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Beating Plastic Pollution in Agriculture. |
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by Rosa Domingos | 06-12-2018 01:20
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Agriculture represents a critical share of the economies of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), mostly island nations such as Jamaica where the sector contributes 7.9% of their national GDP . Seeing that the use of agricultural chemicals and inputs have risen, concern is seen as they are being packaged and sold in plastic containers. Their use has become a major topic of discussion as greater awareness of the environmental impact of plastics takes hold. In the Nation of Jamaica, farmers purchase pesticides, fertilisers and farm inputs in plastic packaging which are often reused to mix and store other chemicals. These containers serve as storage for seedlings as well as containers for drip irrigation. Though this is one effective method to reduce plastic pollution, the practice is not mainstream across the country. Ironically, many farmers pollute the environment by simply disposing off these plastics. This contributes to an increasing problem of pollution. In other areas of the world, Texas (in the United States) for example, the disposal of plastic agricultural items such as drip irrigation tubing is an environmental problem identified even among growers. Historically, discarded agricultural waste was taken to landfills or burned/buried. This often occurred on the farm property. However, recently, with governments’ efforts to enforce SDG 13 on climate action and the aim to reduce the contribution of greenhouses gases, more attention is being paid towards plastic burning. This and other associated efforts have spurred interest in farmers to explore other climate smart options. Additionally, an increasing number of SIDS countries have started to implement methods to convert used agricultural plastic into recyclable products such as garbage bags, sidewalk pavers and plastic lumber. In a bid to encourage environmental-friendly and cost-effective practices, manufacturers have adopted a similar approach to environment protection. With only about 10 per cent of farm plastics currently recycled worldwide, it is important to continue to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics to combat climate change and improve our environment. Reference list Tomlinson,. J. N/a. Beating Plastic Pollution in Agriculture: Towards Innovative Recycling by Jhannel Tomlinson. [Online]. Available: https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth-flash/articles-by-youth/2018/06/beating-plastic-pollution-in-agriculture-towards-innovative-recycling-jhannel-tomlinson/. N/a. Accessed: Dec 4, 2018. |
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11 Comments
Greetings Rosa
I hope you are doing well
Thank you so much for this report
Keep writing
Green cheers
Regards
Sus
Posted 15-03-2020 16:45
Hi Kushal!
I also concur with what you have mentioned. technology has allowed the utilisation of plastic to a point that it is eveywhere. But, I believe that with the intentions of the UN put out clearly in the SDGs, drastic implementation and management of this material will be rolled out.
Thank you for reading!
Posted 14-12-2018 00:21
Hey there Joon Mentor!
I concur with your statement, change comes in slowly, especially in a world that has grown comfortable with the everyday use of plastic materials of different types. It's really going to take time for us to change our behaviour towards plastic, but I trust that it can be done with proper management.
Thank you Joon!
Posted 14-12-2018 00:18
With the increase in the technology and development, plastic has taken an important place in the agriculture too. I understand what are the problems that has been caused and will surely take an action to reduce this.
Thank you for the report
Posted 14-12-2018 00:11
Hello Rosa, another interesting report to share :)
Changing the main product cover or material from plastic to other material drastically is impossible but progressive change in long term plan and precise plan management will truly change it. As Gyeongrin mentor said below, 'It is true that poor management is resulting in excessive use of plastics that could be eliminated if the smallest interest is to be shown' : I do also agree with this sentence, and management in changing public acknowledgement about plastic pollution must be handled prior to the overall change in the whole society :)
Thanks for your special report along with the citation of SDGs in near future!
Posted 09-12-2018 02:00
Hi Mentor Gyeogrin!
I agree with you when you say that plastic is mostly only understood in the daily use context. People something forget that plastic is an all purpose use material and should always be treated as such.
I do hope that further attention will be shown with regards to the agricultural sector and it's massive plastic use.
Thank you for reading!
Posted 07-12-2018 22:13
Hello Rosa
When we say plastic we usually think about daily products such as cups and disposable shopping bags but this report reminds that plastics are also often used as carriers of agricultural products.
It is really nice to know that the SDGs are actually making progress in Jamaica as a guideline to reduce further waste on plastics. It is true that poor management is resulting in excessive use of plastics that could be eliminated if the smallest interest is to be shown.
Thanks for the report :)
Posted 07-12-2018 18:54
Hello Deepak!
Thank you for reading my report! The issue of agricultural growth coupled with plastic pollution has become a big issue, I think that's why it has taken hold now. The reuse of plastic can greatly lower pollution as it will be utilised elsewhere and thus, have a longer use span.
Plastic is hardly recycled, so a better initiative should be established so as to entice people ot recycle.
Thank you Deepak!
Posted 06-12-2018 18:23
Hi Nikolay!
I am glad that the report made you think of better ways to minimise plastic pollution with regards to whee you stay and has made you change your perspective on plastic in the agricultural industry.
You are most welcome!
Posted 06-12-2018 18:05
Hello rosa, Namaste
Hope you are fine
Yes rosa, only few amount of plastic recycled and other are mixed in soil or water, This will degrade the quality of soil and hinders the pollution.
We must reuse, recycle and reduce the plastic,
Thank you for the report.
Your report is beautiful as always.
Posted 06-12-2018 16:54
Hi, Rosa! Reading your report, I remembered my own experience in agriculture. My parents have a small plot of land where they grow vegetables. I had to help them with this and I had never thought about the fact that we actually use a lot of plastic, working on the ground. This tube for drip irrigation, and cups for seedlings, and more. After your presentation, I was seriously thinking about how to minimize soil contamination with plastic. Thank you for that!
Posted 06-12-2018 05:01