disadvantages of plastic essay

17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastics

Plastics may be the most polarizing material of modern times. It provides a series of incredible benefits that help us every day, but the product can also be one of the most harmful substances on our planet. It was a word that originally meant the product was pliable and easily shaped. It is only recent definitions that now have the term apply to a variety of polymers.

The first plastic product came about because of the research performed by John Wesley Hyatt in 1869. He invented the first synthetic polymer in an effort to claim a $10,000 prize that was announced as a way to provide a substitute for ivory. Billiards was growing in popularity in the United States, and the original balls were made from wild elephant tusks. Hyatt discovered that by treating cotton fiber cellulose with camphor, a product that could be crafted into a variety of shapes became possible.

This original celluloid received immediate praise as the savior of elephants and tortoises. We felt like we could protect the natural world from the human’s destructive need to consume. As new polymers went into the development process, the plastics advantages and disadvantages required constant review to avoid detrimental environmental impacts.

List of the Advantages of Plastics

1. Many plastics have a long lifespan that encourages reuse. Plastics don’t need to be a single-use product or be treated as disposable. Many forms of this material have a long lifespan that is equal to or greater than what other materials provided. A well-made and maintained PVC pipe has the capability of providing service for up to a century. Construction plastics have an average lifespan of 35 years. When we continue to use these items instead of throwing them away, then we can promote a lower waste rate instantly.

If you reuse plastic items at least seven times, then you’re saving just as many energy resources than if you’d recycled the product.

2. Plastic production methods compare favorably to many other materials. The plastics manufacturing process can be energy-intensive with fossil fuels, but it is still a resource that is more environmentally friendly than other materials. Bamboo provides natural fibers to use, although manufacturers must use chemical processes to turn the content into something useable. Aluminum is another example of a product that plastic beats with this advantage.

Recycling processes can change the comparison at times. It is still a clear advantage that plastics can provide when consistent reuse occurs. Even if you choose a fabric bag over a plastic one, you must use the reusable bag at least 40 times before you’re matching the environmental footprint of a similar plastic product. Conventional cotton bags require 7,100 uses before creating a neutral investment.

3. Plastics take up less space in our landfills. Even though it can take a significant amount of time for plastic materials to break down in a landfill, the amount of space that it takes up in these waste disposal areas is minimal when compared to other items. Paper products take up seven times more volume. When we can divert these items toward recycling programs or other uses, then we can start managing our landfill areas more effectively.

4. Methane doesn’t form when plastics start decomposing. Organic materials release greenhouse gases when they start decomposing. The focus of this process is often on carbon dioxide, but the methane that gets emitted is extremely problematic. When compared to CO2, methane is up to 20 times more potent as a reflecting atmospheric product.

Plastics don’t emit this gas when it starts breaking down, which means it is easier to calculate the total lifecycle impact of the product.

5. It provides a safe way to transport our needed items. One of the reasons why we use plastics for bottles that contain water and other beverages is because it keeps the product safe. We use the material to quickly and affordably get water to vulnerable populations all over the world. If a city experiences a shortage or emergency supplies are necessary after a natural disaster, we use this product to ensure that people can have their needs met.

Certain types of plastic were found to be potentially harmful with this advantage in the past, so legislative bans were put into place to prevent their use.

6. We have multiple ways to manage plastic waste. Heat is one of the most common methods used to process plastic waste or create recycling opportunities. It isn’t the only option that’s available to use today. We can use pyrolysis or gasification to process this material with minimal emissions or pollution. It is even possible to shred the materials to create new fabrics from them.

Although the cost of the alternative processing methods isn’t economically sustainable in some communities, this advantage is still present and worth considering. Some plastic bottles are even more eco-friendly than other materials when measured across several environmental indicators.

7. Plastics contain a high energy density to consider. Incinerating plastics can be quite useful in some situations because of its high energy density rating. This material offers a significant energy output for cement kilns or incineration because we create it with the use of petroleum hydrocarbons. That means we can use it as a direct replacement for fossil fuel combustion since the foundation of the product comes from an energy resource that we all use.

