We went to a store and bought something, and the storekeeper gave it to us in a plastic bag, but we didn’t say anything. Even after knowing that plastic grocery bags damage the environment, we think it’s just one small bag and there’s no negative effect. Just let it go, right?
Have you heard the phrase “drops of water may fill an ocean?” This sounds motivated, right? Imagine if the entire world thinks it’s just a small plastic bag. How much plastic would be collected, and what harm would it cause to our environment?
Today, in this article, we will talk about the damage done to our environment by using these small plastic bags and how we can be aware of this. We will also discuss how we can reuse plastic that comes to our homes, like plastic bags, cold drink bottles, etc. So just sit tight, try to understand the depth of the problem, and read the solutions, too.
1. How Do Plastic Grocery Bags Damage the Environment?
Despite being the topic of many discussions, it is not taken seriously. However, some countries like Brazil, Austria, Canada, Singapore, and Germany have implemented notable measures to address plastic pollution. However, many countries still need to consider this and take action accordingly.
Now, some people will suggest the government should ban everything made of plastic to prevent plastic pollution. So let us tell you that in many countries, plastic was banned, but the citizens of those countries still use plastic somehow.
Eventually, the question arises: how can we stop these toxic substances and prevent health risks? The answer is by only spreading awareness. Let’s talk about how it damages our environment and what can we do to prevent it.
1.1. Plastic Bag Waste: A Growing Concern
Even after knowing it can harm our environment, it somehow becomes a consecutive part of our lives. Now, a question just pops up: What is the reason behind it? The simple answer is that it is very convenient for us to use a plastic bag.
It’s just a small plastic bag; this phrase is destroying our environment. For this “It’s just a small bag,” more than 380 million tons of plastic are generated worldwide yearly, increasing continuously. Where does that go? It stays here right with us. It just doesn’t vanish. What happens to this amount of plastic in the world?
Suppose this plastic debris is not disposed of properly. In that case, it can enter drainage systems and find its way into our rivers and oceans, contributing to the ever-growing problem of marine debris.
1.2. Environmental Impact of Plastic Bag Waste
Some might wonder how plastic bags’ impact can cause harm and damage and what material they are made of. Let’s also discuss that.
In the making of plastic bags, some toxic chemicals like petroleum products are used, and they rely on fossil fuels for their production.
But here, in short, we would just say that these are non-renewable resources that can harm the environment. Some studies say that it can take more than 450 years for a bottle to get deposed. It also affects the climate change of our Earth.
1.3 Harm to Wildlife and Marine Life
When plastic bags and other plastic products end up in the oceans and water bodies, they become a hazard to marine life and wildlife.
For example, sea turtles and jellyfish, these discarded plastic bags and products can come in contact with and be consumed by fish, which can lead to serious health risks for these magnificent creatures of our Earth. They think it’s their food, but it’s not, which leads to negative consequences.
A study says that many marine animals, including turtles and jellyfish, are killed because of this plastic waste in the Ocean. Isn’t that concerning? If this is not stopping us from using plastic bags and products, what will?
1.4. Plastic Pollution and its Wide Range
You are wrong if you think plastic bags are limited to our rivers and oceans. It might be surprising, but plastic also affects our soil and landscapes. Now, the harm is not just to marine animals; it is coming back the same way where it all started: to us.
What happens to the plastic bags and products we dispose of to degrade? They break down into microplastics that can stay in our environment for decades. These microplastics somehow get into our food chain by finding a way that is not good for our health.
This is a potential risk to our health when we consume it through seafood or other resources. Will anyone now say, “It’s just a small plastic bag”? I think not.
1.5. Impact on the Developing Countries
If you live in a developing country, the harm and danger of plastic bags can affect you more. Plastic and shopping bags are seen more in developing countries; it would not be wrong if we say that they have more important things to work on.
In our landfills, isn’t plastic bags also a big concern for humans? Why do plastic bags have more impact on developing countries? Because the amount of plastic manufactured and used in developing countries is higher, very few plastic bags are recycled. As a result, most plastic bags and products end up in landfills, drainage systems, or oceans.
Although plastic may be a convenient option for the short term, it is not a sustainable choice for the long term. We have discussed all the major risks and dangers caused by plastic bags; now, let’s talk about what we can do to tackle the problem.
2. Easy Ways to Recycle Plastic Shopping Bags
Recycling plastic bags can be challenging, but there are simple ways to do it as an individual. Let’s have a look at it.
2.1. Reusing Plastic Bags
We just throw a plastic bag after a single use, right? Instead of doing that, we can reuse them for various purposes and make them recyclable. For example, trash can liners, storing items, or even carrying groceries again in them.
2.2. Proper Disposal
If you have a huge amount of plastic bags that you don’t need anymore, you have to make sure that you dispose of them properly. Many grocery stores and recycling companies have collection points for recycling plastic bags. You can find one near you, give it to them, and it will be recycled properly.
2.3. Choose Alternatives
If everyone switches to eco-friendly alternatives like reusable cloth or paper bags, the threat of plastic pollution will greatly decrease.
2.4. Spreading Awareness
Spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags on our environment is one of the most effective ways to reduce its impact. If you consciously decide to stop using plastic bags, you can encourage your friends to do the same. This will help create more awareness and reduce the risk posed by plastic bags.
Final Words
To sum up, we must admit that plastic production and pollution are a huge threat to our Earth. If we want to save our world, we must start taking action and raising awareness about it to end plastic bags. Our individual actions can make a lot of difference.
So let’s just decide that from now on, we will not use plastic bags or products that can harm our planet, its creatures, and our future and make our Earth cleaner and greener!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Five common usages of plastic in our homes?
Five common uses of plastic are plastic bottles, kitchenware, plastic containers, toys, and storage boxes, for which we can use alternatives available on the market.
Q2. How can we reduce plastic usage in our homes?
You can use reusable containers and bags instead of single-use plastic bags. Refrain from choosing a product containing more plastic. You can also use alternatives to plastic, like glass, stainless steel, and silicone.
Last Updated on by Arnab