These are all very good reasons not to ever use plastic again, but at the very least reduce our use of plastic. #1 Protect wildlife – every disposable plastic bag that ends up in the ocean or countryside is a danger to fish, birds and mammals. Yes: they’re better for the environment, and could actually bring down the supply and demand of single-use plastic bags in the future. As a result, now it became a big environmental danger to the earth and likewise to the humans. 6 good reasons for using plastic. These fibres are made from plastic polymers and enter the environment in a number of ways, but most infamously in washing machine effluent. In fact, about 32 million tons of plastic waste was generated in 2012. Eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped in the oceans each year, six million of which are single-use plastics including forks, knives, and spoons. Some advantages of plastic bags are as follow: they are durable, water resistant and immune to corrosion. Some disadvantage of plastics are: they are not environment friendly. not recyclable, not reusable, production process creates lot of air and water pollution, dumping plastics causes soil pollution. it makes planting and throwing rubbish away easier. Bike helmets, car airbags and many medical supplies made with plastic save lives, and plastic water bottles can bring clean drinking water to people who don’t have it. Not many are aware of the importance of the plastic and why plastic bags should not be banned. But alternatives are not necessarily better. Plastic is also great In fact, in many respects plastic is far more environmentally friendly than any other material commonly used by man. Every day, the landfills are filled with different types of plastic only because of the excessive use. Times have changed, but perhaps it’s time to regress a little. "This is the most sustainable raw material for now," Huang says. They’re Eaten By Animals. The good and the bad of plastic bag bans: Research review. By 2050, the oceans will have more waste plastics than fish. "A … Plastic Bags Use Up Nonrenewable Resources. In 2015, marine biologist Christine Figgener shot a disturbing video of a turtle with a straw stuck in its nostril. Plastic windows and other Plastic is polluting our oceans, killing wildlife, and damaging our health, and there are widespread calls to get rid of it. They keep us safer in our cars in the form of seatbelts, fuel tanks, windscreens and airbags. Recycling plastic is not efficient – only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled. it is very strong, can be stronger than steel. In this chapter of Synthetic Fibres and Plastics of CBSE 8, we will get how exactly our Environment gets affected by Plastic. While many may argue that this increased plastic consumption has a negative effect on the environment, it can actually prove beneficial in the long term. Plastic cannot biodegrade; it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic pollution disrupts the natural food chain. Of course, now you would want to know why. In fact, plastic outnumbers sea life by six pieces for every one animal. Treated plastic doesn’t require oxygen ,water, or microbial activity for its disintegration, for that mater this will disintegrate even in outer space. You never know where it will end up. While it is an important material for our economy, providing multiple benefits to modern day living, plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade. Plastics could be used to benefit the environment It is tempting to demonize plastics, but realistically, plastics themselves are not inherently evil. The more plastic bags we use the more harm they cause to humankind, animals, and the environment. ... we could permanently harm our environment. Plastic takes 2000 times more energy to manufacture compared to producing tap water. But the UK government's own research suggests that this is actually bad for the environment. 2. It was the plastics … By being so light – it also helps By Anja Krieger. Every time you make the choice to avoid or recycle plastic products, you lower the risk of environmental damage. Over 80 percent of America’s plastic ends up in landfill. Be conscious of your choices, and encourage those around you to think twice before they throw away plastic or buy unnecessary plastic items. Plastics make life better, and easier, for us. Instead of using metal for the production of some parts, many car manufacturers are turning to polymers instead. Why Plastics are Bad: They Kill Animals. Many consumers assume bioplastics are better for the environment, but some do not completely biodegrade. it doesn't cause water pollution. [5] Your plastic bottles will most likely be deposited in a landfill, where they will be encapsulated forever and will take roughly 450 years to break down. Ultimately, plastic is an excellent tool to help reduce mankind’s impact on the environment. 