

Reducing the presence of plastic in our oceans will not only allow us to save marine species and ecosystems, but will improve our overall health and that of the environment in general, helping us fight climate change and working towards a more sustainable future .

How to Stop Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

It is quite hard to retrieve plastic from the ocean once it has entered it. New technologies allow us to catch larger marine debris, but small plastic items and microplastics are virtually impossible to reach, especially when they are deep in the ocean.

Therefore, many scientists and conservationists have declared that the best solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place.

This could be accomplished with the improvement of our waste management systems and the implementation of recycling . In addition, it is essential to reconsider the design and usage of disposable packaging , and the reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

What Can We Do

There are many ways to keep plastic out of the ocean ! Here are some strategies you can adopt and share with your community:

• Reduce plastic use Think about all the plastic items you use in your daily life. Can you even count them all? Being more aware of the way you use plastic is a great starting point to reduce plastic waste.

We know, habits are hard to change, but even a small individual commitment can make a difference especially when talking about the single-use plastics we mentioned earlier which, according to data from the European Parliament, are responsible for 49% of all marine pollution.

Here are some new habits you can take inspiration from:

• Swap plastic bags for reusable ones, made of cloth or fiber.
• Reduce the use of disposable plastic cups, plates, cutlery and bottles. For example, bring your own reusable bottle to work and a reusable coffee cup for your morning take-away!)
• Buy food and cleaning products in bulk to avoid useless plastic wrappings. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to choose from, and many supermarkets let you fill your own jars/bags.
• Choose metal or glass food containers and storage options instead of plastic ones.
• Avoid buying and using cosmetics that contain plastic microspheres or microbeads.
• Participate in (or organize!) a cleanup

If you live by a sea or river, you can volunteer to pick up litter in your local community, thus remove plastics from the waterways and preventing them from getting to the ocean in the first place. There are many organizations you can join, or simply do it on the weekend with your friends and family. Every little helps!

• Support the right legislation

Of course, it is essential to change our individual behaviors and habits, but unfortunately, this is not sufficient to prevent and stop ocean plastic pollution. It is also essential that you support legislation that aims at reducing the use and production of plastic, improve recycling facilities and better manage waste in general.

• Support research and organizations

One of the main weapons we can use to stop ocean pollution is research. By deepening our knowledge of the effects of the issue, we can start implementing better policies for all.

There are many NGOs and non-profit that rely on donations to develop their projects and research for reducing and eliminating plastic from the ocean. Here are some examples:

• Oceanic Society
• Plastic Pollution Coalition
• Plastic Soup Foundation

Sylvia Earle, marine biologist, said: “It is the worst of times but it is the best of times because we still have a chance.” So, let us make the best of this chance; we can all make choices to protect our planet, it is not too late!

https://www.itsafishthing.com/plastic-in-the-ocean/

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/plastic-planet-how-tiny-plastic-particles-are-polluting-our-soil

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/marinedebris/plastics-in-the-ocean.html

https://theoceancleanup.com/

https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/plastic-in-the-ocean

https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/how-does-plastic-end-ocean

https://www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-today/

Coral Reef Poster

Ocean literacy: the essential principles and fundamental concepts of ocean sciences for learners of all ages (2020), ocean literacy in european oceanographic agencies: eurogoos recommendations for the un decade of ocean science for sustainable development 2021-2030.

The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Conservation

Children Play among Plastic

While plastic pollution is a worldwide problem it is most obvious in less-wealthy African and Asian nations, like the Philippines. Here, children play among plastic waste on the shore of Manila Bay.

Photograph by Randy Olson

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also have trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations. How Did this Happen? Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II to the extent that life without plastics would be unimaginable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and lessening pollution —and saved lives with helmets, incubators , and equipment for clean drinking water. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: Today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used for mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastics by the Numbers Some key facts:

• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
• Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

How Plastics Move around the World Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream . Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. On Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre , a circular ocean current. Microplastics Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than half a centimer (one-fifth of an inch) across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench, the deepest trough . Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers (or the even smaller nanofibers), meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air. Harm to Wildlife Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics. Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by  abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings. Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation. Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death. Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to  reproductive systems , prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations. Stemming the Plastic Tide Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel, a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society—say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

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Related Resources

Short Essay: Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The proliferation of plastic waste in our oceans, rivers, and landfills has detrimental effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. As a result, addressing the issue of plastic pollution has become a critical priority for individuals, communities, and governments worldwide.

Writing an essay on plastic pollution provides an opportunity to delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this pervasive problem. It allows us to explore the environmental, social, and economic implications of plastic pollution while raising awareness and encouraging action. By examining the issue from various angles, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem and contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at mitigating its impact.

Table of Contents

Plastic Pollution Essay Tips

Understand the topic: Begin by thoroughly researching and understanding the topic of plastic pollution. Familiarize yourself with the causes, impacts, and potential solutions related to this issue. Gather relevant data, statistics, and case studies to support your arguments.

Develop a clear thesis statement: A strong thesis statement is essential for guiding your essay and stating your main argument or perspective on plastic pollution. It should be concise, specific, and debatable. For example, “Plastic pollution is an urgent global crisis that requires immediate action from individuals, industries, and governments.”

Plan your essay structure: Outline the main sections of your essay, such as the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should have a clear purpose and flow logically from one point to another. Consider using subheadings to organize your ideas within the body paragraphs.

Start with a compelling introduction: Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on plastic pollution and its significance, and clearly state your thesis statement. You can use a relevant anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a startling statistic to engage the reader from the outset.

Provide evidence and examples: Support your arguments with credible evidence, facts, statistics, and real-life examples. This can include scientific studies, expert opinions, case studies, and personal anecdotes. The use of concrete evidence strengthens your essay and makes it more persuasive.

Address causes, impacts, and solutions: Dedicate separate paragraphs or sections of your essay to explore the causes of plastic pollution, its environmental and societal impacts, and potential solutions. Provide a balanced view by presenting different perspectives and discussing both immediate and long-term measures that can be taken.

Use clear and concise language: Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using jargon or technical terms without proper explanation. Use simple language to ensure that your arguments are easily understood by a wide audience.

Consider counterarguments: Acknowledge and address counterarguments to strengthen your essay’s credibility. Anticipate potential objections or opposing viewpoints and provide well-reasoned responses to demonstrate the validity of your argument.

Conclude effectively: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Emphasize the importance of taking action to combat plastic pollution and leave the reader with a sense of urgency and a call to action.

Revise and edit: Once you have completed the initial draft of your essay, take the time to revise and edit it for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly and that your arguments are well-supported. Proofread carefully to eliminate any spelling or punctuation errors.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #1

Plastic pollution has become a pervasive and escalating environmental issue that demands immediate attention. The exponential increase in plastic production and consumption, coupled with inadequate waste management practices, has resulted in the widespread contamination of our ecosystems. This essay delves into the causes and consequences of plastic pollution, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

The causes of plastic pollution are manifold. The prevalence of single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, has skyrocketed due to their convenience and affordability. However, these items are discarded after a single use, leading to a staggering accumulation of plastic waste. Inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the problem, with improper disposal and insufficient recycling infrastructure allowing plastic to infiltrate our natural environments. Additionally, the continuous production of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels, further depletes precious resources and intensifies the environmental impact.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and devastating. Marine ecosystems bear the brunt of this crisis, with plastic waste infiltrating oceans and endangering marine life. Marine animals mistakenly ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in injury, suffocation, and death. The detrimental effects extend to terrestrial ecosystems as well, where land animals and birds suffer from ingestion or entanglement, disrupting ecological balance.

Moreover, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles that result from the degradation of larger plastic items, have infiltrated our food chain. Consuming seafood and other food products contaminated with microplastics exposes humans to potential health hazards, including the ingestion of toxic chemicals associated with plastics. Furthermore, the leaching of harmful additives from plastic products can lead to chemical exposure, with adverse effects on human well-being.

To combat plastic pollution, concerted efforts are required. First and foremost, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can opt for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags and stainless steel water bottles, to minimize their reliance on single-use plastics. Governments and industries must also take responsibility by implementing policies that restrict the production and use of disposable plastics. Promoting recycling and investing in comprehensive waste management systems are vital to ensure proper disposal and prevent plastic from entering our environment.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, threatening ecosystems and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in excessive plastic consumption and inadequate waste management. It is imperative that we address this issue urgently. By reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, we can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Only through collective action and a shift towards more sustainable alternatives can we mitigate the devastating impact of plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #2

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste have resulted in a global crisis that threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human well-being. This essay discusses the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address this escalating problem.

The causes of plastic pollution are rooted in our reliance on single-use plastics and inadequate waste management practices. The convenience and affordability of items such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging have led to their widespread use and subsequent disposal. However, these products have a short lifespan and are often discarded improperly, ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, lack of recycling facilities, and limited public awareness further contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and multifaceted. Marine ecosystems bear a significant brunt, with plastic debris suffocating coral reefs, contaminating water bodies, and endangering marine life. Sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal. Plastic pollution also affects terrestrial ecosystems, as land animals and birds may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, disrupting their natural habitats and food chains.

In addition to environmental impacts, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in water sources, air, and even food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food products raises concerns about the potential health effects, including the absorption of toxic chemicals associated with plastics.

Addressing plastic pollution requires collaborative efforts and systemic changes. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is essential. This can be achieved through promoting reusable alternatives, supporting initiatives that encourage the use of sustainable materials, and implementing policies that restrict the production and use of single-use plastics. Additionally, improving waste management practices is crucial, including the establishment of effective recycling programs, investment in infrastructure, and raising public awareness about proper waste disposal.

