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Since 1972, June 5 has been celebrated as “Environment Day”. This year's theme is “Beat plastic pollution”.
Unfortunately, plastic waste is everywhere, from rivers and oceans, city streets and dumpsites, deserts, and even Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench.
Research estimates that humans have produced 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic material since the 1950s, of which 7 billion tonnes have become waste.
Most of the plastic we discard ends up in landfills, where it disintegrates into microplastics (pieces smaller than 5 millimetres) and nanoplastics (less than 0.1 micrometre).
Single-use plastic is one of the largest contributors to plastic pollution. Food wrappers, straws, water bottles and take-away containers are some examples.
Plastic is used for various agricultural purposes, including seedling trays, irrigation pipes, fertilisers, etc. It leeches into the ground, degrading the soil and its nutrients.
Some estimates suggest that there could be over 150 million metric tonnes of plastic waste in the ocean, with 90% of it originating from just 10 rivers.
This is a collection of marine debris, comprising 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, that spans 1.6 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean from North America to Japan.
Recent studies in Central Asian deserts found microplastics in dunes and lakeshore sediments, with higher concentrations near tourist areas.
Studies have found micro- and nano-plastics in the human body, including the blood, lungs, brain and gut. They are present in our water, food and air.
Prolonged exposure to plastics can lead to various forms of cancer, endocrine disruption, organ damage, oxidated stress and more.
We can combat plastic pollution by making small and simple changes, such as carrying reusable bags and bottles, opting for bulk or minimal packaging, etc.
“Plastic pollution free world is not a choice but a commitment to life - a commitment to the next generation,” said Amit Ray.
Thanks for reading!
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