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Just a Few Choice Arguments as to Why Plastic Should be Banned

Plastic bags have already been banned in many places, but some argue that plastics themselves should be entirely abolished.

Oct. 22 2020, Updated 5:16 p.m. ET

In terms of recycling, the world is in a much better place than it was a few decades ago. Plastic bags have already been banned in many cities, counties, and countries the world over. Recycled plastic is being used to make just about everything you could imagine. Toys, bottles, tumblers, cutlery, and even a few recycling bins are just the beginning of what we can do with recycled plastic. 

Unfortunately, recycling and repurposing the plastic is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound that already needed stitches to begin with. Plastics are everywhere, and while some, like those used for cars or appliances, are a necessary evil, many can be completely eliminated; that’s the argument at least. But how feasible is this solution and why are plastics so bad in the first place?

Why is plastic bad for the environment?

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems facing our world today. It was first invented in 1907 by Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland. Made from petroleum products, Baekland’s “ bakelite ” plastic was a revolutionary material. It was lightweight, could withstand heat and cold, could hold up over time, and best of all, it was cheap and easy to mass-produce. Baekland couldn’t have anticipated that plastic’s long-term durability would end up making so detrimental and dangerous for the environment. 

Plastic doesn’t biodegrade. When it does break down — after a very long time, mind you — it turns into harmful nodules of microplasti c. These microplastic motes find their way into waterways, where they are digested by other creatures, including humans. They sit in the gut, piling up and leeching harmful elements into the body. 

Why is plastic bad for humans?

On top of being a pollutant, plastic is known to emit some radiation, and there are theories that some plastic water bottles are carcinogenic if used over time. This means that even using a reusable plastic water bottle isn’t a great idea either. If plastic is so bad for people and so bad for the environment, why are we still using it? 

Plastic’s highly-disposable nature is part of the problem as well. We can use a bottle of Gatorade for a few minutes and throw the bottle away when we’re done. It’s too easy and it always has been. It was only when we finally started to see the piles of plastic growing around us, piling up in landfills, and taking up huge swaths of the Pacific Ocean , that we decided something should be done. 

Can plastic really be recycled?

Plastic can and has been recycled for decades now, but there are some experts who think that even this isn’t such a good idea. First of all, not all plastic can be recycled . Only certain types, used for certain purposes can be reused and repurposed. When we do recycle plastic, melting it down in order to reprocess it can send harmful burning plastic smoke into the atmosphere. And frankly, we have enough problems with our atmosphere as it is. 

Recycling can also be logistically and financially difficult. Plastic recycling requires specialized equipment that is not readily available. Recycling plants require energy to run and people to man them. And unlike plastic production, which is cheap and easily handled after so much practice, recycling offers far less return on investment for businesses. Thus, it’s not nearly as popular as it should be. Not to mention, only about 9 percent of plastic actually gets recycled .

Should plastic be banned?

Based on the convenience and necessity of plastic, there is little chance of any government or organization outright banning it. People wouldn’t allow it. We’ve all become too hooked on the availability and comfort of the stuff. The alternatives aren't well-known either, and that presents a problem in delivering a coherent message to the general public. However, there are several solutions that might make regulating plastic a bit easier. 

How can we ban plastic?

The first thing we could do is tax it. This has already been done with disposable grocery bags in some places, where many people are just not willing to pay an extra 10 cents for a plastic bag. That adds up over time. Of course, many consumers have rolled over in favor of convenience, plastic’s most staunch advocate. Recycling can only go so far as we discussed, but it is an option — though there's not much to do about non-recyclable plastics. 

Banning single-use plastics is the only true way to do it. Bags were a good start, but bottles, cups, straws, and cutlery will be a harder sell. This is especially true for small businesses and chains who rely on low-cost options to serve and sell their wares. In the end, allowances will always have to be considered. Unfortunately, until everyone is on board, plastics will remain an innocuous, yet destructive piece of our daily lives. 

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Argumentative Essay on Plastic Pollution

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Here you have an Essay on Argumentative essay on Plastic pollution also Download it’s Pdf free of cost.

Introduction

Plastic is everywhere today. People use it endlessly to gain their comfort. However, no one realizes how much damage our planet is doing. We need to be aware of the consequences to prevent plastic contamination. Children should be taught from an early age to avoid using plastic. Similarly, adults should examine the same. In addition, the government must take strong measures to stop plastic pollution before it is too late.