The paper products sector in the United Kingdom uses almost the same amount of energy as the plastics and rubber industries. That’s how useful this material can be from an energy standpoint.

8. Plastics are an affordable material. We can keep costs down for a variety of items because of the low price point that’s available for plastics. Our established manufacturing processes allow us to create several million tons of this material for a variety of purposes, ranging from packaging to straws. We can modify the chemistry of the material to provide specific beneficial properties for its end use, including the option to make it softer, harder, malleable, or durable.

9. The plastics industry is a significant contributor to the global economy. The global plastic industry creates a market worth over $1 trillion annually. Almost two million people have direct employment opportunities in the United States because of this invention. We use it to prevent food waste, protect our health, and promote better hygiene. We have construction-grade and industrial plastics to use. It’s essential for modern transportation, provides infrastructure support, and makes the delivery and transport of items cheaper and easier to complete.

Over 31,000 people in the United States are directly employed in the manufacturing of plastic bags. The plastics industry in the U.S. is currently the eighth-largest one presently operating.

List of the Disadvantages of Plastics

1. Plastics typically come from non-renewable resources. Although the first plastic materials came from plant-based fibers, most of the items that we produce today have fossil fuels as their foundation. It’s usually petroleum, but we can also use natural gas to develop this product. About 4% of these fuels goes directly into the plastics industry to create new products. When we look at the number of resources consumed during the refinement process and the expected rise in demand, the fossil fuel cost of plastics could reach 20% within the next decade.

2. The majority of the pollution found in the world’s oceans is plastic. Up to 80% of all marine debris contains plastic. This problem comes from land and marine sources, often collecting in large areas of open water where currents come together. This issue causes us to find waste on beaches, on land, and even in freshwater sources. Some of the items that get littered most often are plastic straws, stirrers, bottles, lids, and food wrappers.

Removing plastic pollution from ocean surface water comes at the cost of $5 per kilogram, but the item’s reuse value is only $0.30. That’s why the effort to clean up marine areas is being led by non-profit agencies.

3. Plastic pollution can lead to several economic losses. Plastic packaging pollution by itself creates an economic loss of almost $80 billion to the global economy annually. It makes up nearly 50% of all waste from this industry, and virtually every other industry uses the item in some way. Building and construction plastics represent 16% of plastic use, while textiles are responsible for about 15%. Since it isn’t profitable to recycle many of the items, more of it tends to go into waste streams instead of reuse.

The global average for plastic recycling is about 14%. India is one of the world’s leaders by recycling approximately 60% of its items, while the United States comes in close to last in the developed world by recycling only 9%.

4. We cannot infinitely recycle plastic products. Metals can be recycled numerous times into a variety of different products because of the properties of the material. Plastics don’t share that opportunity. We can only reuse or recover it a specific number of times before it loses its quality and integrity. That means we are more likely to down-cycle this product, incinerate it, or stash it in a landfill.

Some plastic products and items can’t be recycled at all, furthering the impact of this disadvantage. Over 93 billion plastic products don’t get touched each year, which means they enter into our waste streams.

5. We must spend energy to clean plastics to recycle items. Plastics that have cross-contamination with different types create unusable products. We also need to have the items cleaned before recyclers can turn the things into new pieces.

Some products contain different plastic types in the same item (i.e. a bottle and a lid), creating even more challenges to manage. It’s a disadvantage that makes recycling inefficient at best for some communities – and sometimes impossible.

6. The re-sell chains for recycled plastic are long and challenging to manage. Some recycling processing and re-sell chains for plastics tend to be long and inefficient. One item might change hands several times or travel a long distance to go through the recycling process. When it takes that much energy to reuse or recycle a product, then many of the potential benefits disappear. That’s why some plastics have a high waste rate, especially if they aren’t #1 or #2 options.

This disadvantage is one of the primary reasons why plastic is one of the most common materials found in municipal waste centers and landfills.

7. It takes a long time for plastic products to decompose. Plastic takes a long time to degrade when compared to organic items. A plastic fishing line might take over 600 years to finally break down. Some researchers believe that some forms of this material might never fully decompose, remaining as nano plastics that could influence human, animal, and marine health in a variety of ways.

