Most parts of the earth are full of plastic disposals, with their adverse effects affecting both humans and animals living in water and on land. Plastic pollution has been one of the pressing issues due to the increase in companies producing disposable plastics, diminished recycling rates, and ineffective or absence of garbage collection systems. This has led to the disposal of plastic wastes into oceans by the coastal communities and the subsequent deterioration of aquatic life. Lau mentions that a cumulative 710 million plastics are disposed into the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The high amount requires immediate action to reduce plastic consumption via increased reuse, collection, and recycling of plastic waste. The essay aims to argue for the implementation of strict plastic waste reduction measures as a possible solution to prevent plastic pollution.
Changes in Audience and Purpose
The essay has a diverse audience ranging from plastic manufacturers, policymakers, and the general public. The alteration in natural processes and habitats associated with plastic pollution has led to a decline in the ecosystem’s capacity to adapt to changes in climate. Diversification of the audience enables a vast coverage and information sharing that helps in enhancing social wellbeing and food production capabilities.
Potential Ineffective Solutions
Government regulations have always been ineffective while well-intentioned due to loopholes and the absence of enforcement strategies. The government’s recent measures are less useful as they lack the motives needed to move the public from plastics to a more refillable, reusable, and packaging-free alternative. The government has shown minimum support to the environmental bills implemented that aim to reduce plastic use by 50% by 2025 (Woolley). Additionally, there are no efforts made by the government to highly tax plastic producers. The producers are also likely to shift to more environmentally harmful options. Therefore, the regulations should include charging for any single-use plastic except the essentials such as medicine.
Although valuable, public awareness campaigns have been insufficient to prevent the elevation of plastic pollution issues. Alongside governments and corporations’ strategies towards reducing the menace of plastic pollution, creating awareness also contributes to more effective management of the environmental issue. Awareness creation serves to educate and engage youths of all ages on the appropriate action to take in dealing with plastic pollution. An educated youth is responsible for creating a more susceptible future as they are the future decision-makers, policymakers, and leaders. However, awareness may lead to a poor audience and an inability to take any action due to ignorance and illiteracy. Additionally, it may be time-consuming and costly.
Potential Solutions
The most effective solution is a complex strategy involving strict regulations, enabling recycling materials and innovative products to minimize plastic usage. Engaging in plastic recycling serves to diminish the volume of plastic waste deposited in landfills or oceans, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of plastics on these ecosystems. When plastics are disposed of in landfills, they degrade into microplastics, allowing toxic chemicals to seep into the soil. Recycling plastic not only safeguards natural resources and preserves ecosystems but also reduces the amount of plastic entering rivers and oceans. This practice results in decreased carbon emissions due to the reduced energy required for obtaining and processing new raw materials. Moreover, it prevents waste that could potentially release methane from ending up in landfills, playing a crucial role in addressing climate change. In various regions globally, plastic recycling creates economic opportunities for entrepreneurs who serve as essential contributors to the recycling process, forming a vital link in the chain.
The implementation would require collaboration from governments, organizations, and the public to promote eco-friendly plastic alternatives. Rhein argues that there has been little research on the role of the consumer in solving the issue. More research is only inclined to the policies and companies’ role in mitigating the issue. The ongoing UN treaty negotiations, with a targeted completion by the end of 2024, present a significant prospect for fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. In light of this, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) urges policymakers to establish a worldwide accord facilitating a shared communication framework for nations and businesses. This agreement would promote collaboration across the entire value chain, fostering investments in material innovation, product design, and the enhancement of capacities, infrastructure, and technologies for collection and recycling. The driving force behind these efforts should be the fundamental principles of circularity and sustainability.
Research Information
Research studies are required to assess potential solutions to the plastic waste problem on land and in the oceans. Research studies enable scientists, government researchers, and policymakers to assess the environmental condition, establish the interconnection between nonpoint source pollution and its implications, and recommend evidence-based strategies to control plastic pollution.
Humans are the sole source of marine litter. Understanding human behavior and how they perceive the environment is also essential as it guides the implementation of an appropriate and effective intervention. Understanding Human Perceptions and Behavior to Determine Aquatic Plastic Pollution will be critical in devising effective awareness and behavioral change mechanisms. Upon understanding human perfection and behavior, it would be easier to deal with litter in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through modifications of human behavior.
Also, research on contemporary technologies for biodegradable plastics and innovative recycling approaches can provide insights into sustainable alternatives. Technological advances such as trash wheels and reverse osmosis filters have been successfully utilized to filter microplastics and water plastic pollutants before they enter our bodies and the oceans (Prata et al).
Conclusion
Addressing plastic pollution seems problematic owing to its nonbiodegradable quality. Despite interventions to reduce plastic accumulation, there is still a rise in plastic pollution. Compared to a single strategy, a more comprehensive approach is essential to ensure the future is clear and more sustainable. Integrative responsibilities to support and champion the recommended solutions to protect the environment and future generations.
Works Cited
Lau, Winnie WY, et al. “Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution.” Science 369.6510 (2020): 1455-1461.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aba9475
Prata, Joana C., et al. “Solutions and integrated strategies for the control and mitigation of plastic and microplastic pollution.” International journal of environmental research and public health 16.13 (2019): 2411.https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2411
Rhein, Sebastian, and Marc Schmid. “Consumers’ awareness of plastic packaging: More than just environmental concerns.” Resources, Conservation and Recycling 162 (2020): 105063.
Woolley, J. (2020, February 27). Will the government keep its promise to reduce plastic waste? Greenpeace UK. https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/news/will-the-government-keep-its-promise-to-reduce-plastic-waste/
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