9. Plastic waste ready for inspection before being sent to Malaysia; the UK produces more refuse than it can process at home – about 1.1kg per person per day. Plastic’s reputation fell further in the 1970s and 1980s as anxiety about waste increased. People talk about recycling like it’s some sort of superhero—just by throwing that plastic bottle in the green bin, you’re doing your part to punch pollution in its oily kidneys and leave the world a greener, healthier place. Petroleum production and its use plays a harmful role in polluting the environment, as its use contaminates the water and air. Plastic bags are made from oil, which is a fossil fuel and a non-renewable resource. Plastic bags, food wrappers, nappies, and some other plastics are often labelled as biodegradable. Here Are 5 Ways Reusable Grocery Bags Help the Environment. "Longer term, our goal is to make [the plastic… Short answer: Yes! Because plastic has a lifecycle that extends long after it’s served any function, single-use products often wind up in landfills or, even worse, the ocean. Here are five plastic alternatives or uses of plastic waste that aren’t as good for the environment as you might think. So there you have it, plastic bags are good for the environment! Helps The Planet. Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer on whether paper or plastic bags are better for the environment. Currently, around a third of plastic packaging worldwide ends up in the environment – and so without significant changes, there will be more plastic by weight than fish in the oceans by 2050. As of now, only establishments which have more than 250 employees need to impose the charge on single-use plastic bags. Styrofoam is actually the trade name for polystyrene. Being caught up and choked isn’t the only way they harm and kill wildlife. 3. Visual: United States Department of Agriculture. In January, the British government announced its intention to extend their plastic bag tax to all shops. why plastic water bottles are bad for the environment You might already intuitively understand how plastic water bottles are bad for the environment. As a result, now it became a big environmental danger to the earth and likewise to the humans. » Disposed plastic materials can remain in … Plastic bags are recyclable, but they require special equipment for processing and cannot be mixed in with general recycling.People have to return them at designated collection centers ― many grocery stores offer this service. If you want to protect dolphins and sea turtles, you should take special care to place your plastic in the trash, not the recycling bin. Plastics protect our heads in the form of helmets. Here are five explanations that breakdown why plastic bags are bad for the environment and how reusable grocery bags help the planet. Why Plastic is Good for the Environment? Our prime concern is the safety and wellbeing of our customers. Whenever we throw something like paper, food peels, leaves etc there are small tiny creatures in nature – the bacteria – who eat these things up or turn them into useful products that nature loves. As a … … However, no one understood how bad it can be for environment in future at that time. This moral panic is intensifying even as evidence mounts that banning plastic is both a waste of money and harmful to the environment. In the medical field, for example, plastic is a necessity (think of all the plastic gloves, tubes, and equipment). Americans throw away 100 million plastic utensils every day, unknowingly contributing to ocean pollution. Why some plastic packaging is necessary to prevent food waste and protect the environment June 7, 2019 9.06am EDT Manoj Dora , Eleni Iacovidou , Brunel University London Plastic is a material made to last forever, yet 33 percent of all plastic - water bottles, bags and straws - are used just once and thrown away. Straws and other plastics pose a threat to plants and animals because they are not biodegradable - meaning they cannot be broken down naturally. Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based plastic. 1. 10 Good reasons why are plastic bags bad for us and for the environment #1 Plastic bags pollute our land and water. Here are some of the ways that choosing a reusable bag helps the environment. This is why claiming that a material is biodegradable in the natural environment is so problematic. There are quite a number of effects of plastic bags on environment. Plastic benefits society in many ways by being a highly versatile material that comes in different types, and can be molded into different shapes and sizes. Plastic waste is fast becoming a widely recognised problem. Recycling plastic is inefficient. As a result, they accumulate in ecosystems and habitats around the world, where they will remain for hundreds of years to come. Furthermore 90% of the pollution floating in the ocean is plastic which accounts for 46,000 pieces of plastic in every single square mile. The benefits of plastic extend into far reaching areas of our lives. 