Furthermore, innovation and research play a vital role in finding sustainable alternatives to plastic and developing environmentally friendly packaging materials. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to support and implement these solutions.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached critical levels, posing severe threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in the excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste. To mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution, concerted efforts are needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and foster innovation in sustainable alternatives. By taking immediate action, we can protect our environment and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #3

Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. The widespread production, consumption, and improper disposal of plastic materials have led to the contamination of our oceans, land, and air. This essay explores the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

One of the most significant impacts of plastic pollution is on marine ecosystems. Plastic waste, particularly single-use items like bags and bottles, finds its way into rivers and eventually the oceans. Marine animals mistake plastic debris for food and can suffer from ingestion or entanglement. This leads to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems supporting a diverse array of marine life, are also threatened by plastic pollution. The accumulation of plastic waste smothers and damages coral, hindering their growth and survival.

Terrestrial ecosystems are also affected by plastic pollution. Land animals and birds can become entangled in plastic items or ingest them, resulting in injury or death. Plastic waste disrupts the balance of ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and overall ecological health.

Plastic pollution poses risks to human health as well. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have infiltrated various sources, including drinking water, air, and food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans raises concerns about potential health effects, as they can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants. Furthermore, plastic products often contain additives like phthalates and bisphenols, which can leach into the environment and pose potential health risks such as endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders.

To tackle the issue of plastic pollution, a multi-faceted approach is required. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can make conscious choices to minimize their use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives. Governments should implement policies that promote sustainable practices, such as banning or taxing single-use plastics and encouraging the use of biodegradable or compostable materials.

Improving waste management systems is another vital aspect of addressing plastic pollution. This includes investing in recycling infrastructure, implementing waste separation programs, and raising awareness about proper waste disposal and recycling practices.

Innovation and research play a significant role in finding alternative materials to plastic and developing sustainable packaging solutions. Governments, industries, and research institutions should collaborate to support and fund initiatives that promote the development and adoption of these alternatives.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has severe consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans, land, and air poses a significant threat to the environment and biodiversity. Immediate action is needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and promote sustainable alternatives. By working together, we can mitigate the devastating effects of plastic pollution and ensure a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

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Plastic Pollution - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue due to the accumulation of plastic objects in the Earth’s environment. Essays could explore its causes, impacts on wildlife and ecosystems, and strategies to reduce plastic waste. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Plastic Pollution you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Plastic Pollution in the Oceans

“There is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way” (McCarthy). Many Americans consume plastic throughout the year and do not recycle all of it. The beaches are getting dirtier and dirtier but there is not much change going on. The wastes on the beaches, streets, and air are going into the ocean and harming the species. Pollution in the oceans is affecting the sea creatures because surfers are exposed to pathogens, sea turtles develop […]

Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

All pollution is bad for the ocean and all the creatures in it. However, there is one material that is highly potent to the ocean, and that is plastic. It has many immensely negative effects on the ocean's wildlife. Thousands of marine animals die each year because of plastic debris. There are many ways that plastic can get to the ocean than you know. This has been an ongoing problem and still has not been stopped. Plastic was founded in […]

Pollution Caused by Plastic Bags

Every minute, one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into oceans. The plastic waste problem is a great issue that the world is facing today. While plastic has brought many great benefits to society, it has done so at the cost of harm to the environment and wildlife. Plastic bags, in particular, contribute greatly to this ongoing crisis. There has been great attention given to single use plastics recently. Many companies, cities, and some countries have banned certain single use […]

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Our Planet is Drowning in Plastic Pollution

In 2018, recycling and not littering has become very common for an average person in California. Despite the hard work and dedication to recycling and giving people fines for littering any piece of trash, we still have a problem with plastic waste and taking care of the environment. Recycling bins are known to be around for a while now and are used to help reduce the polluting of our environment. However plastic waste is the one product that is destroying […]

Fight against Plastic Pollution

 Do you ever consider the life of the shopping bag you use to transport your groceries or the plastic straw that seems to come standard now with most beverages? “A bag that is used on average for 15 minutes, yet it could take 100 to 300 years to fragment” according to SAS.org. These often one-time-use plastics do more harm than good when looking at their long half-life and the effects on our environment, even though their implementation into the market […]

Plastic Straws Cause and Effect Final Draft

 Plastic can be seen practically everywhere in this day and age. It has a vast array of uses from storing leftover food to insulating houses. It is a cheap and useful invention; however, not all of the effects of this invention are positive. Due to plastic straws’ negative environmental impact as well as the opportunity to use less harmful alternatives, the use of plastic straws by mainstream restaurant businesses should be questioned by consumers. Plastic waste is responsible for the […]

Save the Earth from the Plastic Pollution

Pollution is caused by some sort of toxic waste that is thrown into the atmosphere or land nearby. There are many types of pollution, the main are air pollution, plastic pollution, and water pollution, all three are very dangerous to the ecosystem. Pollution is the contamination of the environment in which we live in and it harms nature and living things around it. It is the biggest global killer affecting over 100 million people. That’s more than global diseases like […]

Plastic Pollution in the Philippines

The top countries that dispose of the most plastic are all in Asia the Philippines is the third. What is the problem, the Philippines are using too many plastic objects. Who has the pollution affected humans, food sources including, land animals, crops, and wildlife? Solutions what can the Philippines do to help the water pollution and save their and our world. What is the problem? “The Philippines generates 2.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and 20 percent – or […]

 The Effects of Building Construction on Wildlife Habitats

Conserving habitats is not an easy task. The number of threatened and endangered species in the United States and critical habitats is constantly being destroyed (Shilling 1662). With one-quarter of mammal species at risk of extinction and amphibians on the decline, more needs to be done to protect wildlife habitats. Plans to protect species tend to be for well-known animals such as the bald eagle or the gray wolf. As a result, many species are barely surviving. Conservation biologists warn […]

Campaign against Plastic Pollution

Plastic has become a necessity in man’s life all around the world. Plastics are in everything; your toothbrush, mechanical pencil, cell phone, milk jug, and even your face wash. This “versatile, lightweight, flexible, moisture-resistant, strong, and relatively inexpensive” substance has dire consequences on the ocean environment because it is extremely durable and non-biodegradable (Le Guern, 2018). Consequently, plastic is found floating around in our oceans for decades. Some countries are enforcing taxes, laws, and bans on microplastics (such as plastic […]

Plastic Pollution in Tho Ocean: Facts and Information

To many, the ocean may just serve as a place for water recreation and fishing. However, without the ocean, the Earth would not have the air we breathe. The ocean produces over half the world’s oxygen and absorbs fifty times more carbon than the atmosphere. Covering more than 70 percent of the earth’s surface we truly have only one “World Ocean”. Home to 97 percent of the planet’s water supply saltwater moves from one part of the ocean to another […]

Paired Debate Speech Water Pollution and Consumerism

Water is polluted many different ways, just to name a few are hypoxia, wastewater pollution, and marine debris. In this paper I will touch on many different ways waters become polluted, and you can see for yourself that human involvement is the root cause of it all. There are different types of pollution in the world. However, my argument is that water pollution is a more pressing matter in comparison to other forms of pollution. The EPA states in their […]

Plastic Pollution and its Effect on the Thermal Capacity of Seawater

The findings of this study indicate that as expected the natural albedo of seawater is susceptible to positive and negative forcing by pollution and natural agents. Comparison of oil and gas pollutants showed inverse temperature change profiles, with the oil sample heating more rapidly and cooling more slowly than seawater, while the plastic sample heated slower and cooled faster than the control. Regarding oil pollution, reports have shown that while a rainbow film of oil over the surface of the […]

Beach Clean-Up Study Shows Global Scope of Plastic Pollution

Have you ever been to the beach and seen trash laying there? Most people who see trash on the beach pick it up and throw it away. But, there are some people who see it and think “It’s just a little bit of trash, I’m sure it’s fine”. If you're one of those people I suggest you stop. There is so much waste in the ocean that destroys the life of marine animals. Not only does it hurt them and […]

Plastic Pollution of Earth’s Oceans

Introduction Approximately 300 million tons of plastic is produced every year (Cressey 2016). It's disposable, yet long-lasting nature makes it critical to pose the question “where does all this plastic end up?” A large quantity of the plastic produced eventually ends up floating on the surface of the ocean- some even reach the seafood humans eat (Rochman, 2016). Plastic is a cheap, versatile, disposable material that does not degrade easily, making it a perfect candidate for a variety of uses […]

Plastic Pollution in Ocean

Abstract The use of plastic is a part and parcel of modern life. Because of its non-biodegradable nature, plastic garbage creates hazards both on the surface and in the water of seas and oceans. Inhabitants of the oceans are endangered due to plastic pollution. Moreover, the presence of tiny plastic particles in the marine food chain also raises questions about human health and food security. The UN Environment Assembly passed a resolution in Dec. 2017 to eliminate plastic pollution in […]

Climate Change in Oceans and its Impacts

 Abstract This paper examines the impact climate change has on oceans based on data and research. It focuses on how sea level rises, pollution of plastic, and ocean acidification have affected our daily lifestyle and how marine animals are deeply affected by our actions. This paper highlights the dangers of living this lifestyle and suggests ways to combat this important issue. Until we decide ourselves that we want a change, then our planet will continue to suffer because of our […]

Plastic Pollution in the USA

In America we love plastic! We use it in our everyday life because it’s super convenient, but most people rarely think about the impact plastic has on the world around us. The downside of these qualities is that, unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade and it takes over hundreds of years for it to break down causing an increase every day to plastic pollution. Those billions of plastics end up in our oceans. This has become a cause of […]