Even the plastic bags that we use to carry items every day can take 10 to 20 years to decompose naturally – but some of them can take up to an estimated 1,000 years. When you throw away a plastic water bottle, then it could take 450 years.

8. Plastics harm our ocean environments. EcoWatch estimates that 10 metric tons of plastic products, including grocery bags, will wash out to the ocean from Los Angeles every day. Those items break down into small fragments that become microscopic in size and consumed by marine life. Up to 24,000 tons of plastic contaminate our food chain each year. Up to 25% of the fish sold in California markets contained fibrous or whole plastic in the animal’s stomach. The chemicals from the plastic that leeches into these animals could possibly transfer to humans upon consumption.

Plastic is arguably the most revolutionary product in the history of humanity. It gives us a variety of ways to improve the safety of our foods and beverages while providing support mechanisms that create infrastructure benefits that we all use.

We have also discovered that endocrine disruptors are the link between plastic and human health hazards. PCBs and dioxins have already polluted the world’s waterways. BPA, or bisphenol A, is specifically banned because of this trait – although people still receive exposure to it from a variety of sources. The CDC estimates that 95% of people have BPA contamination in their bodies.

When we look at these plastics advantages and disadvantages, it is imperative to remember that ingestion is not the only danger to consider. Simple exposures, the time it takes to decompose, and the litter we create are damaging our planet. We must increase our recycling rates and look for alternatives when it makes sense to decrease our exposure levels.

The World's Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Can it be cleaned up?

Conservation

Children Play among Plastic

While plastic pollution is a worldwide problem it is most obvious in less-wealthy African and Asian nations, like the Philippines. Here, children play among plastic waste on the shore of Manila Bay.

Photograph by Randy Olson

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in less-wealthy Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But wealthy nations, especially those with low recycling rates, also have trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations. How Did this Happen? Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II to the extent that life without plastics would be unimaginable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets—saving fuel and lessening pollution —and saved lives with helmets, incubators , and equipment for clean drinking water. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material’s dark side: Today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used for mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastics by the Numbers Some key facts:

• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
• Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

How Plastics Move around the World Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth’s last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream . Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. On Henderson Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pitcairn Group isolated halfway between Chile and New Zealand, scientists found plastic items from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China. They were carried to the South Pacific by the South Pacific gyre , a circular ocean current. Microplastics Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than half a centimer (one-fifth of an inch) across. These so-called microplastics are spread throughout the water column and have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest, the highest peak, to the Mariana Trench, the deepest trough . Microplastics are breaking down further into smaller and smaller pieces. Plastic microfibers (or the even smaller nanofibers), meanwhile, have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air. Harm to Wildlife Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics. Most of the deaths to animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by  abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings. Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive system and are expelled without consequence. But plastics have also been found to have blocked digestive tracts or pierced organs, causing death. Stomachs so packed with plastics reduce the urge to eat, causing starvation. Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death. Tests have also confirmed liver and cell damage and disruptions to  reproductive systems , prompting some species, such as oysters, to produce fewer eggs. New research shows that larval fish are eating nanofibers in the first days of life, raising new questions about the effects of plastics on fish populations. Stemming the Plastic Tide Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems, such as Mr. Trash Wheel, a litter interceptor in Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists—including the National Geographic Society—say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

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October 19, 2023

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Related Resources

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic

What are plastics.

Plastics is the term commonly used to describe a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that are used in a huge and growing range of applications.

Table of Contents

Introduction to plastics, recommended videos, advantages of plastics, disadvantages of plastics.

• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Plastic has become an inseparable and integral part of our lives. The amount of plastics consumed annually has been growing steadily. Its low density, strength, user-friendly designs, fabrication capabilities, long life, low weight and low cost are the factors behind such phenomenal growth.

Plastic waste is very visible as it contributes to a large volume of the total solid wastes. Precisely because of their large visibility plastic wastes have been viewed as a serious solid waste problem.