Increased Plastic Pollution

One of the most extensively utilized materials is plastic. It is seen everywhere these days, from supermarkets to ordinary homes. Why is that? Why is the use of plastic rising rather than declining? The main reason is that plastic is quite affordable. It costs less than other methods such as paper and cloth. Second, it is straightforward to use. Plastic can be used for almost any liquid or solid. Moreover, it comes in many forms that we can easily shape.

In addition, we see that plastic is a non-perishable material. It never leaves the face of the Earth. We cannot dispose of plastic in the ground or water; it lasts forever. Therefore, the increased use of plastic means more plastic will not melt. Thus, outbreaks of plastic pollution occur at high speeds.

Impact of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution affects the whole world, including humans, wildlife, and aquatic animals. It spreads like an incurable disease. We should all be aware of the harmful effects on our lives to avoid them as soon as possible.

Plastic pollutes our water. Each year, tons of plastic are thrown into the sea. Since plastic is insoluble, it stays in the water and thus impairs its cleanliness. This means we will not be left with clean water in the years to come.

In addition, plastic pollutes our country. When people dispose of plastic waste in landfills, the soil is damaged. It destroys soil fertility. In addition, various parasites accumulate in the area, causing deadly diseases.

Most importantly, plastic contamination damages marine life. Plastic water waste is accidentally made as food for aquatic animals. They ate it and eventually died. For example, the dolphin died due to a plastic ring attached to its mouth. Because of this, he could not open his mouth, and he starved to death. Thus, we see how innocent animals die due to plastic contamination.

In short, we see how plastic pollution pollutes the lives of everyone on Earth. To prevent it, we must take serious measures. We should use cloth bags and paper bags instead of plastic bags. If we buy plastic, we have to use it again. We should avoid drinking bottled water, which significantly impacts plastic contamination. The government must prohibit plastic use. All of this can prevent plastic contamination to a large extent.

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Should Plastic be Banned Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on should plastic be banned.

Plastic bags are a major cause of environmental pollutio n. Plastic as a substance is non-biodegradable and thus plastic bags remain in the environment for hundreds of years polluting it immensely. It has become very essential to ban plastic bags before they ruin our planet completely. Many countries around the globe have either put a ban on the plastic bag or Levi tax on it. However, the problem hasn’t been solved completely because the implementation of these measures hasn’t been as successful.

should plastic be banned

Problems Caused by Plastic Bags

Here are some of the problems caused by plastic bags:

Non-Biodegradable

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. Thus, disposing of the plastics is the biggest challenge. T

Deterioration of Environment

They are destroying nature due to their harmful effect. Plastic bags have become the main cause of land pollution today. The plastic bags entering into the water bodies are a major cause of water pollution . Hence we can conclude that these are deteriorating our environment in every possible way.

Harmful for Animals and Marine Creatures

Animals and marine creatures unknowingly consume plastic particles along with their food. Research shows that waste plastic bags have been a major reason for untimely animal deaths.

Cause of Illness in Humans

The production of plastic bags releases toxic chemicals. These are the main cause of serious illness. The polluted environment is a major reason for various diseases which are spreading easily in human beings.

Clogged Sewage

Waste plastic bags are the main reason for trapping the drains and sewers, especially during rains. This can result in a flood-like situation and disrupt the normal life of people.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Reasons to Ban Plastic Bags

There are numerous reasons why the government of various countries has come up with strict measures to limit the use of plastic bags. Some of these include:

  • Waste plastic bags are polluting the land and water immensely.
  • Plastic bags have become a threat to the life of animals living on earth as well as in water.
  • Chemicals released by waste plastic bags enter the soil and make it infertile.
  • Plastic bags are having a negative impact on human health.
  • Plastic bags lead to the drainage problem.

Public Support for Plastic Bag Ban

Although the Indian government has imposed a ban on the usage of plastic bags in many states. But people are still carrying these bags. Shopkeepers stop providing plastic bags for few days only in the beginning.

It is time when we all must contribute our bit to make this ban a success. Thus we the educated lot of society must take it as our responsibility to stop using plastic bags. In this way, we can support the government in this campaign.

Some contributions that can be made by people are as follows:

In order to be successful in this mission, we must keep reminding ourselves about the harmful effects of the plastic bags on our nature and keep a tab on their use. Gradually, we will become habitual to doing without these bags.

Seek Alternatives

There are many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags like reusable jute or cloth bag.

We must reuse the plastic bags we already have at home as many times as we can before throwing them away.

