Burning Plastics: A Serious Threat
Environmental degradation has been a serious threat on earth. There are various causes of environmental degradation. Some of the notable causes are: population growth and necessities, deforestation and unplanned urbanization, industrial development and its poor management, increasing vehicle exhaust and so on.
Introduction
Plastic waste is an undecayed harmful substance that creates the long term global environment crisis. Plastic has become an inseparable part of modern life. Plastics are used everywhere and every time because they are easier, lighter, cheaper and durable. However, this convenience has created a serious problem that is plastic waste. Simply, burning plastic can be considered as the method of disposing of garbage. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, one common method of disposing of plastic waste is burning it in the open. They have adopted the technique because they think that burning the plastic eliminates the waste completely. That’s not true. Instead of solving problems, it is sure to create more severe problems on our planet. The major concern of this article is to highlight the threats of burning plastic and possible solutions to address this growing problem.
Causes
One of the main causes of burning plastic is poor waste management. There is no proper system for collecting, separating and recycling waste in many cities and rural areas. As a result, people burn plastic waste to reduce the volume of garbage around their homes. This practice is common where landfills are far away or poorly managed. Due to the lack of awareness they proudly burn the heap of plastic waste and regularly use the smell of its smoke as if they are burning the incense sticks at home. Due to the lack of proper education, people continue this dangerous practice. Some industries burn plastic waste to save disposal costs. Sometimes plastics are burned to produce heat, especially in colder areas. When plastic waste is not collected regularly, people often burn it to get rid of garbage quickly. Poverty and limited resources also play a clear and important role. Recycling facilities are expensive to build and operate. In low income areas, individuals may not have access to safer disposal methods. Burning plastic becomes the cheapest and most accessible option. In many places, plastics are mixed with other waste in open dumps, which are sometimes burned intentionally or accidentally. In rural or roadside areas without waste management systems, burning plastics is a common practice.
Effects
Burning plastic waste seems like an easy and quick solution but it is extremely dangerous. It releases toxic gases, harms human health, damages the environment and contributes to climate change. Toxic ashes and soot including harmful chemicals remain in soil. Such chemicals end up in the soil and groundwater. Burning plastic releases dioxins, phthalates, mercury, lead, arsenic, black carbon and greenhouse gases. It has created dreadful environmental crises, deaths and diseases. While burning plastic, the black smoke emanates harmful chemicals like phthalates and dioxins. Phthalates impact our endocrine glands which can lead to sterility(infertility) and impotence(lack of sexual power).The air pollutants released by burning plastic also contribute to global warming and climate change. The pollutants don’t just affect the air. They enter the land, water bodies and contaminate both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This affects the food chain of plants, animals and humans. The consumption of such food grains lead to serious health issues like vomiting, headaches, allergies, asthma and so on. It can lead to respiratory issues, persistent cough, eye irritations, heart disease and liver or kidney damage too. It can even cause cancer, neurological damage and other chronic diseases.
Solution
The practice of burning plastic can never be a solution to our waste problem. It’s a problem itself. The problem can be easily controlled and reduced if we strictly apply certain ways. The most effective solution is to improve the waste management systems. The public should use plastic materials as little as possible. The government can ban plastic bags and promote eco-friendly alternatives. Plastics should be separated from other waste and sent to recycle centers. The concerned authority should establish recycle centres in every town. The government should increase investment and improve recycling technologies and infrastructure. The government should make strict laws against open burning of plastic and enforce them. Penalties for illegal burning can discourage the practice. Public awareness programmes should be conducted to educate people about the harmful effects of burning plastics on health and the environment. They need to be informed about that danger through different media. Setting up collection stations is not only the solution but the garbage management and recycling systems also should be improved properly. Concerned authorities should prioritize regular collection of plastic and the opportunity of facilities. In addition, the programmes like project works, Community works, oratory, essay competitions etc should be conducted among the students of schools and colleges. Such practice can certainly help minimize plastic waste.
Conclusion
Plastic smoke is one of the dreadful causes of global warming and climate change. Poor waste management, lack of education, negligence (both government and public) and poverty are the root causes of burning plastic. It creates pollution (air, soil and water) and environmental degradation. As a result, fatal diseases will emerge and a kind of terror will be spread in human health. Unless we change our behaviour, the problem won’t be under control. By applying some specific ways like proper waste management, reducing, reusing and recycling resources and public awarness campaigns, upcoming threats can be minimized. Responsible public and authorities can protect the environment and create a delicate world. Inhaling plastic smoke is more harmful than smoking cigarettes. Let’s not compromise our health and our future generations.
Let’s shout slogans against burning plastics!
# No Plastic, No Pollution, Total Solution
# Burn No Plastic, Breathe Fantastic!
# Be Aware of Inhaling Plastic Smoke!
# Burning Plastic: A Recipe for Disaster
