WHAT IS PLASTIC POLLUTION? Plastic pollution is a buildup of plastics in the environment that harms wildlife, their habitat, and humans. Plastic pollution occupies the top 10 list of significant problems in the world. According to the UNEP, out of the 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic produced between 1950-2017, 7 billion have ended up in landfills.
MAJOR CAUSES OF PLASTIC POLLUTION - Plastic bottles: Unfortunately, even in 2022, plastic bottles are widely used.
- NO RECYCLING- it is essential that people start plastic segregation in their houses and give the segregated plastic for recycling; otherwise, the plastic will end up either on the streets or the landfills, nonetheless contributing to plastic pollution.
- IMPROPER DISPOSABLE OF PLASTIC- Segregated plastics should only be disposed of in a trash can, not on the streets or roads.
SOLUTIONS TO PLASTIC POLLUTION - Stop buying plastic bottled water. It has been found that 20 billion plastic bottles end up in the trash. The focus should be on non-disposable water bottles like thermal and glass that can be used for a long time.
- The most obvious solution is to recycle plastic. Do your research on local NGOs and organizations around you that recycle plastic. Educate yourselves on plastic segregation and make a conscious effort to execute it daily.
- Ditch polythene bags. Instead of using plastic bags for carrying groceries or other materials, carry your jute or cotton tote bags to carry your materials
REFERENCES https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution https://greensutra.in/question/what-are-the-major-causes-of-plastic-pollution/ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/10-ways-reduce-plastic-pollution
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