Spread Awareness

While the government is spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags, we can also spread awareness through word of mouth.

Although plastic is becoming a big threat for all of us, still this problem has often been overlooked and underestimated. This is because people do not look at the long term effect of these small, easy to carry bags they use in their everyday life. Besides all of these people keep using bags due to their convenience. But now everyone has to completely stop using the plastic bag to save our environment and earth.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Students are often asked to write an essay on Plastic Pollution in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction.

Plastic pollution is a global problem. It refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in our environment, which negatively impacts wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

The main cause of plastic pollution is improper disposal of plastic products. Items like plastic bags, bottles, and straws, often end up in rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine life.

Effects of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution can be harmful to animals and humans. Animals often mistake plastic for food, which can lead to health problems. For humans, it can affect the quality of air, soil, and water.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

To reduce plastic pollution, we can recycle, reuse, and reduce our plastic use. We can also participate in clean-up activities and advocate for laws to limit plastic production and use.

Also check:

  • Paragraph on Plastic Pollution
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250 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution, a critical environmental issue, is escalating at an alarming rate. It represents the excessive accumulation of plastic products in the environment, leading to adverse effects on wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans.

The Ubiquity of Plastic

The versatility, durability, and low cost of plastic have made it an integral part of our lives. However, these same properties contribute to its persistence in the environment. Single-use plastic items, in particular, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, are major culprits.

Environmental Impact

Plastic pollution has devastating effects on the environment. It chokes waterways, pollutes oceans, and harms wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic for food, causing starvation and death. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, pose a particularly insidious threat. They are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and ultimately being consumed by humans.

Human Health Risks

The health effects of plastic pollution on humans are increasingly becoming apparent. Chemicals leached from plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors. Moreover, microplastics in the food chain have potential implications for human health, although the full extent of these effects is still under investigation.

The issue of plastic pollution is a complex one, requiring a multi-pronged approach. It calls for innovative solutions in waste management, policy changes for reduction and recycling of plastic, and a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainable alternatives. As the scale of the problem becomes increasingly evident, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution.

500 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution represents a significant environmental crisis in the contemporary world. It is a global issue that transcends national boundaries, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Despite growing awareness, plastic pollution continues to intensify due to our reliance on single-use plastic items and inadequate waste management systems.

The Scale of the Problem

Plastics, due to their durability and slow degradation rate, have become a persistent pollutant. Approximately 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and around 60% of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the natural environment. In the oceans alone, it is estimated that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris. The scale of the problem is daunting and poses a significant challenge to global environmental sustainability.

Impacts on Marine Life

Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. Sea creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. This results in physical harm, starvation, and often death. Furthermore, plastic debris acts as a transport medium for invasive species and pathogens, disrupting delicate marine ecosystems.

Impacts on Human Health

The threat of plastic pollution extends to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, can enter the food chain and human bodies. These particles can carry toxic chemicals, which may accumulate over time and pose potential health risks. The full extent of these risks is not yet fully understood, underscoring the need for further research.

Addressing Plastic Pollution

Addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there is an urgent need to reduce plastic production and consumption. This can be achieved through policy measures such as bans on single-use plastics, and through promoting a culture of recycling and reuse.

Secondly, improving waste management systems is crucial to prevent plastics from entering the environment. This includes enhancing recycling infrastructure and implementing waste-to-energy technologies.

Lastly, there is a need for more research to understand the full impacts of plastic pollution and to develop innovative solutions. This includes the development of biodegradable plastics and technologies to clean up plastic waste from the environment.

Plastic pollution is a global crisis that requires urgent attention. While the challenge is immense, it is not insurmountable. Through concerted efforts in reducing plastic production and consumption, improving waste management, and investing in research, we can mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and move towards a more sustainable future. The fight against plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, but a necessary step towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of all life on Earth.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

  • Essay on Plastic Bags
  • Essay on Principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in Plastic Waste Management
  • Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic Bags

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Grade 7 Argumentative Essay: Plastic Pollution

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Short Essay: Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The proliferation of plastic waste in our oceans, rivers, and landfills has detrimental effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. As a result, addressing the issue of plastic pollution has become a critical priority for individuals, communities, and governments worldwide.

Writing an essay on plastic pollution provides an opportunity to delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this pervasive problem. It allows us to explore the environmental, social, and economic implications of plastic pollution while raising awareness and encouraging action. By examining the issue from various angles, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem and contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at mitigating its impact.

