Plastic Pollution

Plastic Pollution refers to releasing non-biodegradable substances, derivatives, particles, or plastic-related materials into the environment. It harms soil, water, atmosphere, wildlife, biodiversity, and human health long-term. These persistent plastic wastes can persist in the environment for 400 to 1,000 years. Over 450 million tons of plastic waste is added to the environment each year. Plastic pollution is widespread, including Mount Everest's peak and the oceans' depths.

Due to the improper disposal of various types of non-biodegradable plastic wastes in the environment, along with the degradation of other environmental elements, micro and nanoplastic particles, and different harmful chemical substances are released. These micro- and nanoparticles and released toxic chemicals can disrupt the hormonal systems of humans and other organisms. They impair the fertility of humans and other organisms, affect the nervous system, and lead to the emergence of various incurable diseases. However, single-use polythene bags are the most lethal among plastic wastes. Their widespread use led to the destruction of drainage systems and restricted the growth of plant roots.

Plastic waste is deteriorating marine ecosystems. As a result, the overall marine environment is being severely damaged, leading to the death of fish, turtles, and other marine animals. Micro and nanoplastic particles contaminate 80% of our drinking water. These invisible plastic particles and the released toxic substances that affect the hormonal system have further endangered human health through the food chain. Every day, 8 million pieces of plastic waste are in the ocean. Consequently, large patches of accumulated plastic debris, known as 'gyres', have formed in the oceans. The largest gyre in the Pacific Ocean currently spans approximately 16 million square kilometers.

It is crucial to create timely laws, enforce strict regulations, and raise awareness at all levels of society about the damaging aspects of plastic pollution and the necessary actions to combat it. Proper disposal of plastic waste, commercial recycling, the use of alternative materials to plastic, the adoption of cloth, paper, or reusable bags instead of single-use plastics, and incorporating information about plastic pollution into the school curriculum can all contribute to creating conscientious citizens who take effective steps towards combating plastic pollution. [Md Tofazzal Islam]