Plastic Trash

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. And the plastics that have been released by each activity will cause many impacts on the environment that we are living. 

As everyone know, plastic is not good for the environment. And it is an immense problem globally. Let’s give a look in to our own routine. There will be many uses of plastics from the toothbrushes to food wrappers. It also refers to the significant amount of plastic that isn’t recycled and ends up in landfill or in the developing world, thrown into unregulated dump sites.

At present we don’t have any plan to lead a plastic free life. Let’s think together into.

First of all, what is plastic?

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are malleable and so can be molded into solid objects.

Plasticity is the general property of all materials which can deform irreversibly without breaking but, in the class of mold-able polymers, this occurs to such a degree that their actual name derives from this specific ability. 

How plastic trashes affect the environment?

Environmental issues:

• Plastics become a nuisance because of its non-biodegradability. 
• Animals eating carry bags sometimes die.
• Soil fertility deteriorates as plastic bags form part of manure and remain in soil for years.
• Polythene bags if burnt release highly toxic gases like phosgene, carbon monoxide, chlorine, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide beside deadly dioxins.
• Requires large area for disposal and there are further waste disposal impacts related to landfills and incineration.

Health issues:

Colorants, pigments, plasticizers, antioxidants, stabilizers and heavy metals are used for the manufacturing process of polythene bags, etc. These chemicals can cause diseases like cancer, degeneration of brain tissues, heart issues, etc.

Policy and Rules – India

The Government of India notified Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, in the year of 2016. And it is amended and named as Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018. The rule says about reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery of plastic wastes.

We can’t avoid plastic completely from our life. We can make a lot of changes if we pay a little attention. So, let us make our routine more attractive by using less plastic. Here are some tips to avoid the usage of plastics,

1. Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw.
2. Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often! 
3. Give up gum. Gum is made of a synthetic rubber, etc. 
4. Reuse containers for storing things at home.
5. Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter.
6. Don't use plastic ware at home and be sure to request restaurants to avoid plastics for the packing purpose.
7. Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It's healthier and better for the environment.
8. Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner.
9. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups.
10. Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor.

References 

http://164.100.228.143:8080/sbm/content/writereaddata/SBM%20Plastic%20Waste%20Book.pdf

http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/nationalgreenweeksub/waste-reduction-tips/tips-to-use-less-plastic.html