Plastic Pollution & Its Impact on Environment Dr. Saif Ullah Khan Dept. of Civil Engineering, Zakir Husain College of Engineering & Technology, Aligarh Muslim University(A.M.U.) WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 5 th June 2023
Polyethylene , also known as polyethene or just polythene , is a very common plastic whose monomer is ethylene (a chemical compound with the formula C 2 H 4 ). The generalised chemical formula of this plastic can be written as (C 2 H 4 ) n .
Facts & Figures ! Production and Consumption : Globally, over 380 million metric tons of plastic are produced each year. Plastic consumption has increased twenty-fold since the 1960s and is expected to double again by 2035 . Plastic Waste Generation : It is estimated that approximately 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and the majority of it has become waste. Only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled, 12% is incinerated, and the remaining 79% accumulates in landfills or the natural environment. Plastic in Oceans : It is estimated that there are 150 million metric tons of plastic waste in the world's oceans . This marine plastic pollution threatens marine life, with millions of birds, turtles, fish, and other marine species dying each year due to ingestion or entanglement in plastic debris. Plastic Packaging : Packaging is the largest sector contributing to plastic waste, accounting for around 40% of total plastic production . Single-use plastic packaging, such as plastic bags, bottles, and food containers, are major contributors to plastic waste due to their short lifespan.
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Eco-friendly alternatives to Plastic Biodegradable Plastics: These are plastics that can break down into natural components, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, through the action of microorganisms. They are designed to degrade more quickly than traditional plastics, reducing their persistence in the environment. Compostable Plastics: Compostable plastics are designed to break down in industrial composting facilities, where controlled conditions facilitate their decomposition. They produce nutrient-rich compost that can be used in agriculture and landscaping. Paper and Cardboard: Paper and cardboard packaging are renewable and biodegradable alternatives to plastic. They can be recycled multiple times. However, their use should be balanced with responsible forest management practices. Plant-Based Bioplastics : Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or algae. They are produced from renewable feedstocks , reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
………… continue Glass: Glass is an inert and recyclable material that can be used as an alternative to plastic packaging. It is durable, preserves product integrity, and can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality . Metal : Metal packaging, such as aluminum cans and steel containers, is widely used for food and beverage products. Metals are recyclable and can be reused without a loss in quality. Natural Fibers: Natural fibers, such as jute , bamboo, or cotton, can be used to create biodegradable and compostable materials. These fibers can be utilized for packaging, textiles, and other applications traditionally dominated by plastic . Reusable Products: Promoting the use of reusable products, such as cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles, and glass food containers, can significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.