The English word ?Plastics? originated from the Greek word ?plastikos?, which means to ?grow?.  Of course, ever since plastics were introduced on Earth, this has grown so very well in ensuring destruction to our environment and still continues to do so in many ways.  This is same as any other epidemic that takes numerous forms such as plastic bags, plastic spoons, etc., that causes pollution on water, land and air.

Plastics pollution in water is caused in many ways.  First, the companies that manufacture plastic products release lots of chemicals in the rivers as a dumping ground polluting the rivers, for instance.  Second is indiscriminate disposal of plastic wastes in rivers and seas which is actually the cause for lots of deaths of marine species including whales and sharks.  The water from rivers are a source for a number of animals and the same is consumed by them which eventually consumes their life. 

Pollution in the air is caused as a result of burning plastic products.  In several countries, the burning of plastic or rubber tires is a common occurrence that could be easily detected due to the thick smoke and characteristic smell.  The burnt residue which refuses to decompose is left on the soil and forms a permanent part of the ground soil in cities adding to ground pollution.   Most recently, some waste plastic recycling plant in central India caught fire and the resulting smog stayed in the air for at least three days.  As news agencies were busy reporting election results, the coverage and importance given to these issues is minimal.   

There is no dearth of plastic wastes on land.  Given any corner in the city or outside the city limits, waste plastic bags, plastic products are generally dumped across corners of streets, near shops, markets and apartments.  Generally, the wastes are mixed together including some plastic bags making the waste segregation nearly impossible.   The segregation of wastes is a big failure regardless of countless number of initiatives from both private and governmental offices.  The fundamental understanding of waste segregation is weak and public awareness on these issues is negligible. 

So, how a country like India that has ambitions plans for future could survive if basic awareness on environmental issues are not in place?    A total ban on plastics would be the only solution but given the ways and means by which plastics are in use in households, schools, markets, etc., it is difficult to eradicate this epidemic.  But one cannot afford to leave it to mercy of time either, for by the end of 2050, health of an estimated 500 million people will be at risk due to pollution.

Plastics whether recyclable or not causes pollution.  The very recycling process is itself a chemical process that releases lots of toxins in the air and water equally alike.  In return what we receive is a substance that eventually will take away many lives.  In scenarios like this, it is important that the industries including plastics manufacturers come forward with biodegradable materials and gradually phase out plastics where all replacement parts are made of biodegradable materials.   Complementing these initiatives, the government should gradually reduce the use of the same in all applications by imposing heavy tax on all plastic products.

Image source 1: http://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/pft/2017/5/12/a-giant-beached-whale-illustrates-the-plastic-pollution-problem

Image source 2:  nagpurinfo.com