Ocean Pollution: Plastic

The topic that I chose to write about is ocean pollution, specifically plastic. I found a very interesting article by National Geographic that makes me wonder just how much plastic we use daily, and how much it affects marine life. According to the article, the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), comprising twenty-two aquariums in seventeen different states is pushing a campaign called "No Straw November". The campaign is a push to eliminate single-use plastic including plastic straws, bottles, and plastic in […]

Plastic in the Environment

Plastic being one of the top littered items on earth has taken a negative effect on our environment regarding climate and geological change. In today's world plastic is something that we use on a daily basis whether that means the use of water bottles, plastic bags, straws, etc. Although individuals are encouraged to recycle, not everyone does. The fact that plastic takes 450 to 1000 years to decompose can determine the type of negative impact it can have on earth […]

The Negative Effect of Single Use Plastic

One of the largest producers of plastic wastes in Asia is the Philippines. According to PhilStar Global (2018), about 79 percent of branded plastic residual wastes came from food packaging, followed by household and personal care products with 12 and eight percent, respectively. One of the solutions that the researchers have in mind to minimize producing plastic waste is the banning of single-use plastic. The researchers envision their campus free from single-use plastic and free from its harmful effects on […]

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How To Write An Essay On Plastic Pollution

Introduction to the issue of plastic pollution.

Writing an essay on plastic pollution requires a clear understanding of the environmental impact of plastic waste. Begin your essay by defining plastic pollution and explaining its significance as a global environmental issue. Describe how plastics, due to their non-biodegradable nature, accumulate in the environment, causing harm to wildlife, ecosystems, and potentially human health. Your introduction should also highlight key statistics or facts that underscore the severity of the issue, setting the stage for a comprehensive discussion on the causes, effects, and potential solutions to plastic pollution.

Exploring the Causes of Plastic Pollution

In the main body of your essay, delve into the causes of plastic pollution. Discuss the role of overconsumption of single-use plastics, inadequate waste management systems, and the lack of public awareness about the environmental consequences of plastic use. Examine how industrial practices, consumer behavior, and regulatory policies contribute to the proliferation of plastic waste. This section should provide a detailed exploration of the factors leading to plastic pollution, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding this environmental challenge.

Examining the Impact of Plastic Pollution

A critical component of your essay should be an analysis of the impacts of plastic pollution. Discuss how plastic waste affects marine life through ingestion and entanglement, and how it disrupts aquatic ecosystems. Explore the concept of microplastics and their potential to enter the food chain, posing risks to animal and human health. Highlight the socio-economic impact of plastic pollution on communities, particularly those reliant on fishing and tourism. This part of the essay should paint a vivid picture of the far-reaching and multifaceted consequences of plastic pollution, making a compelling case for urgent action.

Proposing Solutions and a Call to Action

Conclude your essay by proposing solutions to address plastic pollution. Discuss initiatives such as increasing recycling rates, promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal, and raising public awareness about sustainable consumption. Reflect on the role of individuals, governments, and businesses in combating plastic pollution. Your conclusion should not only summarize the key points of your essay but also inspire a sense of responsibility and urgency in addressing this pressing environmental issue. A well-crafted conclusion will leave the reader with a clear understanding of the steps that can be taken to mitigate plastic pollution and the importance of collective action in preserving the environment.

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Children play on the shore of Manila Bay in the Philippines, which is polluted by plastic waste.

• ENVIRONMENT

The world's plastic pollution crisis, explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues , as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates , also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations.

Why was plastic invented?

Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II, so transforming the modern age that life without plastics would be unrecognizable today. In plastic, inventors found a light, durable material that can be used in everything from transportation to medicine.  

Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and pollution—and saved lives with helmets, incubators, and equipment for clean drinking water.

The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Plastics by the numbers

Some key facts:

• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 20 years.
• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
• Every year, about eight million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

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How plastics move around the world.

Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers , which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream. Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world.

On Henderson Island , an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre, a circular ocean current.

Microplastics—a new health threat

Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than one-fifth of an inch across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench , the deepest trough.  

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Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers, meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air.

It's no surprise then that scientists have found microplastics in people. The tiny particles are in our blood, lungs, and even in feces . Exactly how much microplastics might be harming human health is a question scientists are urgently trying to answer. ( Learn more. )

Harm to wildlife

Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics.

Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales , turtles, and other animals are strangled by abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings . Microplastics have been found   in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation.

Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death .

Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to reproductive systems,   prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations.

Stopping plastic pollution

Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel , a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover.

The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society —say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling , better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and a reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

Related Topics

• WATER POLLUTION
• TOXIC WASTE

We Made Plastic. We Depend on It. Now We’re Drowning in It.

In a first, microplastic particles have been linked to heart disease

One Stanley bottle helps the environment. But a whole collection?

‘Forever chemicals’ are hiding in your kitchen. Here’s where—and what you can do

We got rid of BPA in some products—but are the substitutes any safer?

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Essay on Plastic Pollution for Students in English [500+ Words]

August 29, 2021 by Sandeep

Plastic Pollution Essay: On average, around 8 million metric tons of plastic garbage and waste are collected in the oceans every year. The economically low plastics prices have increased their usage rate, but this material is highly non-biodegradable, causing substantial environmental damage. It largely affects human lives, wildlife, and marine animals. It pollutes land and water resources. Many governments have strictly implemented the plastic ban in their nations. Below we have provided an essay on plastic pollution suitable for school students of classes 1 to 12.

Essay on Plastic Pollution 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Plastic Pollution Essay in English, suitable for classes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. This detailed essay of 150-500 words is greatly helpful for all school students to perform well in essay writing competitions.

Plastic pollution is a collection of plastic waste like plastic bottles, bags, etc., that adversely affects the environment. Nowadays, plastic is everywhere, and the amount of plastic we generate daily by using it for our comfort is enhancing rapidly. No one realizes how harmful it is. It is essential to understand how plastic harms nature, human beings, and other creatures on earth. We use plastic in various ways. It is used in building polythene bags, utensils, and many other things. Slowly it gets contaminated and leads to hazardous effects.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastics cannot be decomposed because of its properties. It is cheap and has endless uses. As a result, it is contaminated in the environment. Plastic is everywhere, milk cartons, water bottles, food wrappers, and many products are made up of plastics. Every time these items are thrown away, and they create harmful effects on the environment. As plastic is not expensive, it is one of the most easily available and overused items. When disposed of, it does not get decompose easily and pollutes our environment.

When small organisms eat plastic, they become poisoned. This poisons large animals who eat these tiny animals for food. With each step further along the food chain, this problem increases. Plastic is also present in the fish that many people eat every day. Many people eat fish, so fishing is an important activity in many parts of the worlds. Fishing is done by using finishing nets, and they spend a long time in the water, leaking toxins, sometimes they are left to remain wherever they fall.

This kills and harms aquatic living beings. Plastic carried by water flows to the sea and oceans, thus creating water pollution. It is impossible to break down plastics. Burning plastic is toxic, which releases toxic gases and harms the atmosphere. It is a fact that 40% of plastic is used only once. Several items, such as bags, bottles, and food packaging, are used only once and are left behind as litter. It is one of the biggest causes of plastic pollution.

Harmful Effects of Plastics

Plastic is harmful to plants, animals, and people. Improper disposal of plastics causes several problems. Some of them are:

• Throwing of plastics in open space creates unhealthy conditions, as it develops insects and mosquitoes that cause harmful diseases.
• Plastics stays in the soil for years and affects soil fertility and its quality.
• Plastic leftovers enter the drainage system and block the drains, which cause water-logging.
• The plastic manufacturing industry throws waste directly into the water bodies, thus affecting water.
• Burning of plastic leads to the release of poisonous chemicals. Thus leading to air pollution.
• Natural disasters such as floods are also one of the causes of plastic pollution.
• Plastic contains some chemicals that can affect the growth of crops by making it difficult for the process of photosynthesis to take place in agricultural fields.

Steps taken by Indian Government to decrease Plastic Pollution

The Government has announced several rules to stop the use of single-use plastics to reduce plastic pollution. These rules are applied in all states. Several rules announced by the government are-

• The Government has banned the use of carry bags made up of plastics and has suggested using bags made up of clothes or recycled plastic.
• The Government has banned all single-use plastics and the import of solid plastic waste. All states were prohibited from manufacturing single-use plastic products.
• The plastic of minimal diameter that is not soluble in water is banned.
• The Government has decided to use plastic waste for the construction of roads. It was stated that roads constructed using discarded waste plastics are durable against extreme weather conditions.
• In many states, garbage cafe is opened, where food to the poor is provided free in exchange for plastic waste. The ‘Meal for Plastic’ initiative has gained success and is rolled out in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the state government’s Aahar Scheme.

Related Essays

• Air Pollution Essay
• Water Pollution Essay
• Essay on Pollution Crisis in Urban Areas

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Plastic Pollution Essay

Plastic is a synthetic polymer that can be molded into any shape and form when softened, making it easy to manufacture. Due to this property, plastic has replaced other products like wood, paper etc. Plastic has become a widely used substance. Although easy to manufacture, less expensive plastics aren’t easy to discard. Plastics are non-biodegradable, thus resulting in the accumulation of plastic, leading to plastic pollution. Here are a few sample essays on ‘plastic pollution’.