The growth in the use of plastic is due to its beneficial properties which include:

• Extreme versatility and ability to be tailored to meet specific technical needs.
• Lighter weight than competing materials reduces fuel consumption during transportation.
• Good safety and hygiene properties for food packaging.
• Durability and longevity
• Resistance to chemicals, water and impact.
• Excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties
• Comparatively lesser production cost
• Unique ability to combine with other materials like aluminium foil, paper, adhesives
• Far superior aesthetic appeal.
• The material of choice – Human lifestyle and plastic inseparable.
• Intelligent features, smart materials and smart systems.

Plastics production also involved the use of potentially harmful chemicals which are added as stabilizers or colourants. Many of these have not undergone environmental risk assessment and their impact on human health and the environment is currently uncertain.

Such an example is phthalates which are used in the manufacture of PVC. PVC has in the past been used in toys for young children and there have been concerns that phthalates may be released when these toys are sucked. Risk assessment of the effects of phthalates on the environment is currently being carried out. The disposal of plastics products also contributes significantly to their environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic.

The benefits of plastics: the production criteria are durable, low cost, water-resistant, lower energy and heavy chemicals and are lightweight. Disadvantages of using plastics are, they pollute our environment. They pose a danger to wildlife.

What are the advantages of plastic?

The properties of plastic are resistant to rust and chemically inert. They have low coefficient of thermal expansion and have strong thermal and electric insulating properties. Plastic benefits are very good water-resistant and have good adhesivity. Plastic production is solid, good and cheap.

What are the negative effects of plastic?

Toxic chemicals leach out of plastic and are present virtually in everybody’s blood and tissue. Exposure to them is related to tumors, birth defects, compromised immunity, disturbance of the endocrine system and other disorders.

What are the main problems with plastic?

Plastics serve like a sponge, soaking up many ocean-borne toxic chemicals and pollutants. We release these into the atmosphere when we break down, as well as the chemicals used to give them their properties, such as colour, which in effect can be highly toxic.

How plastic is harmful to humans?

Human bodies absorb chemicals which are applied to plastics. Any of these substances have been found to modify hormones or other possible effects on human health. Wildlife may be harmed or killed by plastic waste, contaminated with chemicals and sometimes eaten by marine animals.

How does plastic benefit the economy?

Plastic has many direct economic advantages and can contribute to resource efficiency. Through rising shelf life, it decreases food waste, and its relatively low weight decreases fuel consumption for goods transport. Estimates show that by 2050 the ocean would have more plastic, by weight, than fish.

What is the impact of plastic?

Plastic contamination causes harmful contaminants that cause damage to humans, animals and plants. This can take hundreds or even thousands of years for plastic to break down, so the long-lasting environmental damage. It affects all food chain organisms from tiny species such as plankton through to whales.

Is plastic harmful?

Toxic chemicals leach out of plastic and can be contained in almost everybody’s blood and tissue. Exposure to them is related to cancer, birth defects, compromised immunity, disturbance of the endocrine and other disorders.

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Plastic (Advantages and Disadvantages) - FAQs

Plastic has recently become the most polarizing substance. It offers a number of great advantages which help people daily, but the substance may also be one of the most hazardous materials in our world. The utility of plastics in the growth of urban lifestyle is immense. It was a word that made it easy to form and fold the goods. The name currently applies to a variety of polymers solely to modern definitions. The pros and downsides of plastics required a continuous assessment when new polymers began developing to prevent damage to the plastics environment.

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Plastic is becoming a fundamental and inescapable component of our lives. Every year there is a steady growing amount of plastics consumed. The factors underlying this incredible rise are its low density, strength, user-friendly design, manufacturing capabilities, long service life, low weight and low cost. The plastic garbage is extremely evident because the overall solid waste contributes to a huge volume.

Plastic garbage has been seen as a severe problem of solid waste precisely because of its high visibility. It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of plastics. It is hard to conclude that plastic is a boon or bane. This article tries to concentrate on the importance of plastics, merits and demerits of plastics.

Note: Plastic synonym is elastic.

