Plastic Pollution is nothing but the accumulation of plastic particles and objects in the Earth’s environment that affect humans, wildlife, and wildlife habitats.
Plastics are increasing our Earth’s temperature due to their non-biodegradable effect. It will be the burning issue in the upcoming COP26, Glasgow forum.
Pollutants are materials that adversely affect the health, activities, or survival of a population.
Every day, tons of pollutants are left into the air by and human actions and natural events. Humans release a plethora of harmful compounds into the atmosphere.
Micro debris plastic, mega debris plastic, and mega debris plastic are the three types of plastic Pollution.
According to, megaplastics and microplastics have accumulated in the Northern Hemisphere at the highest densities.
Plastics are expensive and durable, and that is why plastic production by humans is growing very fast.
Human activities can endanger human life and natural ecosystems. That is known when plastics such as plastic bottles, plastic bags, etc., are being utilized/used for packaging; after utilization, it is a realization that they are discarded recklessly without thinking of the consequences.
Marine Plastic Pollution
More than 8 million tons of plastic are found in our oceans every year. Floating plastic waste is the most abundant substance found in the sea.
Waste plastic accumulates 80% of wastage from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. People litter everywhere without thinking about the consequences In 2018-19, according to the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) report 2018-19.
Approx 3.3 million plastic debris was generated in India. That roughly translated to 9,200 tons a day.
But according to GOI, India recycles over 60 percent of its plastic, which was way higher than the recycling capacity of any developed country.
But the remaining 40% is transmitted to rivers and oceans, which causes life threats to marine animals.
According to the UN, marine contaminants damage up to 800 species globally, with plastic accounting for roughly 80% of that material.
According to a recent report, 13 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year—the equivalent of rubbish or garbage truckloads worth every minute.Â
Steps to reduce Plastic Pollution
Oceans containing plastic waste & garbage have a devastating effect on sea animals. Over 60% of the trash that ends in the dustbin could be recycled.
Plastic bags which are floating in the ocean kill over a million sea creatures a year. Plastic Pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism and contributes to climate change.
Americans usually use over two and a half million plastic bottles every thirty minutes, and most of them are thrown away rather than recycled.Â
Findings show that the bodies of 90% of Seabirds contain plastic debris, and plastics contribute to approximately 10% of discarded waste.
Research suggested that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans by weight.
Findings show that there are ten largest emitters of oceanic plastic pollution worldwide, from the most to the least: China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.
At the institutional level, the use of plastics can be reduced by:
1. Using alternative biodegradable materials like glass.
2. Improving the design & material of the plastic used and using certain kinds of polymer.
3. Banning certain types of single-use plastics.
Plastic is a devil not only for humans but also for marine animals. We must not forget that we are the ones who are entirely responsible for the destruction of our green planet.
We are using plastics without considering its consequences. Consequences could be so harsh that they could make the human species extinct from this world.
It’s time for us to bring the change. Stop using plastic should be our motto. Let’s come together and #BeatPlasticPollution.