Table of Contents

Plastic Pollution Essay Tips

Understand the topic: Begin by thoroughly researching and understanding the topic of plastic pollution. Familiarize yourself with the causes, impacts, and potential solutions related to this issue. Gather relevant data, statistics, and case studies to support your arguments.

Develop a clear thesis statement: A strong thesis statement is essential for guiding your essay and stating your main argument or perspective on plastic pollution. It should be concise, specific, and debatable. For example, “Plastic pollution is an urgent global crisis that requires immediate action from individuals, industries, and governments.”

Plan your essay structure: Outline the main sections of your essay, such as the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should have a clear purpose and flow logically from one point to another. Consider using subheadings to organize your ideas within the body paragraphs.

Start with a compelling introduction: Begin your essay with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader’s attention. Provide some background information on plastic pollution and its significance, and clearly state your thesis statement. You can use a relevant anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a startling statistic to engage the reader from the outset.

Provide evidence and examples: Support your arguments with credible evidence, facts, statistics, and real-life examples. This can include scientific studies, expert opinions, case studies, and personal anecdotes. The use of concrete evidence strengthens your essay and makes it more persuasive.

Address causes, impacts, and solutions: Dedicate separate paragraphs or sections of your essay to explore the causes of plastic pollution, its environmental and societal impacts, and potential solutions. Provide a balanced view by presenting different perspectives and discussing both immediate and long-term measures that can be taken.

Use clear and concise language: Write in a clear, concise, and coherent manner. Avoid using jargon or technical terms without proper explanation. Use simple language to ensure that your arguments are easily understood by a wide audience.

Consider counterarguments: Acknowledge and address counterarguments to strengthen your essay’s credibility. Anticipate potential objections or opposing viewpoints and provide well-reasoned responses to demonstrate the validity of your argument.

Conclude effectively: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Emphasize the importance of taking action to combat plastic pollution and leave the reader with a sense of urgency and a call to action.

Revise and edit: Once you have completed the initial draft of your essay, take the time to revise and edit it for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Ensure that your essay flows smoothly and that your arguments are well-supported. Proofread carefully to eliminate any spelling or punctuation errors.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #1

Plastic pollution has become a pervasive and escalating environmental issue that demands immediate attention. The exponential increase in plastic production and consumption, coupled with inadequate waste management practices, has resulted in the widespread contamination of our ecosystems. This essay delves into the causes and consequences of plastic pollution, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

The causes of plastic pollution are manifold. The prevalence of single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, and packaging, has skyrocketed due to their convenience and affordability. However, these items are discarded after a single use, leading to a staggering accumulation of plastic waste. Inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the problem, with improper disposal and insufficient recycling infrastructure allowing plastic to infiltrate our natural environments. Additionally, the continuous production of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels, further depletes precious resources and intensifies the environmental impact.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and devastating. Marine ecosystems bear the brunt of this crisis, with plastic waste infiltrating oceans and endangering marine life. Marine animals mistakenly ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in injury, suffocation, and death. The detrimental effects extend to terrestrial ecosystems as well, where land animals and birds suffer from ingestion or entanglement, disrupting ecological balance.

Moreover, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles that result from the degradation of larger plastic items, have infiltrated our food chain. Consuming seafood and other food products contaminated with microplastics exposes humans to potential health hazards, including the ingestion of toxic chemicals associated with plastics. Furthermore, the leaching of harmful additives from plastic products can lead to chemical exposure, with adverse effects on human well-being.

To combat plastic pollution, concerted efforts are required. First and foremost, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can opt for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags and stainless steel water bottles, to minimize their reliance on single-use plastics. Governments and industries must also take responsibility by implementing policies that restrict the production and use of disposable plastics. Promoting recycling and investing in comprehensive waste management systems are vital to ensure proper disposal and prevent plastic from entering our environment.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, threatening ecosystems and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in excessive plastic consumption and inadequate waste management. It is imperative that we address this issue urgently. By reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, we can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Only through collective action and a shift towards more sustainable alternatives can we mitigate the devastating impact of plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #2

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste have resulted in a global crisis that threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human well-being. This essay discusses the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address this escalating problem.

The causes of plastic pollution are rooted in our reliance on single-use plastics and inadequate waste management practices. The convenience and affordability of items such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging have led to their widespread use and subsequent disposal. However, these products have a short lifespan and are often discarded improperly, ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. Inadequate waste management infrastructure, lack of recycling facilities, and limited public awareness further contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment.