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Advantages of plastics

There are many advantages of plastics. Some of them includes

• Many plastics have a long, reusable lifespan Plastics must not be considered as throwaway or a product for single use. Many varieties of this substance have a longer life period than or the same as other materials. A well-maintained PVC pipe has service capacity for up to a century. The average life expectancy of the plastics used in building is 35 years. This is one of the main advantages of plastic.
• The processes of plastic manufacture compare favourably with many others Although the plastics production process can be energy-intensive using fossil fuels, it is nevertheless an environmentally-friendly resource in comparison with other materials. Methods of recycling can sometimes change the comparison. The advantage remains that when frequent reuse occurs, plastics can contribute. This is another advantage of plastic.
• Plastics are space-saving in facilities Although it takes a significant length of time for plastic materials to crumble into a site, the quantity of space plastics occupy in these areas of trash disposal is modest compared with other products. The volume of paper products is seven times higher. This includes another advantage of plastic.
• Due to decomposition, methane does not build up Organic compounds release greenhouse gases when they are decomposed. This approach often focuses on carbon dioxide but is extremely hazardous to methane emitted. As a reflecting atmospheric component, methane is up to 20 times more effective than CO2. When the gas breaks down, plastics do not release it, therefore the entire life-path impact of the consequence is easier to calculate.This constitutes another main advantage of plastics.
• The safe mode of delivery of all required products is plastics Since plastic keeps the product safe, it is best to use plastic for water-containing bottles and other drinks. People use the material to get vulnerable people around the world swiftly and economically. This is the main merit of plastics.
• Plastics are an inexpensive material. Due to the low price point offered for plastics, we can keep expenses for several goods down. Our established production methods enable us to generate several million tonnes, ranging from packaging to straw, for a range of purposes. We can change the material's chemistry to provide it with special useful features, including the option of making it softer, tougher, malleable or durable. This is another merit of plastic.
• The plastics industry plays a key role in the world economy The world's plastics business generates more than 1 trillion dollars every year. Because of this technology, around two million people in the United States have immediate work options. We utilize it for food waste, health protection and improved cleanliness. Building and industrial polymers are available. This is vital to modern transport, supports infrastructure and makes it cheaper and easier to complete the delivery and transfer.
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Disadvantages of plastics

There are many disadvantages of plastics

• Typically, plastics are created from non-renewable resources While plastic initial materials originated from plant-based fibres, most of the products today produced are based on fossil fuels. It is usually petroleum, but natural gas can also be used to produce this product. About 4% of these fuels continue to manufacture new goods directly into the plastics sector. If you look at the amount of resources used during the process of refinement and the predicted increase in demand, the cost of plastics to fossil fuels might approach 20% in the next decade.This is the main disadvantage of plastic.
• The pollution in the world's waters is predominantly plastic Plastic comprises up to 80% of all marine waste. This problem is caused by marine and terrestrial sources, which often build up in broad open areas where tides come together. The problem concerns us finding rubbish on land, on beaches and even in fresh water sources. Stirrers, bottles, cables, food wrappers and plastic straws are some of the items that are most common. At a cost of $5 per kg, plastic pollution is removed from sea surface water, while the reutilization of this product is only $0.30. This is why the efforts to clean up marine environments are spearheaded by non-profitable agencies. This is another disadvantage of plastic.
• Multiple economic costs could result from plastic pollution Pollution from plastic packaging itself causes the global economy an annual loss of over $80 billion. It accounts for around 50% of all trash from this industry, and virtually any other industry does this in any form. Building and plastics contribute for 16% of plastic use, whereas textiles account for approximately 15%. As many of the goods are not recycled, more of them likely to alternately progress to waste streams. The global average for plastic recycling is around 14%. India is one of the world leaders, recycling roughly 60% of the plastics and their articles, whereas the USA is nearing last in the industrialized world by recycling only 9%.This is also a disadvantage of plastic.
• Unable to infinitely recycle plastic products Metals may be repeatedly recycled into a diversity of different items due to the qualities of the material. This is not the chance given by plastics. Only a handful of times can people retrieve or reuse it before it loses integrity and quality. This signifies that this product is more likely to be dumped or burned down in a landfill. Some plastic products cannot be recycled and hence the impact of this disadvantage might be further enhanced. More than 93 billion plastic objects are not affected annually, therefore they come into our waste stream. This is a demerit of plastic.
• In order to recycle goods, we must use energy to clean plastic Unusable items are formed in plastics which create cross-contamination with various types. They also need to clean materials before recyclers may turn everything into new pieces. This is also a demerit of plastic.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