100 Words Essay On Plastic Pollution

Plastic products like bags, spoons, toys etc., are abundantly available in the market. These are easy and cheap to manufacture and, thus, are widely used. Plastics do not dissolve in water and land. It has an adverse effect when burnt. These stay on the face of the earth for years together, accumulating and increasing daily, leading to plastic pollution. Plastic harms the climate. It hurts marine life in the ocean when dumped in the water, impuring the water by releasing toxins. Plastic disposed of in soil doesn’t degrade, leading to garbage accumulation and the breeding of insects.

Tiny plastic particles mix with gasses in the air leading to smog formation. When ingested by animals from the land, these plastic particles can also result in serious illness in them. Adhering to measures will lead to prevention. People must be encouraged to use alternatives to plastics—implementation of plastic recycling.

200 Words Essay On Plastic Pollution

Plastics are easy to manufacture, cheaper than other substances and can be molded into any shape and form. These advantages have made plastic widely used and a popular substance. Easily found in our daily life, from toothbrushes to tiffin containers. Plastic can dissolve neither in water nor in the ground. Thus, leading to its accumulation which causes plastic pollution. With the increase in usage, pollution is peaking every day.

Harmful Effects | Polymers in plastics have hazardous effects on the environment impacting humanity, aquatic life, ocean, land and wildlife. This plastic doesn't dissolve in water and stays inside water bodies for a long time, resulting in the release of chemicals into the water affecting the quality of water and threatening the life of marine life in those water bodies. Similarly, plastic dumped in landfills, soil reduces soil fertility leading to poor crop quality. Additionally, this dumped waste becomes a breeding ground for insects, resulting in increased diseases among people and animals.

Prevention | To prevent these harmful effects of plastic, we need to take practical steps like reusing plastic products before discarding them or choosing biodegradable alternatives to plastics like cloth and paper. Recycling used plastics is the best way to control the harmful effects. The government should encourage people to stick to alternative plastics and start programs for recycling the existing waste. Finally, we need to create and spread awareness about plastic effects and how to overcome them among more and more people. These steps collectively can reduce plastic pollution.

500 Words Essay On Plastic Pollution

The evolution of Science and technology has revolutionized several fields leading to discoveries that have significantly impacted human life. One such discovery was plastic. Plastics, as we know them today, are a byproduct of crude oil, a subset of polymers. Plastics are known for their ability to mold in any form or shape, are lightweight, flexible, cheaper to manufacture, and sustainable.

These advantages have resulted in the unique and innovative applications of plastics in sectors ranging from healthcare, medicine, automotive, construction, aerospace and everything in between. Plastics are everywhere in our daily life, from the toothbrush we use in the morning to the switch of the light we turn off at night..

Although plastic has many advantages, successfully used in every field, it has one major disadvantage. Its nature of non-biodegradability. Any substance that cannot be naturally broken down is non-Biodegradable material. These substances cannot be decomposed, thus becoming a source of pollution, ultimately threatening the environment. Accumulation of plastic leads to plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has become one of the major global concerns.

Impact of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has multiple adverse effects on the climate, like ocean pollution, land pollution, food pollution, and groundwater pollution.

Every day tons of plastic dumped in water bodies don't dissolve in water, releasing toxic chemicals into the water and downgrading their purity. These items are sometimes mistaken as food by marine life, and consuming them leads to severe illness in marine life. Research shows that the death of aquatic creatures due to plastic consumption increases yearly. Plastic nets used in commercial fishing sometimes break and become submerged in the water, releasing toxic chemicals and contaminating the fish.

Human beings dispose of tons of plastics in landfills and soil, thus, polluting the land. These plastics do not dissolve in mud, eventually releasing chemicals into the soil and affecting soil quality. They also leak into the ground resulting in groundwater contamination. These plastic-filled landfills become a source of disease-causing insects and mosquitoes.

Polluting material comes in all dimensions and is present in the air. These particles form particulate matter leading to ozone and smog, which are significant causes of Air Pollution.

Finally, plastics lead to food flow disruption, i.e. contamination of tiny species due to plastic ingestion, which poses a threat to larger animals which consume them, leading to myriads of problems.

Steps To Curb Its Effects

If not handled carefully, plastic pollution can have catastrophic effects on us. We must take practical and immediate steps to control it.

One of the main steps is the implementation of the 4Rs.

Refuse | Avoid single-use plastics. Choose alternatives like cloth or paper bags.

Reuse | Reuse plastic as long as possible before discarding it.

Reduce | Limit or reduce the use of plastics.

Recycle | Recycling plastic products into other valuable products.

Apart from following the above steps, we must educate the masses about plastics and create awareness among them and also implement an effective waste disposal system. Preventing plastic pollution is every human's responsibility. The combined effort and careful measurements by everyone can vastly reduce plastic pollution to a large extent.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Protect Our Planet from Plastic Pollution: 5 Things to Know

By Dynahlee Padilla-Vasquez on May 31, 2023

Female workers sort out plastic bottles for recycling in a factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. If plastic production stays on its current trajectory, by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from plastic could reach 1.34 billion tons per year. Photo: Abir Abdullah/Climate Visuals

Plastics are polluting our planet and choking our ocean, harming human health, and damaging ecosystems vital to our livelihoods. The UN Environment Programme is raising the alarm on the severity of the global plastics crisis and highlighting the networks of everyday people, coastal workers, and communities who are spearheading solutions to beat plastic pollution.

More than 430 million tons of plastic are produced each year, two-thirds of which is cast aside as waste after just one use.

Eleven million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean alone each year, in addition to the estimated 200 million metric tons that already flow through our marine environments, per data from the Ocean Conservatory .

At the current rate of production, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by mid-century, according to Nikola Simpson, Head of the United Nations Development Programme’s Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Blue Economy Accelerator Lab.

“We just keep producing, producing, producing plastic,” she says.

The UN Environment Programme is determined to help the world avert such a catastrophic future. UNEP’s new report , “Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy,” maps out a plan to reduce global plastic waste by 80% within two decades.

Here are five reasons why the world needs to beat plastic pollution — and how everyone can step up to protect our planet for generations to come.

Microplastic pellets, shown here on a fingertip, are extremely small pieces of plastic debris found nearly everywhere in the environment, resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. Photo: Chayanuphol

1. Plastic is Everywhere.

From the Philippines to the Arctic to the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch , plastic is everywhere. It takes a variety of forms, from synthetic fishing nets to single-use items like water bottles and trash bags.

If all plastic waste in the ocean were collected, it would fill 5 million shipping containers. Put another way, there is enough plastic in the ocean to stretch 30,000 kilometers (18,640 miles) if placed end to end. That’s the equivalent of a trip from New York City to Sydney, Australia.

And because plastic is not at all biodegradable, it simply breaks apart into smaller and smaller pieces over time, creating what’s known as micro- or nanoplastics.

“It’s completely indestructible,” says Agustina Besada, co-founder and CEO of Unplastify, an organization based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, committed to ending plastic pollution. “To me, that’s a problem of systemic design.”

A man works to clean up marine waste from the beaches and waters of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. Data from remote beach cleans is recorded, tracked and used to create public-facing programs and campaigns to create systemic change for pollution from plastics and debris. Photo: Nicole Holman/Climate Visuals

2. Plastics Harm Our Health and Our Ecosystems.

Despite being tiny in size, microplastics and nanoplastics pose a massive threat to human health and the health of vital ecosystems.

“These microplastics act as little sponges and come with a lot of different chemicals that get absorbed,” Besada explains. “All these [affect] our health system [and can cause] endocrine alterations.”

They also infiltrate and contaminate every part of the planet, from everyday things like our clothing and laundry to remarkable places like the summit of Mount Everest or the depths of the ocean.

When disposing of plastic, “there’s no such thing as ‘away,’ because everything must go somewhere,” Simpson says. “It’s in your phone, in your credit card, in your clothes. … It’s now in your blood.”

When you look at “the human health impacts of plastics,” she adds, “some of them have been linked to possibly being cancerous.”

And it’s not just humans who are being negatively impacted; ocean ecosystems are harmed as well. Besada notes that plastics have been shown to affect reproduction abilities in animals, which has serious implications not only for our food chain but also for communities that rely on those ecosystems for their livelihoods.

A female student of Nikuao Primary School in Kiribati refills her water bottle from reusable containers sponsored by UNICEF. Photo: Vlad Sokhin / UNICEF

3. To Beat Plastic Pollution: Reuse, Recycle, Reorient.

It’s entirely possible to meet UNEP’s ambitious goal of reducing plastic waste by 80% in the next two decades. The changes we need to make as consumers are necessary, affordable, and achievable by implementing three market shifts.

Eliminating unnecessary common plastics such as excessive packaging is the first step, according to UNEP’s “Turning off the Tap” report. Reusing refillable bottles for example, in addition to enhancing recycling and turning to greener alternatives, are among the report’s recommendations.

“If we can reduce production that would significantly help. And then hopefully, as behavioral change increases, we then use alternatives, or we go back to what we used in the past,” says Simpson.

Besada adds, “We need to identify which are the plastics that we still need, and we need to improve infrastructure to recycle. … We cannot rely [solely] on recycling to fix the problem.”

Not all plastics are made the same either. So, identifying what type of materials can be recycled — and where — is key. A variety of economic, social, and cultural reasons, including infrastructure, are part of why recycling isn’t always ideal, Besada explains.

However, transitioning to plastic alternatives that are less harmful to the environment would help, which the report describes as reorientation and diversification.