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and multifaceted. Marine ecosystems bear a significant brunt, with plastic debris suffocating coral reefs, contaminating water bodies, and endangering marine life. Sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal. Plastic pollution also affects terrestrial ecosystems, as land animals and birds may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, disrupting their natural habitats and food chains.

In addition to environmental impacts, plastic pollution poses risks to human health. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in water sources, air, and even food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood and other food products raises concerns about the potential health effects, including the absorption of toxic chemicals associated with plastics.

Addressing plastic pollution requires collaborative efforts and systemic changes. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is essential. This can be achieved through promoting reusable alternatives, supporting initiatives that encourage the use of sustainable materials, and implementing policies that restrict the production and use of single-use plastics. Additionally, improving waste management practices is crucial, including the establishment of effective recycling programs, investment in infrastructure, and raising public awareness about proper waste disposal.

Furthermore, innovation and research play a vital role in finding sustainable alternatives to plastic and developing environmentally friendly packaging materials. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to support and implement these solutions.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has reached critical levels, posing severe threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The causes of this crisis lie in the excessive production and improper disposal of plastic waste. To mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution, concerted efforts are needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and foster innovation in sustainable alternatives. By taking immediate action, we can protect our environment and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Plastic Pollution Essay Example #3

Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. The widespread production, consumption, and improper disposal of plastic materials have led to the contamination of our oceans, land, and air. This essay explores the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

One of the most significant impacts of plastic pollution is on marine ecosystems. Plastic waste, particularly single-use items like bags and bottles, finds its way into rivers and eventually the oceans. Marine animals mistake plastic debris for food and can suffer from ingestion or entanglement. This leads to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems supporting a diverse array of marine life, are also threatened by plastic pollution. The accumulation of plastic waste smothers and damages coral, hindering their growth and survival.

Terrestrial ecosystems are also affected by plastic pollution. Land animals and birds can become entangled in plastic items or ingest them, resulting in injury or death. Plastic waste disrupts the balance of ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and overall ecological health.

Plastic pollution poses risks to human health as well. Microplastics, small particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have infiltrated various sources, including drinking water, air, and food. The ingestion of microplastics by humans raises concerns about potential health effects, as they can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants. Furthermore, plastic products often contain additives like phthalates and bisphenols, which can leach into the environment and pose potential health risks such as endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders.

To tackle the issue of plastic pollution, a multi-faceted approach is required. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is crucial. Individuals can make conscious choices to minimize their use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives. Governments should implement policies that promote sustainable practices, such as banning or taxing single-use plastics and encouraging the use of biodegradable or compostable materials.

Improving waste management systems is another vital aspect of addressing plastic pollution. This includes investing in recycling infrastructure, implementing waste separation programs, and raising awareness about proper waste disposal and recycling practices.

Innovation and research play a significant role in finding alternative materials to plastic and developing sustainable packaging solutions. Governments, industries, and research institutions should collaborate to support and fund initiatives that promote the development and adoption of these alternatives.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has severe consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans, land, and air poses a significant threat to the environment and biodiversity. Immediate action is needed to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and promote sustainable alternatives. By working together, we can mitigate the devastating effects of plastic pollution and ensure a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

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argumentative essay on plastic pollution

Plastic Pollution Essay

500+ words essay on plastic pollution.

Plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives. We begin our day using mugs and buckets made of plastic for bathing. Further, as we trace back our activities throughout the day, we use plastic in the form of water bottles, combs, food packaging, milk pouches, straws, disposable cutlery, carry bags, gift wrappers, toys etc. The wide use of plastic has resulted in a large amount of waste generated. Plastic has been so much used that plastic pollution has become one of the environmental problems that the world is facing today. It has impacted the environment, our health and well-being. We have all contributed to this problem, and now it’s our responsibility to work towards it to reduce and ultimately End Plastic Pollution. This essay on plastic pollution will help students to understand the harmful effects of using plastic and how it is affecting our environment. So, students must go through it and then try to write their own essays on this topic. They can also practise CBSE essays on different topics as well.

