Several organizations produce about 300 million tons of plastic in a year.
People believe in the simplistic nature of plastic, not realizing the harm done. The production and use of plastic have significant adverse effects.
They can create long-term negative consequences for the public. Some of this waste could end up in the oceans, harming wildlife and the environment.
It may be time to rethink your use of plastics in society. Read on to know what are three disadvantages of making and using plastic.
What Are Three Disadvantages of Making and Using Plastic
While we can’t deny the benefits of using plastic for daily living, we must also be aware of how our dependency on plastics can affect us in the long run.
1. Negative Environmental Impact
Plastic production involves fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources. This means that when we use plastic, we are contributing to the depletion of these resources.
Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning natural processes cannot break it down. This means that once it enters the environment, it will remain there.
Finally, plastic is a significant source of litter. They pollute our oceans and landfills and can take centuries to decompose. We should all take part in cleaning our environment to improve our surroundings.
It is best to support companies that offer an eco-friendly solution to the many environmental problems we have today. You can learn more about the benefits of biodegradable plastics here.
2. Plastic Production Contributes to Climate Change
The manufacture of plastics releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It includes carbon dioxide and methane.
Plastics also contain chemicals that can be released into the environment when burned or decomposed. These chemicals can cause air and water pollution.
It is best if we can recycle used plastics to lessen our waste. Some organizations utilize recycled plastics in their products.
Some businesses manufacture plastic-eating bacteria. It is a special plastic additive that makes plastic biodegrade more quickly. This process leaves no traces of any harmful bacteria, and it is sure to lessen the waste we see in our environment.
3. Ways Plastic Can Affect Our Health
Plastic is a petroleum product, so its production and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Burning plastic releases harmful chemicals into the air. These chemicals can affect our health and can cause respiratory problems.
Aside from that, there are chemicals in plastic that are, according to clinical research, associated with several health problems like cancer, ADHD, autism, and infertility. Many food products are exposed to these chemicals through their packaging. Microplastics are also present in any container we use at home.
When plastics pollute our environment, they can attract harmful bacteria called pathogens. In cases where pathogens enter our body, they can cause an infection and other health problems.
Take The Stand For The Environment Now
Though plastic has many benefits, we should know what are three disadvantages of making and using plastic that we should address immediately. These disadvantages include polluting the environment, its role in climate change, and the health risks to humans and animals.
With these disadvantages in mind, we should be careful to use plastic responsibly and recycle it when possible.
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