Two men harvest jute crops and stack them for drying in India. Jute, which is one of the best alternatives to plastic products, has become an increasingly popular crop to grow in West Bengal. Photo: Dipayan Bose/Climate Visuals

4. Transitioning Away from Plastics Saves Money and Creates Jobs.

With an estimated annual financial risk of $100 billion for businesses dealing with waste management, circularity in plastics — or put simply, using plastics more efficiently — could save $4.5 trillion in environmental and social costs in the next 17 years, as underscored in UNEP’s report.

The transition would also create hundreds of thousands of opportunities, income, and innovation by 2024. That’s 700,000 additional jobs and improved livelihoods for millions of workers in developing countries directly associated with short-lived plastics, according to the report.

Still, a lot of work will be needed to manage 100 million metric tons of plastics from short-lived products yearly by 2040. If government policies fail to support shifting away from plastic production and overconsumption, countries will be left in the lurch with 227 million tons of plastic management versus 40 million tons, according to the report.

With plastic packaging virtually everywhere, “every person on average uses 45 kilograms, which I think is 90 [to a 100] pounds of plastic per year,” says Besada.

Negotiations commence at the UN Environment Programme's second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting on plastic pollution at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Photo: Twitter / Inger Andersen .

5. Global Momentum to End Plastic Pollution is Growing.

March 2022 marked a historic decision at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, where all 193 UN Member States agreed to end plastic pollution through a binding legal agreement for the end of next year, says Simpson, who contributed to the treaty’s text.

Besada notes that all voices and stakeholders need to have balanced representation and work toward bipartisanship throughout the negotiating process, which is ongoing. The second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee just took place in Paris.

In addition to government action, UNEP highlights the importance of efforts to raise advocacy and awareness. Individuals and communities must continue to use their voices to talk about the need to end plastic pollution and put their values into practice by supporting businesses striving to reduce single-use plastic products in their supply chains.

“I always try to encourage everyone to try to create systemic change,” says Besada. For example, if a school can partner with a bakery to stop packaging cookies with plastic and instead sell cookies in bulk, she says, then the possibilities are endless.

Anyone can participate. Anyone can make a difference locally. Anyone can take their advocacy efforts to the next level.

“If you want to advocate and pursue regulation, do it,” Besada urges. “There are many, many levels of action, it just depends on how involved you want to get.”

Join the Movement

Help protect our planet and save our ocean by joining global efforts to #BeatPlasticPollution this World Environment Day — and every day of the year.

Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 150, 300 & 500 Words )

By Vijay Gupta

Updated on: May 10, 2023

If you are looking for an essay on plastic pollution, you have come to the right place. Here, I’ve written several different essays on this topic.

It’s a very important topic for different types of examinations whether they are academic or competitive. You must prepare it.

So, without wasting your valuable time, let’s start the article.

See the essay on the importance of sports and games .

Table of Contents

Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 150, 300 & 500 Words )

Essay on plastic pollution in english ( 500 words ), 1. introduction.

Plastic is such a substance that is being used everywhere. Today, nothing is exempt from this.

As much as it has benefited us through bags, furniture, utensils, bottles, boxes, and other accessories, it has also harmed our environment. Its waste has caused a lot of damage to the environment. Its use increased as time passed.

Earlier, when plastic was not used much, it didn’t pose much threat to our environment, but since its use has started making various things, its waste is increasing rapidly, which has become very difficult to dispose of.

Actually, plastic has brought a new type of pollution to the earth. If it’s not taken care of in time, it can become a serious problem in the coming time.

That’s why we should start our efforts to solve it.

2. Effects of plastic pollution

Plastic pollution has had a wide impact on water, land, and all living beings. The faster the use of plastic has increased, the faster its waste too.

It has badly affected all living beings. Due to the accumulation of its waste on the banks of rivers, ponds, and other water sources, we are getting health-related problems due to drinking such water.

However we purify water in many ways, yet the effect of plastic remains somewhere.

In addition, plastic waste has affected the growth of trees and plants along with weakening the soil fertility as it contains a mixture of toxic substances. That’s why we should pay attention to it and at the same time reduce it.

3. How to stop plastic pollution?

Although the outbreak of plastic pollution is increasing day by day, if we try to stop it, we can do so by adopting some methods which can prove to be very helpful for us.

Whenever we go to the market, we should avoid plastic bags, instead, we should use bags made of paper, cloth, and leather. At the same time, we should run a campaign at our level not to use plastic items, so that those who know you can also be a part of that campaign and avoid the use of things made of plastic.

Also, if there is any function or party in our house, we should avoid plastic plates, bowls, and glasses, but use utensils made of steel.

If you can’t avoid using plastic, try reusing it. Apart from this, avoid buying new things made of plastic. If you have become accustomed to plastic items, try instead of throwing them away when they are damaged, to sell them at the junk shop so that they can be recycled, it will definitely reduce the plastic waste on the land.

4. Conclusion

Ultimately, the government should ban the use of plastic. Its use on the general public should be completely banned because only we are responsible for spreading plastic waste on land.

Unless it’s done with full responsibility, it’s very difficult to stop it. It’s time that now we should seriously consider it otherwise we won’t be able to escape from its ill effects in the coming time.

See the essay on computers .

Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 300 words )

Plastic is used a lot in our daily life. We all use it in different ways, and that’s why we are unable to reduce its use as time is proceeding.

As air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution are fatal for our environment, in the same way, plastic pollution is also dangerous for it. In earlier times, when the use of plastic was less, there was no problem of pollution caused by it, but today its excessive use is increasing the pollution caused by it.

Its excessive use has affected all living beings whether they’re humans, animals, or trees. It’s a substance that cannot be degraded. When it’s burnt, it increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is a great threat to the environment.

Along with this, various types of plastic waste are eaten by animals, which adversely affects their health. Due to the toxic substance in it, it’s harmful to them.

Also, plastic waste is responsible for land pollution.

Plastic waste has increased so much that it can be easily seen on the banks of rivers, ponds, and seas. It can neither be broken nor disposed of. It can only be recycled.

In the absence of information, people use it and throw it on the ground outside the house, which gets accumulated in the ground and gets sunk somewhere inside. Therefore, the government should seriously campaign for this so that the pollution caused by it can be stopped and future problems related to it can be dealt with.

Along with government efforts, we should also be aware of the pollution caused by it and try to stop it.

See essay on the importance of reading .

Short Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 150 Words )

Plastic is a substance the use of which is increasing day by day. Due to its cheapness, It’s used in various fields. Its excessive use has increased plastic pollution, due to which it’s having a bad effect on our lives.

In fact, plastic cannot be decomposed. Sometimes when it’s burnt, it pollutes the environment in the form of carbon dioxide instead of being destroyed. Along with the increasing use of plastic, its waste is also increasing, which is often seen in ponds and on roads.

Nowadays, plastic bags, plastic glasses, and plastic plates are being used more for many purposes, which we are unable to reduce. Although efforts are being made to ban plastic under various campaigns, it has not been completely eradicated.

Earlier, when plastic was not used so much, there was no plastic pollution but today its excessive use has created a serious problem for our society.

So, it’s very essential to stop it. We must restrain ourselves to use it. Also, we should make others aware of this.

Final words

In the end, I hope that the article must have proved to be very helpful for you. Here, I have covered the essay on plastic pollution in 150 words, 300 words, and even 500 words.

If you really liked this article, please share it with those who need it.

Vijay Gupta

Hello everyone, My name is Vijay Gupta and I belong to a very small town that is situated in district Hardoi, which is in Uttar Pradesh. 1. Education – I’ve completed my primary education from a private school that is situated in my hometown and upper primary, matric and higher secondary education have been completed from a government college. Well, I was an average student till class 5th, but I accelerated my preference towards studies from class six. Consequently, I passed out many classes with good positions. Even I passed out 12th with good marks ( 405/500 ) and topped my college. Due to getting good marks, I got a cheque of 500 rupees and was rewarded by the Principal of my college. After completing my 12th, I prepared twice for IIT ( Indian Institute of Technology ) from Aakash institute, but unfortunately, I failed to get selected into the best IIT colleges. But during the preparation, I was being graduated from CSJMU Kanpur. I completed my graduation in 2016 and now I’m pursuing an educational degree ( B.Ed. ). 2. Profession – Although I love teaching, but I also do blogging. Both are my favorite jobs.

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Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

• Updated on  
• Feb 12, 2024

Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution: Plastic is everywhere. From our clean bedrooms to large ocean bodies, our life is surrounded by plastic. Did you know that the world annually produces around 35 crore tonnes of plastic waste?

In the modern world, plastic has become one of the major sources of pollution. Plastic is a non-biodegradable component, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Most of the used plastic ends up in landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the soil and water. The burning of plastic causes air pollution, as it releases volatile organic compounds. 

Essay on beat plastic pollution is one of the most common essay topics assigned to school and college students. An essay on beat plastic pollution must cover the causes of plastic pollution, its consequences, and mitigation strategies. Below, we have provided all the details to add to an essay on beating plastic pollution.

Table of Contents

• 1 What is Plastic Pollution?
• 2.1 1. Single Use Plastic
• 2.2 2. Lack of Recycling Infrastructure
• 2.3 3. Improper Disposal
• 2.4 5. Overconsumption of Plastic Products
• 2.5 6. Inadequate Regulations
• 3.1 1. Water Pollution
• 3.2 2. Soil Contamination
• 3.3 3. Harm to Wildlife
• 3.4 4. Microplastic Contamination
• 3.5 5. Disruption of Ecosystem
• 3.6 6. Risk to Human Health
• 4 How to Beat Plastic Pollution?

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

What is Plastic Pollution?

