We made plastic. We depend on it. Now, we’re drowning in it.

As the world produced its first plastic-bakelite, in 1907, no one had predicted that this miracle material will one day threaten to choke our very existence.

While plastic is practical and handy in the function of modern life, we have become fixated on single-use or disposable plastics- without realizing the environmental consequences. Plastic waste is so extensive that the scientists have suggested that it could serve as a geological indicator of the Anthropocene era.

Earlier in the lifespan of the plastic, that is, from the 1950’s to the 70’s, the plastic waste was relatively manageable. But by the 1990’s the production and waste tripled. Today, we produce more than 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.

These trends are brisk and daunting us the way nothing has ever before. Most plastics are produced from chemicals derived from non-renewable resources like oil and natural gas. If we continue to move in the current direction and not check our ways, by 2050, the plastic industry will account for 20% of the world’s total oil consumption. Not only have we seen a rapid increase in the production of plastic, we have also experienced a shift away from the production of the durable plastic towards the plastics that are meant to be thrown away after a single use.

This marvel material has made modern life possible but more than 40% of it is used only once, and it is choking our existence. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one type of single use plastic which is found in water bottles, dispensing containers and biscuit trays. Shampoo bottles, milk bottles, freezer bags and ice cream containers are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Low density polyethylene (LDPE), is used to make bags, trays, containers and food packaging films. Another type of single use plastic is the poly propylene(PP), which is used in the production of potato chip bags, microwave dishes, ice cream tubs, bottle caps, etc.. Disposable cutlery, plates and cups are made from a hydro-carbon called polystyrene, whereas the protective packaging and hot drink cups are made from the expanded form of the same.

The production of plastic isn’t the problem as long as we know how to tackle the waste that is generated thereafter. Our inability to cope up with the overnight increase in plastic waste left us overwhelmed. Most plastics do not biodegrade. Instead, they gradually break down into smaller fragments known as microplastics. Research suggests that plastic bags and containers made of expanded polystyrene foam (commonly referred to as “Styrofoam”) take up to thousands of years to decompose, thus, contaminating soil and water.

Plastic waste causes a plethora of problems when it leaks into our environment. No one knows how much un-recycled plastic ends up in the ocean, Earth’s last sink. Our oceans have been used as a dumping ground, choking marine life and transforming some marine areas into a plastic soup. From the health of human beings and animals to disturb the balance of the ecosystem, plastics have left no stone unturned. Plastic bags can block waterways and exacerbate natural disasters.High concentrations of plastic materials, particularly plastic bags, have been found blocking the airways and stomachs of hundreds of species. Plastic bags are often ingested by turtles and dolphins who mistake them for food.Not only these, plastic waste has also caused problems in the modern world. By clogging sewers and providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests, plastic can increase the transmission of vector-borne diseases like malaria. There is evidence that the toxic chemicals added during the manufacture of plastic transfer to animal tissue, eventually entering the human food chain. Styrofoam products, such as hot drink cups, contain highly toxic carcinogenic chemicals like styrene and benzene, which leach into food and drink and damage the nervous system, lungs and reproductive organs. The poor countries with no proper plastic disposal system, often burn plastic waste for heat or cooking, thus, exposing people to toxic emissions of harmful gases like furan and dioxin. Apart from all this, the economic damage caused by plastic waste is vast. In Europe, the cost of cleaning plastic waste from its coasts and beaches alone is about €630 million per year. At least $13 billion every year is spent on the world’s marine ecosystem to rid of the plastic waste. The economic, health and environmental reasons to act are clear.

The world is now waking up and starting to realize the extent and enormity of this giant that is swallowing our planet. The governments are starting to act up. From running public awareness campaigns, offering incentives for recycling and introducing levies and taxes on the use of plastic or even banning certain products outright, the government has become conscious of this fact. The Indian government too, has adopted policies to reduce the use of disposable plastic.

Even though we’ve seen a lot of positive action, the truth is that we all need to do more. We can all take conscious and concrete steps to beat plastic pollution from our own lives. There are n number of things that can be done at the personal and local level which will eventually contribute to the global scenario. From asking the restaurants you frequent to stop using plastic straws, coffee stirrers and styrofoam cups, to bringing your own coffee mug to work, to persuade your local authorities to improve the city’s waste management system and making your own home plastic free are some of the things that can be done to contribute to making the Earth a better place to live in. 

Plastic isn’t the problem. It’s what we do with it. And that means the onus is on us to be far smarter in how we use this necessary evil.