The plastic's qualities are corrosion and chemical resistance. They have low thermal expansion coefficients and are strongly thermal and electrically insulated. Plastic advantages are particularly waterproof, and have good adhesive properties. The production of plastic is solid, good and low cost.

Toxic chemicals leach from plastic and are found in almost all blood and tissue. Tumors, birth abnormalities, impaired immunity, endocrine system malfunction and other conditions are associated with their exposure.

Human bodies absorb chemicals on plastics. Any of these compounds have been identified as altering hormones or other potential health impacts. Wildlife can be injured or killed by plastic, chemical contamination and devoured by marine animals.

Plastics are high molecular mass manmade carbon polymers and other elements. Long monomer chains are polymers. Plastics can also be mixed and transformed into solid objects. It's utilized in boxes, packing, bags, switches, tools, power, wires, fireproof fabric etc.

Plastics are like a sponge, absorbing various hazardous substances and contaminants transported from the water. The disadvantages of plastic bags is that they contribute to a huge volume of solid waste. When we break down, we release these into the atmosphere as well as the chemicals needed to give them their properties, such as colour. 

Apr 27, 2022 - 12:42 p.m. IST ---STATIC

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics

09 May 2022

https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/

Plastic is one of the most enduring materials man has created. Nowadays, we all know that it can take hundreds of years for plastic to degrade, and research is showing that it is possible that it does not even fully degrade, but becomes what we call microplastic .

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that can be eaten by marine animals and end up in their bodies and tissues, entering the food chain and leading to disastrous consequences for the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.

Even if human beings are becoming more and more aware of the hazards this material poses to life, the presence of plastic in our ocean is continually increasing, and plastic pollution is still one of the main causes of marine species extinction , health problems for human beings and animals alike, and the destruction of our ecosystems.

In this article, we will look at ocean plastic pollution and lay out the data and statistics you need to understand the daunting issue we are facing. Most importantly, we will also look at what we can do as individuals and as part of our society to prevent plastic pollution and save our planet.

Let’s start!

Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Where does it come from?

It is clear that plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues we are currently facing, but how did it come to be? Moreover, where does all the plastic in the ocean come from?

Plastics produced from fossil fuels are just over a century old , but they revolutionized our life completely. It allowed the invention of many life-saving devices and the implementation of new technologies that changed the course of history.

However, the great advantages plastic offered led to a throwaway trend that made us discover plastic’s dark side: the threat it poses to our environment and life.

The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering : we buy or use disposable plastic items (food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, bottles, etc.) and do not dispose of them properly, which cause them to end up in the waterways and eventually in the ocean.

Yet, not all-plastic waste in the ocean is an effect of littering: many plastics and microplastics are the product of improper manufacturing processes and about 20% of the ocean’s plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing.

Plastic Pollution: Key Facts

• Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year.
• Research states that, by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea.
• In the last ten years, we have produced more plastic products than in the previous century.
• The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has stated that basically 100% of all plastics human beings have ever created are still in existence.
• Plastic generally takes between 500-1000 years to degrade. Even then, it becomes microplastics, without fully degrading.
• Currently, there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean.
• This plastic either breaks down into microplastic particles (see below), or floats around and ends up forming garbage patches.

Garbage Patches in the Ocean

Most of the plastic we find in the ocean comes from land: it flows downstream through rivers all the way to the sea. At first, it may stay in coastal waters, but it can soon be picked up by rotating ocean currents , called gyres, and transported literally anywhere in the world.