The accumulation of plastic substances and objects in our natural environment, like waterbodies, soil, etc. is known as plastic pollution. This pollution hurts the natural environment, our resources, and even on animals around us. According to a UN report, more than 100 million marine animals die every year due to plastic waste alone. Some of the common plastic wastes are cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, etc. 

Also Read: Types of Water Pollution

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Several causes can be cited as reasons for plastic pollution. It is our improper disposal and management of plastic materials that causes plastic pollution. Plastic is often called ‘unnatural’ as it is created by humans and negatively affects the environment. Plastic is cheap and its elements are in abundance. 

1. Single Use Plastic

It is the major cause of plastic pollution. Most of the plastic produced is used only once. Hence, named single-use plastic. The billions of plastic bags, bottles, food packaging and trays produced end up in landfills and water bodies. Even if we try our best to stop this single-use plastic, it will still end up in the same place. 

2. Lack of Recycling Infrastructure

In developing and underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of plastic recycling infrastructure, which threatens the environment. These countries lack the necessary infrastructure for plastic waste disposal, which results in landfills and water pollution. 

3. Improper Disposal

Improper disposal of plastic waste affects our food chain. Inadequate waste management and improper disposal of plastic items are major contributors to plastic pollution. Littering, dumping plastics in landfills, and improper disposal practices can result in plastic entering water bodies, soil, and the air.

5. Overconsumption of Plastic Products

Since its invention, plastic demand has always reached a new peak, driven by factors like population growth and consumer preferences, leading to higher production and disposal of plastics. This contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste in various ecosystems.

6. Inadequate Regulations

Not everybody considers plastic a threat to the environment. That’s why, there are weak or insufficient regulations on the production, use, and disposal of plastic products. Lack of enforcement and oversight allows for improper disposal and management practices.

Consequences of Plastic Pollution

Our environment is not the only victim of plastic pollution. Our ecosystems, wildlife and our health are also affected by plastic waste. Plastic chokes marine wildlife, killing millions of marine animals every year. Plastic production is energy-intensive as the machines used require a significant amount of energy.

1. Water Pollution

Every year, around 14 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine environment and animals. The accumulation of plastic waste in water bodies can have long-term ecological consequences.

2. Soil Contamination

Improper disposal of plastic waste results in soil contamination. Plastics release harmful chemicals as they break down, affecting soil quality and potentially harming plants, animals, and microorganisms.

3. Harm to Wildlife

Domestic animals are often fed food entangled in plastic items. In India, a large number of cows and buffalos die as most people often have their food wrapped in plastic bags. The ingestion of plastic can lead to internal injuries, blockages, malnutrition, and death. Marine animals, in particular, are at risk as they can easily ingest or become entangled in plastic debris.

4. Microplastic Contamination

Although plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, the larger plastic items break down into smaller particles called microplastics. Microplastics can contaminate water bodies, soil, and air, posing risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They can also enter the food chain, potentially affecting human health.

5. Disruption of Ecosystem

Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and their interactions. The presence of plastic debris in natural habitats can lead to changes in biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem function. 

6. Risk to Human Health

Microplastics and the chemicals associated with plastics can enter the human food chain, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food items. 

How to Beat Plastic Pollution?

Remember the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle strategy? Here’s a little different approach introduced by the United Nations Environment Protocol (UNEP): Reuse, Recycle, and Reorient. Through this approach, the UNEP has planned to reduce plastic waste by 80% in the next two decades. 

We as plastic producers and consumers must take environmentally friendly actions and effectively implement this approach in our daily lives. 

• Firstly, we must eliminate unnecessary plastic, such as plastic packaging, reusing refillable water bottles, and every single-use plastic item. 
• Reducing plastic production will be the next step. We must advocate and support policies that regulate the plastic production, use, and disposal of plastics. Encouraging local representatives can greatly reduce overall plastic production and promote anti-plastic pollution measures
• Promoting and implementing recycling programs and guidelines will help reduce the overall production of plastic waste. It can be done by practising the separation of recyclables from non-recyclables and ensuring their proper disposal.
• Identification of which plastic item is useful and which is not must be done. Recycling is a great way to beat plastic pollution, but it alone cannot achieve the desired goals. 
• Avoiding microplastics can help in combating plastic pollution. We must choose personal care products that do not contain microbeads. The plastic clothes are made of synthetic fabrics, which shed microfibers during washing.

To eliminate plastic pollution, we must unite as one and take immediate action. We only have one home and we must do everything in our power to save it from such harmful events.

Ans: The accumulation of plastic substances and objects in our natural environment, like waterbodies, soil, etc. is known as plastic pollution. This pollution hurts the natural environment, our resources, and even on animals around us.

Ans: Plastic is everywhere. From our clean bedrooms to large ocean bodies, our life is surrounded by plastic. Did you know that the world annually produces around 35 crore tonnes of plastic waste? In the modern world, plastic has become one of the major sources of pollution. Plastic is a non-biodegradable component, which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Most of the used plastic ends up in landfills, which releases toxic chemicals into the soil and water. The burning of plastic causes air pollution, as it releases volatile organic compounds. 

Ans: Improper disposal of plastic waste results in soil contamination. Every year, around 14 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in our oceans, damaging the marine environment and animals. In developing and underdeveloped countries, there is a lack of plastic recycling infrastructure, which threatens the environment. Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems by affecting the balance of various species and their interactions. Microplastics and the chemicals associated with plastics can enter the human food chain, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food items.

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With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Plastic Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction.

Plastic pollution is a global problem. It refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment, which negatively impacts wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

The main cause of plastic pollution is improper disposal of plastic products. Items like plastic bags, bottles, and straws, often end up in rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine life.

Effects of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution can be harmful to animals and humans. Animals often mistake plastic for food, which can lead to health problems. For humans, it can affect the quality of air, soil, and water.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

To reduce plastic pollution, we can recycle, reuse, and reduce our plastic use. We can also participate in clean-up activities and advocate for laws to limit plastic production and use.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Plastic Pollution
• Speech on Plastic Pollution

250 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution, a critical environmental issue, is escalating at an alarming rate. It represents the excessive accumulation of plastic products in the environment, leading to adverse effects on wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

The Ubiquity of Plastic

The versatility, durability, and low cost of plastic have made it an integral part of our lives. However, these same properties contribute to its persistence in the environment. Single-use plastic items, in particular, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, are major culprits.

Environmental Impact

Plastic pollution has devastating effects on the environment. It chokes waterways, pollutes oceans, and harms wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic for food, causing starvation and death. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, pose a particularly insidious threat. They are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and ultimately being consumed by humans.

Human Health Risks

The health effects of plastic pollution on humans are increasingly becoming apparent. Chemicals leached from plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors. Moreover, microplastics in the food chain have potential implications for human health, although the full extent of these effects is still under investigation.

The issue of plastic pollution is a complex one, requiring a multi-pronged approach. It calls for innovative solutions in waste management, policy changes for reduction and recycling of plastic, and a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainable alternatives. As the scale of the problem becomes increasingly evident, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution.

500 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution represents a significant environmental crisis in the contemporary world. It is a global issue that transcends national boundaries, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Despite growing awareness, plastic pollution continues to intensify due to our reliance on single-use plastic items and inadequate waste management systems.

The Scale of the Problem

Plastics, due to their durability and slow degradation rate, have become a persistent pollutant. Approximately 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and around 60% of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the natural environment. In the oceans alone, it is estimated that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris. The scale of the problem is daunting and poses a significant challenge to global environmental sustainability.

Impacts on Marine Life

Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. Sea creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This results in physical harm, starvation, and often death. Furthermore, plastic debris acts as a transport medium for invasive species and pathogens, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems.

Impacts on Human Health

The threat of plastic pollution extends to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, can enter the food chain and human bodies. These particles can carry toxic chemicals, which may accumulate over time and pose potential health risks. The full extent of these risks is not yet fully understood, underscoring the need for further research.

Addressing Plastic Pollution

Addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there is an urgent need to reduce plastic production and consumption. This can be achieved through policy measures such as bans on single-use plastics, and through promoting a culture of recycling and reuse.

Secondly, improving waste management systems is crucial to prevent plastics from entering the environment. This includes enhancing recycling infrastructure and implementing waste-to-energy technologies.

Lastly, there is a need for more research to understand the full impacts of plastic pollution and to develop innovative solutions. This includes the development of biodegradable plastics and technologies to clean up plastic waste from the environment.

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that requires urgent attention. While the challenge is immense, it is not insurmountable. Through concerted efforts in reducing plastic production and consumption, improving waste management, and investing in research, we can mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and move towards a more sustainable future. The fight against plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, but a necessary step towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of all life on Earth.

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Essay on plastic pollution: top 4 essays.

Read this essay to learn about plastic pollution. After reading this essay you will learn about: 1.   Introduction to Plastic Pollution 2. Causes of Plastic Pollution 3. Effects 4. Control.

Essay # 1. Introduction to Plastic Pollution:

In the last decade, plastic has affected the health and life of human beings very badly. Some incidents have attracted the attention of the whole world and put a question mark about the use of plastic in daily life.

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Plastic, the wonder material that we use for everything and which pollutes our environment, is perhaps the most harmful of trash dumped by mariners and sea-goers in sea because it does not readily break down in nature. In-fact, the plastic that goes over the side today may still be around in hundreds of years to foul up the fishing gear, boat propellers, and beaches of future generations.