3. In this article, you’ll learn the different facts about plastic and paper bags, the benefits of reusables … This causes carbon emissions and contributes to global warming. Plastic bags can take a millennium to degrade in nature, at which point it will have poised the soil and nearby water … Animals like birds or fish can mistake plastic in the ocean for food. Look around and you will notice that plastic bags are the most common litter. The plastic then moves with drainage networks or rivers and eventually flows into the ocean. – Using custom reusable grocery bags over plastic or paper bags can save on money, resources and have a positive impact on the environment as well. Plastic also helps to insulate our homes and make them more energy efficient. Nearly half a trillion plastic water bottles are purchased and consumed each year, and fewer than 7% are recycled into new water bottles. Plastic outnumbers sea life by six to one. The production of plastic for the U.S. alone uses 331 billion barrels of petroleum, equal to 5 percent of the national consumption of petroleum. Amazon – like EBay have a lot of sellers of paper straws – £2.60 for a pack of 30. Long answer: biodegradable plastic will not solve the problem of litter and is still a mistake to pollute the environment with our throw-away items, so by saying that biodegradable plastic is better, we are not suggesting the undiscriminating use of single-use products. Recycling plastic is good for the environment, good for energy savings, good for the health of wildlife and humans alike. Plastic is a practical material. This is a problem because the price of recycled plastic is crucial in determining whether they would be used in place of virgin plastic. And it became a better option of the things to use in daily life. Plastic bags take a lot of energy and oil to make so why waste them by creating bags that self-destruct? Here’s why: 1 | Durable and safe. Plastic bag bans don’t work. Reducing the use of plastic is important because plastic production requires an enormous amount of energy and resources. It’s popular because of its light weight, good insulation properties, and advantage as a packing material for shipping without adding weight. Plastic certainly can have a negative effect on the environment, but when it comes to the material, it is more an issue of quantity, and not quality. They take oil to produce and are nearly impossible to biodegrade, which is exactly why we have the great garbage patch in the ocean. In May 2016, the New York City … In the early 20th century the dominance of plastic started. Plastic can be recycled, re-molded and re-used. Plastic bags result in the pollution of groundwater. Here are 6 reasons why glass is superior to plastic: 1. Firms are swapping to other packaging materials which … #16 Plastic waste in the ocean is eaten by birds and marine mammals. And yeah, re-using old materials is a great way to reduce the impact on the environment . Plastic can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. plastic bottles, bags and microbeads) in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. If interested please keep in touch with us for more information . However, no one understood how bad it can be for environment in future at that time. Your plastic straws are not hurting the environment, but the laws against them are irrevocably hurting our freedom. The Good and Bad Points of Plastic: Why Some Plastic Packaging Is Just Fine As an environmental packaging provider, it might seem strange for us to enter into the “is plastic good or bad” debate. Learn more about how straws impact the environment and what steps can … Effects of plastic bags on environment. So, why exactly is plastic pollution so bad for the environment? Find out more with Bitesize KS2 Geography. 50% of plastic is used only once. Animals like birds or fish can mistake plastic in the ocean for food. Another factor contributing to why plastics are bad is when they’re directly ingested by animals thinking that they’ve been lucky to find a tasty morsel. Once you understand the benefits of using glass over plastic, you’ll slowly overcome the need to use anything from baggies to straws and storage containers. The rest is composed of traditional, petroleum-derived plastic. “Disposable” is a plastic-age term, a calling card for a time when bags are doubled and tossed away twenty minutes later. The video also discusses how plastic straw bans are a form of eco-ableism in that eliminating plastic straws make the lives of people with disabilities much more complicated. They both have downsides, but there … Avoid them at all costs. The bags sit in landfills and do not degrade, thus avoiding the release of greenhouse gases. Lighter cars = less fuel use. Along with vehicle construction, plastics are also being frequently used as building materials for both commercial and residential properties. You could say that steel kegs have become a standard in bulk packaging. Not only is this … The motoring industry is a perfect example of this. Each year, over 500 billion disposable bottles and cups end up littering our soil, rivers, lakes and oceans, killing countless fish and animals. Using glass instead of plastic reduces landfill waste by a long shot. 07.23.2019. Sustainability and plastics looks at how we best use the resources we have. Why do politicians want to take away our plastic bags and straws? There are many benefits to plastic – it is cheap, easy to make, and useful for a variety of things. