Plastic Consumption
(Public Health)
Through this page, you will find answers to your questions about plastic consumption.
What is plastic consumption?
Plastic is a relatively recent invention in human history. Its low cost and wide range of uses have made it one of the most common materials today. Plastic is durable and lightweight, making it an affordable and accessible option. However, its excessive production and consumption have led to environmental pollution that negatively impacts society.
Statistics indicate that more than 70% of used plastic is not recycled, and 85% of marine waste consists of plastic, with around 5 trillion pieces floating in the oceans. It is expected that the amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean will double by 2040, adding 23 to 37 million tons annually, significantly affecting wildlife and ecosystems. When plastic waste is mismanaged, it becomes a pollutant that harms the environment. Therefore, improving plastic waste management is vital to addressing this issue.
Why is plastic consumption important?
Plastic has brought significant transformation to daily life, but it has not been used efficiently, resulting in wasted resources and environmental damage. The negative health effects of excessive plastic use cannot be ignored, as plastic remains in the environment for long periods without decomposing. Instead, it breaks down into smaller parts that release harmful chemicals.
- Moreover, burning plastic waste releases carcinogenic chemicals, such as dioxins, which accumulate in the body when inhaled and can transfer from the mother to the fetus through the placenta. Excessive plastic consumption and poor waste management pose an increasing threat, leading to overflowing landfills, polluted rivers, and endangered ecosystems.
Therefore, it is essential for individuals, organizations, and governments to cooperate in managing plastic waste and reducing plastic consumption to achieve a more sustainable and resilient environment.
- What are the risk factors?
Toxic chemicals in plastic:
It is estimated that more than 16,000 chemicals are used in plastic production, of which at least 4,200 are considered of concern. Exposure to these chemicals can occur through food consumption, waste, chemical leakage, and accumulation in air and dust. These substances cause endocrine disruption, which has been linked to infertility, obesity, diabetes, prostate and breast cancer, thyroid disorders, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Other health conditions associated with additives in plastics include reproductive and developmental impairments, cognitive decline, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Ingestion of microplastics:
- Microplastics can negatively impact human health, with ingestion being the main route of exposure, followed by inhalation. Although this field is relatively new, recent studies have shown a connection between the presence of these particles in the body and conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and respiratory complications. Moreover, plastics can increase the risk of infections as they act as carriers for pathogens closely associated with plastic waste. Over time, larger plastic materials break down into smaller particles known as microplastics, which marine organisms can ingest — eventually entering the human food chain through seafood consumption.
- What are the misconceptions about plastic consumption?
- One of the biggest misconceptions about plastic is: it takes 450 years to decompose. The truth is: plastic does not decompose but breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. Moreover, plastic has only existed for about 150 years, making it difficult to determine how long it will persist on Earth.
Recycling is widely believed to reduce plastic pollution, but in reality, only 9% of plastic is recycled, and of that, just 1% is recycled twice. Thus, recycling alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis. Plastic production, which continues to increase rapidly, must be reduced because the quality of plastic decreases with each recycling cycle until it loses its value entirely.
- Ocean cleanup initiatives are beneficial for removing plastic waste from the environment. However, these efforts are like mopping the floor while the tap is still running. Such initiatives address the symptoms of plastic pollution but do little to stop its continuous flow into ecosystems. Without early interventions to reduce plastic production and consumption, cleanup efforts will remain an endless cycle that cannot keep up with the vast amount of plastic entering the environment.
- Bioplastics are known as: biodegradable plastics. Although these plastics can break down into smaller pieces over time, they often require specific conditions, such as high temperatures and certain microbes, which are not easily available in most environments. Research has shown that many biodegradable plastics end up in landfills or oceans, where they can persist for years without significant degradation. Moreover, producing biodegradable plastics still relies on fossil fuels in many cases.
- Tips to reduce plastic consumption?
- Avoid single-use plastics: Most everyday plastics, such as grocery bags and packaging, are used only once. Replace them with reusable options such as fabric bags and glass containers.
- Watch out for microplastics: Some cosmetics contain small plastic beads that harm the environment. Choose natural exfoliants such as oatmeal or salt instead.
Use a reusable water bottle: Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest sources of waste. Use a refillable bottle and fill it from safe water sources.
Refuse plastic in restaurants: Decline plastic cutlery and straws. Request minimal packaging and use your own utensils.
Recycle: Always recycle plastic when possible, but remember that the best approach is to reduce its use in the first place.
Follow plastic usage guidelines: Do not heat plastic containers in the microwave unless labeled as safe, and avoid storing food for long periods in plastic containers.
