Essay on Plastic Ban
Plastic bags are a very big threat to the environment. They are mostly made of organic polymers which are nothing but long chains of carbon atoms. These polymers are very stable chemically and hence, cannot be broken down by environmental factors easily. Plastic bags are widely used as they are important industrially and are also cheap. However, years of using plastics are now showing their effects on the environment. The piles of non-degradable waste that have been created so far are polluting the air, water, soil, and every other component of nature. It is high time that we become aware of this menace and contribute towards banning plastic globally. Only then, we will be able to save our earth from choking to death.
Plastic: a Menace to the Environment
To judge the issue, we must first look into the various problems that arise out of using plastic bags. The problems with using plastic bags are as follows:
They are Non-Biodegradable
Plastic bags are made up of elements that are extremely hard to be degraded by microbes in the environment. They take hundreds of years to be completely decomposed, which essentially means that almost all of the plastic ever made still exists in the environment causing pollution! Plastic bags are a major source of pollution of land and water presently across the world.
Effect of Plastic on Human Health
Due to the excessive use of plastics, there are several ways in which plastic finds its way into our food chain. Accumulation of nano plastics over a long period of time can cause organ failure, intoxication and respiratory and gastrointestinal distress. The burning of plastics also produces harmful smoke that can cause poisoning in humans.
Harmful for Animals
Animals, both terrestrial and aquatic, consume a lot of plastic wastes unknowingly. Consuming large chunks of plastic often causes blockage in their respiratory tract. This may result in respiratory failure due to choking. After consuming a plastic bag, an animal is not able to digest it and it stays inside its intestine causing complications and ultimately, untimely death. Marine animals are often found to be dead after they become entangled with plastic wastes in the sea which leave them incapable of breathing.
Clogged Sewage
Another major problem with plastic bags is that it accumulates in waterways and clog drains and sewages. This can result in overflowing drains which can then breed various vectors of diseases. Afterwards, from this accumulation of plastic bags oxygen supply to the water is reduced and aquatic animals die due to the lack of oxygen as well.
For all the aforementioned reasons, we must choose to ban the use of plastic bags altogether. Previously, regional governments have tried to levy taxes on plastic use but it has not been effective. If we do not stop using plastic bags the ill effects of the same will multiply in the future and it will be too late to make further changes. However, before banning plastics, we must make sure that we have access to suitable replacements so that after the ban people do not have to face inconvenience. It is important to save our planet for it is the only place we can call our home and we must take every necessary action to do that at the earliest.
FAQs on Plastic Ban Essay: The Need for Sustainable Practices
1. What is the main argument for banning single-use plastics?
The main argument is that single-use plastics are designed to be thrown away after one use, but they do not break down naturally. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years, polluting our land, oceans, and waterways, harming wildlife, and entering the human food chain as microplastics.
2. Why is plastic considered so harmful to the environment?
Plastic is harmful for several key reasons. It is non-biodegradable, meaning it doesn't decompose. Instead, it breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics that contaminate soil and water. Its production also uses non-renewable resources like crude oil and releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
3. What are some easy-to-use sustainable alternatives to common plastic items?
There are many simple and sustainable alternatives you can use in daily life. Some great examples include:
- Using cloth or jute bags for shopping instead of plastic bags.
- Carrying a reusable water bottle made of metal or glass.
- Choosing products with minimal or plastic-free packaging.
- Using a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one.
- Packing lunch in a stainless steel container.
4. If plastic can be recycled, why is a complete ban often suggested as a better solution?
While recycling is helpful, it is not a perfect solution. Many types of plastic cannot be recycled, and the process itself requires a lot of energy. Furthermore, most plastic can only be recycled a few times before its quality degrades. A ban helps to reduce plastic production at the source, which is a more effective way to tackle the pollution problem.
5. What key points should be included when writing an essay on the plastic ban?
A well-structured essay on the plastic ban should cover a few essential points. You should start with an introduction explaining the problem of plastic pollution. The body of the essay can discuss the harmful effects on the environment and wildlife, the need for sustainable practices, and the role of governments and individuals. Finally, your conclusion should summarise the arguments and end with a strong call to action for a plastic-free future.
6. How does a plastic ban contribute to long-term sustainable practices?
A plastic ban is a key step towards long-term sustainability because it forces us to rethink our consumption habits. It encourages innovation in eco-friendly materials and promotes a 'circular economy' where resources are reused instead of thrown away. By reducing our reliance on disposable items, a ban helps conserve natural resources, protect ecosystems, and create a healthier planet for future generations.
