Do you know approximately 10 million plastic bags are used every minute around the world? The data reveals how they have become a part of our modern lives. It indeed is a convenient way to carry shopped goods. So, we don’t tend to give much attention to them.
However, the inadvertent overconsumption of single-use plastic bags negatively affects the environment, directly or indirectly affecting human beings.
So, do you have a kitchen drawer overflowing with single-use plastic bags bought from shopping trips? If yes, look at why single-use plastics are bad for the health and the environment and why these must be banned immediately.
10 reasons to ban single-use plastic right away
- Adversely affects human health.
The exposure to plastic particles or the toxic chemicals associated with these single-use plastic bags accounts for distinct risks to humans. Every stage of its life cycle directly or indirectly affects health. It even leads to acute to long-term risks to human health.
- Leaves behind a huge carbon footprint
The production and the usage of these plastics lead to the emission of huge carbon footprints. In addition, pieces of plastics float in the air, and even the carbon footprint adversely affects the environment. Every single process, including dumping, composting, recycling, or incinerating, leads to emissions of carbon dioxide gas.
So, you must do your part by ditching single-use plastics from your kitchen, laundry, and bathroom today. Also, nowadays, you have a lot of other eco-friendly options. For instance, if you are residing in Australia, switch to incredible personal and home natural cleaning products Australia made from recycled materials and can be kept forever.
- It affects wildlife and the ecosystem.
The spread of single-use plastic through the air, soil, and water severely affects the ecosystem and wildlife. A healthy ecosystem thrives on a balance; however, all these pollutants negatively affect the survival of plants and animals altogether.
- Makes way into our food chain
Climate, oceans, and biodiversity are all linked together in one or the other way. However, the uncontrolled use of single-use plastics makes its way into our food chain. It is evident from the animals which are carrying microplastics inside their bodies.
- It kills marine life and pollutes oceans.
It makes up a significant portion of marine debris and kills marine life. Different marine lives, including seabirds, fish, turtles, and other mammals, get entangled or ingest plastics. It leads to drawing and suffocation of marine life.
- Secrets toxins in our food and drink
When you drink or eat in a single-use plastic container, its toxins leach into your food and drinks. Plastic is almost everywhere. Upon heating or scratching, it leaches out toxin chemicals. At even a certain level of exposure, its chemicals could cause severe health risks.
- Single-use plastics stay for a good hundred years.
Some plastics are biodegradable; however, a huge portion is left uncollected and is primarily non-biodegradable. These take good hundreds of years to decay while in the meantime, they continuously pollute the environment. Even on disposal, plastics clog waterways and make the entire place look unhygienic and unsightly to the eyes.
- Animals eat up plastics.
As single-use plastic debris doesn’t degrade, there is a higher chance of its consumption by animals. Instead, plastics are left broken into minute plastic particles, which the animals further eat up. When humans eat those animals, they are indirectly consuming plastic toxins. And plastic consumption is associated with various defects, including endocrine disruptors, cancer, congenital disabilities, etc.
- This issue is not limited to any specific area.
The point of concern is their lightweight. It makes them travel and pollute a far greater area. It’s manufacturing even affects the environment severely as a huge number of fossil fuels are being consumed to produce them.
- Its additives are greatly toxic.
The different plastic additives are BPA’s, flame retardants, and plasticizers. BPA’S are extensively used to manufacture food and beverage containers. Plasticizers are often used to manufacture more flexible PVC. Lastly, flame retardants are an integral part of electronic equipment manufacturing. Unfortunately, all of these plastic additives are highly toxic.
Endnote
Considering the above-mentioned reasons, now is the high time to ditch single-use plastics from our homes and environment. Also, switch to eco-friendly alternatives to reduce carbon footprint and ensure the safety and longevity of humans, animals, and the environment.