Careless disposal of plastic can have dire consequences. A plastic bag looks like a tasty jellyfish to an indiscriminate feeder like the sea turtle, but plastic is indigestible. It can choke, block the intestines of, or cause infection in those animals that consume it.

A plastic bag can also clog an outboard engine’s cooling system. Lost or discarded monofilament fishing line can foul propellers, destroying oil seals and lower units of engines, or it can become an entangling web for fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

According to the Centre for Marine Conservation, over 25,000 pieces of fishing line were collected from U.S. beaches during the 1996 annual beach clean-up and at least 40% of all animal entanglements reported during the clean-ups involved fishing line.

Every day, more and more plastic is accumulating in our oceans. Recreational boaters are not the only group that improperly disposes off plastic refuse at sea. Plastics also enter the marine environment from sewage outfalls, merchant shipping, commercial fishing operations, and beachgoers.

In the middle stage, it is very flexible and can be given any shape depending on temperature and pressure. In practices, urea, formaldehyde, poly ethylene, polystyrene, polycithylcholide, phenoloic compounds and other substances are used in the preparation of plastics pollution.

Now-a-days the most popular plastic pollution is caused is polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C.). When any food material or blood is stored in the said plastic containers then gradually the soluble chemical gets dissolved in them causing death due to cancer and other skin diseases.

Polyvinyl chloride has also been found to destroy the fertility of the animals and their respiratory systems. When mixed with water, it causes paralysis and also damages bones and causes irritation to the skin.

Recently U.S.A. has banned the use of P.V.C. plastic in space apparatus and in food containers (as chemicals get dissolved in the food). India should immediately ban the use of P.V.C. in water pipes, food and medicine containers to save the lives of millions who are already suffering from different types of ailments.

Essay # 2. Causes of Plastic Pollution:

Plastics are used because these are easy and cheap to make and they can last a long time. Unfortunately these very useful qualities make plastic a huge pollution problem. Because the plastic is cheap it gets discarded easily and its persistence in the environment can do great harm. Unbanization has added to the plastic pollution in concentrated form in cities.

Plastic thrown on land can enter the drainage lines and choke them resulting into floods in local areas in cities as was experienced in Mumbai, India in 1998. It was claimed in one of the programmes on TV channel that eating plastic bags results in death of 100 cattle per day in U.P. in India.

In stomach of one dead cow, as much as 35 kg of plastic was found. Because plastic does not decompose, and requires high energy ultra-violet light to break down, the amount of plastic waste in our oceans is streadily increasing.

More than 90% of the articles found on the sea beaches contained plastic. The plastic rubbish found on beaches near urban areas tends to originate from use on land, such as packaging material used to wrap around other goods.

On remote rural beaches the rubbish tends to have come from ships, such as fishing equipment used in the fishing industry. This plastic can affect marine wildlife in two important ways: by entangling creatures, and by being eaten.

Turtles are particularly badly affected by plastic pollution, and all seven of the world’s turtle species are already either endangered or threatened for a number of reasons. Turtles get entagled in fishing nets, and many sea turtles have been found dead with plastic bags in their stomachs. Turtles mistake floating transparent plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them.

In one dead turtle found off Hawaii in the Pacific more than 1000 pieces of plastic were found in its stomach. A recent US report concluded that more than 100000 marine mammals die every year in the world’s oceans by eating or getting entangled in plastic rubbish, and the position is worsening world-wide, 75 marine bird species are known to eat plastic articles. This includes 36 species found off South Africa.

A recent study of blue petrel chicks on South Africa’s remote Marine Island showed that 90% of chicks examined had plastic in their stomachs apparently fed to them accidentally by their parents. South African seabirds are among the worst affected in the world. Plastics may remain in the stomach, blocking digestion and possibly causing starvation.

Essay # 3. Effects of Plastic Pollution:

Since the development of plastic earlier this century, it has become a popular material used in a wide variety of ways. Today plastic is used to make, or wrap around, many of the items we buy or use. The problem arises when we no longer want these items and we have to dispose off them, particularly the throwaway plastic material used in wrapping or packaging.

Plastics are used because they are easy and cheap to make and they can last a long time. Unfortunately these same useful qualities can make plastic a huge pollution problem. The cheapness means plastic gets discarded easily and its long life means it survives in the environment for long periods where it can do great harm.

Because plastic does not decompose, and requires high energy ultraviolet light to break down, the amount of plastic waste in our oceans is steadily increasing.

The plastic rubbish found on beaches near urban areas tends to originate from use on land, such as packaging material used to wrap around other goods. On remote rural beaches the rubbish tends to have come from ships, such as fishing equipment used in the fishing industry.

i. Effect on Ocean Wildlife:

This plastic can affect marine wildlife in two important ways; by entangling creatures, and by being swallowed.

The bodies of almost all marine species, ranging in size from plankton to marine mammals, and including some of the wildest and most vulnerable species on the planet – animals that make nearly their entire living far from human beings – now contain plastic.

Sixty per-cent of 6,136 surface plankton net tows conducted in the Western North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea from 1986 to 2008 contained buoyant plastic pieces, typically millimetre in size.

Plastics turn up in bird nests, are worn by hermit crabs instead of shells, and are present in sea turtle, whale and albatross stomachs. Over 260 species, including invertebrates, turtles, fish, seabirds and mammals, have been reported to ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in impaired movement and feeding, reduced reproductive output, lacerations, ulcers, and finally death.

Ingestion of plastic items occurs much more frequently than entanglement. At sea, plastic bags may often be mistaken for jellyfish, whilst on shorelines seabirds have been seen to pick up plastic items the same way they pick up cuttlefish bones. In the North Sea, almost all Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) contain some plastic.

Microscopic fragments, in some locations outweighing surface zooplankton, revealed a significant increase in abundance when samples from the 1960s and 1970s were compared with those of 1980s and 1990s. When ingested, such small particles can also be carried from the gut into other body tissues.

Ingestion of plastic can lead to wounds (internal and external); impairment of feeding capacity; blockage of digestive tract followed by satiation and starvation; and general debilitation often leading to death.

Plasticizers and organic contaminants they typically sorb and concentrate on plastics at levels far superior to the surrounding marine environment have been shown to affect both development and reproduction in a wide range of marine organisms.

Molluscs and crustaceans appear to be particularly sensitive to these compounds. Being an important food item for many species, plastics ingested by invertebrates then have the potential to transfer toxic substances up the food chain. The mechanism by which ingestion leads to illness and death can often only be surmised because the animals at sea are unobserved or are found dead ashore.

Once fouled with marine life or sediment, plastic items sink to the seafloor contaminating the sea bed. Deployment of a remotely operated vehicle submarine in the Fram Strait (Arctic) revealed 0.2 to 0.9 pieces of plastic per km at Hausgarten (2,500 m).

On dives between 5,500 and 6,770 m, 15 items of debris were observed, of which 13 were plastic. The presence of plastic at shallow and greater depths may harm sediment wildlife such as worms, sessile filter feeders, deposit feeders and detritivores, all known to accidentally ingest plastics.

The hard surface of pelagic plastics also provides an attractive and alternate substrate to natural floating debris (e.g., seeds, pumice, and wood) for a number of opportunistic colonizers. The increasing availability of these synthetic and non-biodegradable materials in marine debris may increase the dispersal and prospects for invasion by non-indigenous species.

ii. Plastic Pollution and Turtles:

Turtles are particularly badly affected by plastic pollution, and all seven of the world’s turtle species are already either endangered or threatened for a number of reasons. Turtles get entangled in fishing nets, and many sea turtles have been found dead with plastic bags in their stomachs.

It is believed that they mistake these floating semi-transparent bags for jellyfish and eat them. The turtles die from choking or from being unable to eat. One dead turtle found off Hawaii in the Pacific was found to have more than 100 pieces of plastic in its stomach including part of a comb, a toy truck wheel and nylon rope.

All sea turtle species are particularly prone and may be seriously harmed by ‘feeding on’ anthropogenic marine debris, particularly plastics. Of particular concern is floating plastic bags that might be mistaken for jellyfish, and discarded fishing gear in which sea turtles get entangled, or pieces of which they ingest.

Laboratory experiments demonstrated that green and loggerhead turtles actively target and consume plastics whether it is small pieces intermixed with food items, or single 1 to 10 cm 2 sheets. Sub lethal impacts of plastics on sea turtles can be substantial, yet mortality resulting from interactions with plastic debris is much more difficult to quantify.

Plastic ingestion by sea turtles is a relatively common occurrence, albeit often in small quantities. However, even in small quantities, plastics can kill sea turtles due to obstruction of the oesophagus or perforation of the bowel for example.

Relief of gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction of a green turtle off Melbourne beach, Florida, resulted in the animal defecting 74 foreign objects over a period of a month, including four types of latex balloons, five different types of strings, nine different types of soft plastic, four different types of hard plastic, a piece of carpet-like material, and 2 to 4 mm tar balls.

Fishing line can be particularly dangerous, when, during normal intestinal function, different parts of the digestive tract pull at different ends of the line. This can result in the gut gathering along the length of the line. This can result in the gut gathering along the length of the line preventing digesta from passing through the tract.

Plastic ingestion may also indirectly lead to death of an animal through nutrient dilution, i.e., plastic pieces displacing food in the gut (and reducing the surface available for absorption).

Typical consequences include decreased growth rate, longer developmental periods at sizes most vulnerable to predation, depleted energy reserves, and lower reproductive output and survivorship of animals. The latter is likely to be an important threat to smaller individuals with a lower ability to increase intake to meet their energetic requirements than larger animals.

