Let’s Talk Plastics: The Good, The Bad, The Real

/ Plastics / By

Plastics are ubiquitous and play a crucial role in our modern world due to their versatility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. You will find them in different forms in everyday life from toothbrushes and water bottles to the cell phones that connect us and automotive airbags that protect us. Despite their numerous benefits, the widespread use of plastics has led to environmental concerns, particularly regarding pollution and the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems. Efforts to mitigate these issues include recycling programs, the development of biodegradable plastics, and increased awareness of sustainable alternatives.

In this piece, we present both the shortcomings and importance of plastics in our lives.

The Good

Plastics are indispensable for their durability, versatility, and essential role in various industries’ efficiency, safety, and innovation: From packaging materials that protect goods during transportation to medical devices that save lives, plastics play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of numerous industries. In addition, they have paved the way for innovation and technological advancement. Plastics enabled the development of lightweight and durable components in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and countless other sectors For example, in the healthcare sector, plastics are essential for maintaining hygiene standards and preventing contamination. Single-use plastic items such as syringes, gloves, and IV bags are vital for ensuring the safety of medical procedures and reducing the risk of infections. Without plastics, many of the technological marvels we rely on today would simply not exist

 Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the freshness and quality of food products while also providing convenience for consumers due to their portability and ease of use. It helps extend shelf life, reduce food waste, and ensure that consumers receive safe and hygienic food items. One key example of the importance of plastics in packaging solutions is the widespread use of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles for beverages. PET bottles are lightweight, shatterproof, and transparent, making them ideal for packaging various drinks such as water, soft drinks, juices, and sports drink

 Contrary to popular belief, plastics can be a resource-efficient material when managed properly.  Plastic can be a resource-efficient material if managed effectively through waste management practices, recycling, and innovative technologies. Strategies like reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic products can conserve raw materials and energy, thus minimizing environmental impact. Advancements in plastic recycling technologies such as mechanical, chemical, and biodegradable options allow for transforming used plastics into valuable resources. Designing plastic products for durability and recyclability further reduces waste generation. Initiatives like extended producer responsibility (EPR) hold manufacturers accountable for end-of-life management, encouraging sustainable practices. Embracing responsible consumption, production, and disposal can harness plastic’s potential as a valuable resource while mitigating environmental harm.

The bad

Although plastics have many advantages, their extensive use also brings significant challenges and drawbacks.

Besides, playing an increasing role in packaging and consumer products, plastic waste take up a growing percentage of municipal solid waste streams and their production contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thereby posing environmental challenges. The process of manufacturing plastics heavily relies on fossil fuels, thereby emitting substantial amounts of GHGs and aggravating climate change. Even though plastic’s versatility and durability make it indispensable across industries, its environmental impact looms large as a pressing concern. Plastic pollution has escalated into a global crisis, with extensive accumulations found in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems worldwide. Yet, the pitfall extends beyond visible bottles and bags. Microplastics – minute particles measuring less than 5 millimeters have increased rapidly in the environment, posing grave risks to wildlife, and marine life, and potentially infiltrating the food chain.

Although plastics offer significant social benefits, it is important to acknowledge the potential health risks associated with the chemical substances used in their production. Plastic, one of the most preferred materials in today’s industrial world is posing a serious threat to the environment and consumer’s health in many direct and indirect ways. Exposure to harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, during manufacturing, leaching in the stored food items while using plastic packages or chewing of plastic teethers and toys by children are linked with severe adverse health outcomes such as cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, and developmental and reproductive effects. Despite efforts to regulate the usage of plastics, concerns about their impact remain prevalent.

While recycling presents a promising avenue to curb plastic waste, the harsh truth remains that merely a small fraction of the plastic generated finds its way into recycling streams. Moreover, efficiently recycling mixed plastic waste poses a formidable challenge for the plastics recycling sector. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, logistical hurdles, low consumer engagement, and economic feasibility stand as significant barriers to effective recycling efforts.

The Real

Plastics are not inherently a good or a bad material. How we use them, what we use them for, and how we manage them after use are the key drivers of their social and environmental impact. While it’s essential to address the challenges associated with plastic waste and pollution, demonizing plastics entirely overlooks their undeniable importance in our daily lives.

By adopting sustainable practices, using plastics responsibly, improving the management of plastic waste post-use, and, investing in research and development, we can harness the benefits of plastic and play our part in reducing plastic waste, while mitigating its environmental impact.

So let’s continue to appreciate the benefits of plastic while also being mindful of its impact on our planet. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and balanced approach to the use of plastic in our society.

#PlasticandEnvironment #ReduceReuseRecycle #PlasticPositive #Recycling #Sustainability

 

References

– By Mariam Bisiriyu