Plastic Pollution

The accumulation of plastic products in huge amounts in the Earth’s environment is called plastic pollution. It adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans, which has become a major concern. In 2008, our global plastic consumption worldwide was estimated at 260 million tons. Plastic is versatile, lightweight, flexible, moisture-resistant, strong, and relatively inexpensive, because of which it is excessively used by everyone. It has replaced and displaced many other materials, such as wood, paper, stone, leather, metal, glass and ceramic. Plastics have come to clutter almost every landscape. In the modern world, plastics can be found in components ranging from stationery items to spaceships. Therefore, the over-consumption of plastic goods, discarding, littering, use and throwing culture has resulted in plastic waste generation and thus creating plastic pollution.

Every day, thousands of tons of pollutants are discarded into the air by natural events and human actions. Far more damaging are the substances discharged into the atmosphere by human actions. Most plastics are highly resistant to the natural processes of degradation. As a result, it takes a longer period of time to degrade the plastic. It has resulted in the enormous presence of plastic pollution in the environment and, at the same time, adversely affected human health. It is estimated that plastic waste constitutes approximately 10% of the total municipal waste worldwide and that 80% of all plastic found in the world’s oceans originates from land-based sources.

How to Manage Plastic Pollution?

To save the environment from plastic waste, we should minimise and ultimately end the use of plastic. Each one of us has to learn the following 4 R’s:

  • Refuse – Say no to plastic, particularly single-use plastic, as much as possible.
  • Reduce – Limit or reduce the use of plastic in daily life.
  • Reuse – Reuse plastic products as much as possible before disposing of them.
  • Recycle – Plastic products should be recycled into other usable products. This reduces the demand for manufacturing raw plastic required to make various plastic products.

Apart from that, we should educate other people around us. We should create awareness campaigns in public places and help people know about plastic pollution and its harmful effects. We should stop this culture of using and throwing and start reusing things. When everyone takes a pledge to minimise the use of plastic, then we will be able to manage plastic pollution.

Students must have found this Essay on Plastic Pollution helpful for improving their writing section. They can also access more study material related to CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive exams, by visiting the BYJU’S website.

Frequently asked Questions on Plastic pollution Essay

How does plastic pollution affect the environment.

Excessive usage of plastic products has caused the accumulation of this plastic on Earth. Plastic is non-biodegradable and does not naturally degrade or break down thus these plastics are flooded over the Earth.

How to reduce plastic usage?

Replacement of plastic items with jute, cotton and other biodegradable items needs to come into practice more.

What are the simple steps to avoid plastic overuse?

The simple 3 R method can be followed: “Reduce, reuse and recycle”.

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Don’t let the plastic get into the ocean.

  • Don’t Let the Plastic…

May 2, 2018

  • Water: If you use a reusable water bottle, you personally could avoid an average of 156 plastic bottles annually—this sounds like a small thing but it’s doing your part and multiply it by everyone in your office, home, or school, and it really starts to add up. Likewise, bring your coffee mug with you—the go-cup might be paper, but the lid is probably not.
  • Carriers: Bringing your own bag to shop (and carrying one with you just in case) can help make a dent in those 4 trillion plastic bags used each year. Bag fees and bag bans do work to reduce waste—with immediate effect on cleanup statistics as to what is collected following their implementation.
  • Straws: Remembering to ask for no straw can become a habit. Straws only by request is a huge first step—and a great thing to ask of your favorite restaurant. Paper and reusable straws are an option too—and the movement is slowly growing.
  • Clothing: Limit how often you wash synthetic clothing, including fleece. Seek out natural fibers (bamboo, cotton, wool, etc.).
  • Entertainment: Remember our roots—we can use glasses, cloth napkins, and real cutlery at events as much as we can. We can use compostable tableware, napkins, and other products (and compost them).
  • Prevention: Beach, stream, and river clean ups actually help, even though they seem like a drop in the bucket. Many organizations host regular clean ups and we need everyone to pitch in and pick up in their own neighborhood.
  • multiple movies, events, and other outreach seems to have drastically increased ocean plastics awareness,
  • educated/mobilized citizens demand less plastic, and
  • increased public awareness of the role of NGOs in working towards change, especially where NGOs are working with governments at every level in Southeast Asian countries, and
  • increasing the public expectation that solutions will be implemented.
  • aim to PREVENT the generation of waste
  • contribute to the REUSE of waste
  • REDUCE the adverse effects of  waste management
  • Earth Day Network
  • end plastic pollution

EDN Staff

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Home / Essay Samples / Environment / Ocean Pollution / Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

  • Category: Science , Environment
  • Topic: Ocean , Ocean Pollution , Pollution

Pages: 3 (1159 words)

Views: 2981

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