More and more plastic waste is polluting the world’s cities, countryside, and oceans.
What problems will it cause? What measures should be taken to solve these
problems?
Plastic pollution has become more visible in human daily lives, and the production of this
material has no sign of declining. This may lead to many worrying outcomes like worsening
human health and affecting the ecosystem, yet a global plastic treaty would profoundly
alleviate the problem.
On the bright side, plastic is versatile and is used worldwide in many industries.
Overproduced and overused, this kind of pollution threatens consumers' health and
contributes to ecosystem degradation. Discarded improperly, this waste often leaves behind
lots of microplastics in people’s homes, which makes it easier for digestion-related diseases
to develop. Food poisoning is deemed a good example, when food is kept in low-quality
plastic containers, their microplastics will seep hazardous chemicals into the food and
eventually, the victim is the consumer. In addition to this, these chemicals can also be
absorbed into the soil, one of the main drivers of decreases in crop growth. This once again
impacts humans, since a large proportion of our food comes from plants.
Despite its negatives, tackling the issue is plausible in the long term. The removal of legacy
plastics requires that fewer plastic products be made, and that consumer behaviour be
changed. Instead of using this material, people should consider other alternatives such as
glass, bamboo or steel for daily needs. Also, a focus on implementing waste management
laws and raising public awareness is important for effective solutions. This concern will only
be addressed if a global treaty is conducted.
To conclude, although plastic plays a prominent role in everyday life, its causes overshadow
the convenience that it brings. Furthermore, collective actions and public awareness are
crucial to plastic pollution prevention.