Young pelagic sea turtles typically associate with “floating islands” of drifting seaweeds such as Sargassum. Floating plastics, tar from terrestrial and oceanic (ship) sources and lost fishing gear are drawn by advection into the same drift lines.

As young sea turtles indiscriminately feed on pelagic material, large occurrence of plastic is common in the digestive tract of these small sea turtles, often resulting their mortality.

As plastics can accumulate in multiple segments of the gut, stomach lavages underestimate the incidence of ingestion.

iii. Marine Mammals:

There is great concern about the effect of plastic rubbish on marine mammals in particular, because many of these creatures are already under threat of extinction for a variety of other reasons e.g. whale population has been decimated by uncontrolled hunting.

A recent US report concluded that 100000 marine mammals die every year in the world’s oceans by eating or becoming entangled in plastic rubbish, and the position is worsening.

When a marine mammal such as a Cape fur seal gets caught up in a large piece of plastic, it may simply drown, or get exhausted and die of starvation due to the greater effort needed to swim, or the plastic may kill slowly over a period of months or years as it bites into the animal causing wounds, loss of blood and/or severing of limbs.

iv. “Ghost Nets”:

A large number of marine creatures become trapped and killed in “ghost nets”. These are pieces of gill nets which have been lost by fishing vessels. Other pieces of fishing equipment such as lobster pots may also keep trapping creatures. 

v. Marine Birds:

World-wide, 75 marine bird species are known to eat plastic articles. This includes 36 species found off South Africa. A recent study of blue petrel chicks at South Africa’s remote Marion Island showed that 90% of chicks examined had plastic in their stomachs apparently fed to them accidently by their parents.

South African seabirds are among the worst affected in the world. Plastics may remain in the stomachs, blocking digestion and possibly causing starvation. As particular species seem to be badly affected this may be a threat to the entire population of these birds.

vi. Plastic Pollution and Elephant Seal:

Plastic’s devastating effect on marine mammals was first observed in the late 1970s, when scientists from the National Marine Mammal Laboratory concluded that plastic entanglement was killing up to 40,000 seals a year. Annually, this amounted to a four to six percent drop in seal population beginning in 1976. In 30 years, a 50% decline in Northern Fur Seals population has been reported.

These curious, playful seals would often play with fragments of plastic netting or packing straps, catching their necks in the webbing. The plastic harness can constrict the seal’s movements, killing the seal through starvation, exhaustion, or infection from deep wounds caused by the tightening material.

While diving for food, both seals and whales can get caught in translucent nets and drown. In the fall of 1982, a humpback whale tangled in 50 to 100 feet of net washed up on a Cape Cod beach. It was starving and its ribs were exposed. It died within a couple of hours.

Along Florida’s coasts, brown pelicans diving for fish sometimes dive for the bait on a fisherman’s line. Cutting the bird loose only makes the problem worse, as the pelican gets its wings and feet tangled in the line, or gets snagged onto a tree.

vii. Effect on Sea Birds:

Royal terns (Sterna maxima) are among several species of sea birds that dive from the air to the water to catch fish with their sharp beaks. A plastic bag floating at the surface would become invisible to the tern, and may even have attracted the fish in the first place.

In this photograph the tern’s bill penetrated the plastic and left the bird wearing the bag around its sneck like shroud. It causes problem to terns to dive in & catch fish. They die due to starvation.

viii. Plastic Bags Litter the Landscape:

Once they are used, most plastic bags go into landfill, or rubbish tips. Each year more and more plastic bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. And, if they are burnt, they infuse the air with toxic fumes.

ix. Plastic Bags Kill Animals:

About 100,000 animals such as cows, dogs and penguins are killed every year due to plastic bags. Many animals ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for food, and therefore die. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. Thus, it lies around in the landscape where another victim may ingest it.

x. Plastic Bags are Non-Biodegradable:

And one of the worst environmental effects of plastic bags is that they are non-biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 1000 years.

xi. Petroleum is Required to Produce Plastic Bags:

As it is, petroleum products are diminishing and getting more expensive day by day, since we have been using this non-renewable resource increasingly. Petroleum is vital for our modern way of life. It is necessary for our energy requirements – for our factories, transport, heating, lighting, and so on.

Without viable alternate sources of energy yet on the horizon, if the supply of petroleum were to be turned off, it would lead to practically the whole world grinding to a halt. Surely, this precious resource should not be wasted on producing plastic bags, should it?

xii. Effect on Birds:

Birds like chicks are often mistakenly fed plastics by their parents, when chicks are unable to eject the plastics, which cause death of chicks – either due to starvation or choking. Bottle caps and other plastic objects are visible inside the decomposed carcases of some Laysan albatoss. The bird probably mistook the plastics for food and injested them while foraging.

xiii. Effects on Human Beings:

The quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink or bath on, and the earth in which we grow our food has an immense effect on our health. A recent US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Study found that about 93 percent of the US population has bisphenol A, a chemical that can be found in canned goods and in hard, clear plastic items (including baby bottles), in their body.

Endocrine disruptors are ubiquitous in our environment and have deep impact on our health. Endocrine distruptor chemicals (EDC’s) are added to plastic products to make them softer and easier to handle.

These EDCs are common in our environment and, when absorbed by human beings and wildlife, mimic the action of hormones and have been linked to reproductive problems in animals and human beings are known to affect fat cells.

Bisphenol A (an endocrine disruptor) is a key monomer in production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic, which is clear and nearly shatter-proof, is used to make a variety of common products including baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental composite (white) fillings and sealants and lenses.

The figure shows that as the plastic moves up in food chain, its concentration increases and when these fishes with huge amount of plastic are eaten by human cause diseases like cancer. Plastic plays the villain right from the stage of its production.

The major chemicals that go into the making of plastic are highly toxic and pose serious threat to living beings of all species on earth. Some of the constituents of plastic such as benzene are known to cause cancer. Recycling of plastic is associated with skin and respiratory problems, resulting from exposure to and inhalation of toxic fumes, especially hydrocarbons.

Thin plastics are thrown anywhere and everywhere causing the following environmental degradation problems:

i. It blocks the open sewage system and results in stagnation of sewage paving way for the mosquitoes which leads to the spread of various diseases.

ii. Plastic dumped on the soil prevents water percolation into the water table.

iii. It affects the very structure of soil.

iv. Water stagnating on the plastics strewn on the land becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes which, in turn, produce diseases.

v. Jelly fish-eating, Fishes mistaking the plastic floating in the water for Jellyfish eat them and then die their species is becoming extinct.

vi. Cattle eat plastic and die as a result thereof.

vii. Burning of plastics results in release of toxins in the atmosphere which, in turn, causes dreadly Cancer.

viii. Plastic is non-biodegradable and so the problems become perennial.

Essay # 4. Control of Plastic Pollution:

Plastic bags and bottles, like all forms of plastic, create significant environmental and economic burden. They consume growing amount of energy and other natural resources, degrading the environment in a number of ways.

In addition to using up fossil fuels and other resources, plastic products create litter, hurt marine life, and threaten the basis of life on earth. Here are some steps that we can take to reverse the tide of toxic, non-biodegradable pollution so that it may not overtake our planet.

i. Put produce in paper, canvas, and other healthy-fiber bags.

ii. If a clerk throws your box of soap into a plastic bag, ask him or her to replace it in one of your bags. Give the clerk a copy of “Why I Don’t Use Plastic Bags”. Our experience has been that they appreciate this information.

iii. Use wax paper bags, cloth napkins, or re-useable sandwich boxes (e.g., tiffins, described below).

iv. Use only glass bottles or cans.

v. Bottled water costs over 1000 times more per liter than water from your tap. Buying our most essential nutrient, water, from corporations represents an abdication of community control of the commons. If you have concerns about water safety, investigate a filter system such as Multi-Pure. Better yet, work with your water district to develop stricter standards for water purity.

vi. Pre-bagged produce not only uses wasteful packaging, but also tends to come from farther away, consuming more of our dwindling oil supplies in transport.

vii. Tiffins (stainless steel food containers) are a long tradition in India. They store food well, have longer life than Tupper Ware and its look-alikes (you’ve probably seen the fading, corroding, and chipping that occurs to these plastic containers), are more hygienic, and have a certain panache.

viii. Look for and reward earth-s friendly packaging choices, e.g.,

Buy greeting cards in paper boxes instead of clear plastic shells.

Ask you florist for flowers wrapped in paper, not clear film

Use pens that re-fill instead of land-fill.

ix. Conscious consumption is not only good for the earth, it’s good for you. “Mindfulness”, says Thick Nhat Hanh, “is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves.”

x. Support recycling schemes and promote support for one in your local area.

xi. Fishermen throughout South Africa should not throw away waste line, net or plastic litter – this causes huge suffering and many deaths.

xii. Practice and promote paper disposal of plastics in your home and at the beach. Always remember that litter generates litter. Never dispose off plastics in the sewage system.

xiii. At the beach dispose off plastics and other litter in the bins provided. If these facilities are inadequate, contact the local authority responsible for this and lodge a complaint. Take your litter back home with you if there are no receptacles on the beach. Pick up any plastic litter you may see on the beach or in rock pools in the vicinity in which you are sitting or walking. Encourage young children to do likewise.

xiv. In the street never throw plastic or other litter out of your car and do not drop it on the pavement or in the gutter.

xv. Set an example for others and encourage them to help. Plastics are not themselves a problem. They are useful and popular materials which can be produced with relatively little damage to the environment. The problem is the excessive use of plastics in one-off applications together with careless disposal.

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Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

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