What is Plastic Pollution: Definition, Causes, Effect and Prevention

The environmental crisis due to plastic pollution is one of the most crucial, widespread and visible problems in the recent time. The accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans, rivers, soil and other resources has posed a huge threat to aquatic ecosystems and human life. It has been found in the deepest ocean trenches, on the peaks of the Himalayas and even in the stomachs of whales and seabirds. Understanding what plastic pollution is and knowing what we can do about it, is one of the most important things one can learn.

Table of Contents

• What is Plastic Pollution
• Causes of Plastic Pollution
• Impact of Plastic Pollution
• Steps to Prevent Plastic Pollution
• Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Pollution

What is Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic particles and objects in the earth’s environment that adversely affect humans, wildlife and ecosystems. The word ‘pollution’ refers to the introduction of contaminated substances into nature. Plastic pollution happens when the unmanaged plastic waste enters our natural systems such as in rivers, soil or oceans. As plastic is a synthetic material formed primarily with petroleum or natural gas. It is highly resistant to many natural processes of degradation. As a result it takes years for plastic waste to degrade. This factor is contributing to the rise of plastic pollution in our environment which is a serious concern.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

There are many different types of plastics. They exist depending on their precursors and method for their polymerization. Among the main contributors of plastic pollution are fishing nets, plain old trash, disposable plastic bottles and garbage. Here are some main factors of plastic pollution:

Overuse of Plastic: It is one of the most widely available and over used items in the world today. When plastic items are discarded, they do not decompose easily and pollute the soil or air when burnt in the open air. Also, plastic items that are not properly discarded can be carried to rivers and oceans with rainwater.

Improper Waste Management: Plastic dropped on streets, in parks, on beaches and near water bodies is washed by rain into drains, streams and rivers. Even if plastic is produced, used responsibly and placed in a dustbin, it can still become pollution if waste management systems fail.

Industrial Plastic Waste: Industries produce large quantities of plastic waste as packaging material to increase the shelf life of products or to attract customers. This industrial plastic ends up in landfills and water resources causing huge amounts of plastic pollution.

Impact of Plastic Pollution

The adverse effects of plastic pollution are not limited to the environment. They are prevalent across all types of ecosystems and in every aspect of human life including the air we breathe to the food on our plates. 

The oceans get largely impacted by the plastic pollution as they receive an estimated 8 to 10 million tonnes of plastic every year. Fishing nets, plastic rings, ropes and bags entangle and kill marine animals leading to the loss of marine biodiversity. It has threatened around 800 plus marine and terrestrial species including sea turtles, dolphins and whales. 

Microplastics and plastic fragments degrade soil and reduce its fertility. It harms microorganisms living in soil and it enters into our food chain through plants or other animals before reaching our plate. Plant roots also absorb microplastics from soil or travel up the marine and terrestrial food chains. The presence of microplastic has been found in human bodies including our blood, lungs, liver, kidneys, etc. It is linked to causing cancer and other health issues. 

Burning plastic releases dioxins, furans and heavy metal particles into the air that causes air pollution and global warming. These particles have been found in the air of cities, forests and even remote mountains. Livestock in our surroundings often ingest plastic bags along with food scraps. Around 50 to 100 kg of plastic is found in the stomachs of many dead cattle. 

Steps to Prevent Plastic Pollution

• Reducing the use of plastic is one of the most powerful solutions for solving the problem of plastic pollution. 
• Carry a reusable cloth bag for shopping and reuse the same plastic bags.
• Many countries are banning single-use plastics such as plastic bags under 75 microns, plastic straws, disposable plates and cutlery. Banning such plastic items will surely reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment.
• Properly segregate plastic waste from the rest of the waste. Clean plastic containers before discarding as food contamination makes plastic unrecyclable.
• Adopting sustainable alternatives and biodegradable packaging is important to reduce plastic waste. Replace plastic packaging with paper or cardboard packaging.
• Spread awareness about the lifecycle of plastic, the impacts of pollution and practical alternatives to plastic.