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, at current rates of pollution, there will likely be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050. “Plastic remains the most effective material in many circumstances - for example cucumbers wrapped in plastic last 14 days longer, reducing food waste. In many ways, plastics are better for the environment than other alternatives because they are more efficient and use less energy during production and transport. Not only does this pollute our oceans, but it negatively impacts the entire ecosystem as the plastic particles are consumed by animals. if it works. Reusable bags made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are a more eco-friendly choice. Similarly, even the water bodies are equally in a bad position because of the pollution caused by plastic . Plastic bags are the most environmentally friendly option at the checkout. “The argument [for bio-based plastics] is the inherent value of reducing the carbon footprint,” says chemical engineer Ramani Narayan from … The UK has recently proposed a ban on the manufacture of plastic straws, but until the ban kicks in (or you aren’t from the UK) make a swap. Studies show that alternatives which seem “greener” actually place a greater burden on the environment because they require more natural resources to produce and transport, they emit more carbon throughout their lifecycles and they need more energy to […] Why are straws harmful for the environment? In fact, it is a conscious effort by everyone as plastic is very harmful for our environment. Plastic Problems: Waste and Health. 12. 15. Consumer pressure to end plastic packaging in shops could actually be harming the environment, a report says. Plastic bags are a “marvel of environmental efficiency”. it is durable, flexible and long-lasting. Long story short, as this report makes clear, the vast majority of bioplastic cups, cutlery, take-away containers, etc., will degrade in the environment, land or sea, just like traditional plastic. For starters, plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter worldwide. Biodegradable single-use water bottles. Plastic recycling has lightened some of the environmental burden of disposal, but the majority of plastics are landfilled or incinerated after a single use; the US plastic-bottle recycling rate is less than 25 percent, according to the American Plastics Council. Why compostable plastics may be no better for the environment The good news is if it is let out in environment this will disintegrate in to wax which is digestible by soil bacteria. Using reusable bags instead could save the lives of more than a million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals every year. I make a lot of my purchasing decisions based upon packaging. by … Paper straws – If you are like me and love to drink through straws, make a swap to paper. A turtle could choke on a bioplastic bag the moment this bag is blown into the sea. Image: Choose Water. 6 Reasons Why Glass Is Better Than Plastic. . 3) Plastics make up 50% of today’s cars, which helps significantly improve fuel efficiency. Like cigarettes, plastic bags have recently gone from a tolerated nuisance to a widely despised and discouraged vice. Depends on whether you're burning it in a firepit in your back yard (in which case, yes), or burning it in a trash incinerator (in which case, yes, unless the incinerator is recovering energy from the combustion). 1) Every day, plastics help us dramatically lower environmental impacts A new study adds to the growing body of research on how plastics help us reduce our environmental footprint… by reducing material use, energy use, waste, and carbon emissions. 13. While there are many objections to the banning of plastic bags based solely on their convenience, the damage to the environment needs to be controlled. The environmental impact of plastic straws is well documented. Back in the days, kegs were made of wood and later out of steel. There is more plastic in the oceans than wildlife. And it became a better option of the things to use in daily life. Plastic became a special target because, while so many plastic products are disposable, plastic lasts forever in the environment. Next to plastic bags, plastic bottles are the most prevalent (and unsightly) source of pollution found on our beaches and shores. A lot of water is used in the manufacture of plastic bags. Profit over environment: Virgin material can be cheaper than recycled plastic. At Curver we make the most of its versatility to create a wide range of household products designed to make your daily life easier. 2. Top: Polylactic acid is derived from plant material like corn sugar, potato or sugarcane, and is used to replace conventional plastic in a number of consumer goods. Plastic bags are everywhere. The effects of plastic bags on the environment are really quite devastating. Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (e.g. Plastic is an amazing man-made material used to make all kinds of important things. Plastic bags pose a grave danger to the environment. The use of harmful chemicals in the production of plastic gives rise to environmental problems such as obstruction of drains, groundwater contamination etc. In the early 20th century the dominance of plastic started. Absolutely not! But it isn’t as simple as wishing the pervasive material away. The plastic then moves with drainage networks or rivers and eventually flows into the ocean. They’re 100% recyclable and highly reused. Why: 1 | durable and safe lasts forever in the form of seatbelts, tanks! 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