Plastic Waste: Understanding the Menace.

“If my air is dirty, if my climate is changing, if my shores are awash with plastic, yours are too. We stand together or we fall together. That is inclusive environmental multilateralism” – INGER ANDERSE (UNEP)

Before we talk about plastic wastes, let us learn about plastics in its actual sense.

Plastic, derived from the Greek word “plastikos,” meaning “capable of being shaped or molded,” has indeed shaped our modern world with its convenience and versatility. It’s made from materials found in oil and natural gas. We see it everywhere, like in water bottles, toys, and even in some clothes. However, too much plastic can be bad for the environment because it doesn’t break down easily and can harm animals and pollute the Earth. This is the dark side of plastic which lies in its non-biodegradable nature.

 Unlike organic materials that decompose over time, plastic persists in the environment for hundreds of years, wreaking havoc on our ecosystems. The plastics that are no longer used are called plastic wastes and when these wastes are not properly managed, they lead to plastic pollution which occurs when plastic waste accumulates in the environment, such as in oceans, rivers, forests, or on land. This pollution has harmful effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. For example, marine animals may mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and potential harm or death. Additionally, plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the environment over time, affecting soil and water quality. Plastic waste also makes its way from our homes and offices to landfills and bodies of water, causing contamination. 

Plastic pollution stems from various forms of plastic waste, including micro plastics, mega-plastics, and macro-plastics. Items such as footwear, packaging, and household goods contribute to the accumulation of mega- and macro-plastics, either washing ashore or ending up in landfills. Remote islands are particularly susceptible to fishing-related waste. These wastes categories encompass micro-, and macro-scale fragments. The major causes of plastic waste are the single-use plastics, such as straws, cutlery, bottles, and packaging which are designed for immediate disposal after a single use, inadequate recycling infrastructure and limited recycling programs which result in a substantial portion of plastic waste being disposed of in landfills or ending up in the environment, the widespread use of plastic packaging in various industries, including food and beverage, retail, healthcare, and modern consumer lifestyles characterized by overconsumption and a preference for disposable products exacerbate the issue of plastic waste. 

According to research, each year, 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste is predicted to reach the ocean from coastal areas. The environmental impact of plastic waste is profound and multifaceted, mostly on human health, land, water, animals and air. This plastic waste crisis demands urgent action at individual, corporate, and governmental levels. Let’s join hands today to combat this global menace before it irreversibly alters our world.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

UN Environment Assembly 2022 Resolution

N/B: Watch the space for Part 2: “Plastic Waste: Embracing Sustainable Solutions.”

Article by Tomilola Abiodun, AKIN-FASAE. tomilola.ak@gmail.com