According to National Geographic, scientists found plastic coming from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China on Henderson Island , an uninhabited isolated atoll halfway between Chile and New Zealand.

Usually, marine plastic debris groups up in what we call garbage patches, plastic accumulation areas, in the center of the ocean’s gyres. The biggest is the Great Pacific garbage patch , located between Hawaii and California.

Consequences

Today, plastic production and use is still at its highest, but the data on recycling are not at all promising: only about 10% of the plastic we produce is currently being recycled . The rest is either incinerated, causing air pollution, or it ends up in our oceans and environment.

Harm to Wildlife

Plastic pollution in the ocean has a devastating impact on marine life and ecosystems. The most obvious one being the damage plastic items cause to animals when they come into contact with or ingest them, which include suffocation, entanglement, laceration, infections and internal injuries.

17% of the species affected by the presence of plastic in the ocean are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Yet, there are more problems related to plastic: floating plastic items can help transport invasive species, which leads to threats for marine ecosystems , biodiversity and the food web.

Harm to Human Beings

As we explained above, microplastics have now become part of the food chain and have been found everywhere: in drinking water, salt, beer and in the soil where we grow our vegetables.

Plastic materials are carcinogenic and can affect the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, neurological, reproductive and immune disorders. Another health hazard is given by toxic contaminants that often accumulate on plastic’s surface, and are then transferred to humans through the consumption of seafood.

Climate Change

Plastic pollution and climate change are two sides of the same coin : plastic production, as it is created from fossil fuels, highly contributes to the climate crisis.

Moreover, as we already mentioned, when plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, increasing emissions and worsening global warming.

Economic effects

According to research, the yearly economic costs of plastic in the ocean are estimated to be between $6-19bn USD. These costs are given by its impact on tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, and (governmental) cleanups.

Images of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Here, we have decided to show you some recent images of plastic pollution in the ocean.

This will help you comprehend the magnitude of the threat that plastic pollution in the ocean poses to our planet and life, as we know it, and hopefully help you develop a deeper awareness of what is going on.

Why it is Vital to Prevent Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is undoubtedly an issue that requires worldwide cooperation. Its consequences affect the whole planet and its inhabitants: it threatens ocean health , the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health , coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.

Reducing the presence of plastic in our oceans will not only allow us to save marine species and ecosystems, but will improve our overall health and that of the environment in general, helping us fight climate change and working towards a more sustainable future .

How to Stop Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

It is quite hard to retrieve plastic from the ocean once it has entered it. New technologies allow us to catch larger marine debris, but small plastic items and microplastics are virtually impossible to reach, especially when they are deep in the ocean.

Therefore, many scientists and conservationists have declared that the best solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place.

This could be accomplished with the improvement of our waste management systems and the implementation of recycling . In addition, it is essential to reconsider the design and usage of disposable packaging , and the reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.

What Can We Do

There are many ways to keep plastic out of the ocean ! Here are some strategies you can adopt and share with your community:

• Reduce plastic use Think about all the plastic items you use in your daily life. Can you even count them all? Being more aware of the way you use plastic is a great starting point to reduce plastic waste.

We know, habits are hard to change, but even a small individual commitment can make a difference especially when talking about the single-use plastics we mentioned earlier which, according to data from the European Parliament, are responsible for 49% of all marine pollution.

Here are some new habits you can take inspiration from:

• Swap plastic bags for reusable ones, made of cloth or fiber.
• Reduce the use of disposable plastic cups, plates, cutlery and bottles. For example, bring your own reusable bottle to work and a reusable coffee cup for your morning take-away!)
• Buy food and cleaning products in bulk to avoid useless plastic wrappings. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to choose from, and many supermarkets let you fill your own jars/bags.
• Choose metal or glass food containers and storage options instead of plastic ones.
• Avoid buying and using cosmetics that contain plastic microspheres or microbeads.
• Participate in (or organize!) a cleanup

If you live by a sea or river, you can volunteer to pick up litter in your local community, thus remove plastics from the waterways and preventing them from getting to the ocean in the first place. There are many organizations you can join, or simply do it on the weekend with your friends and family. Every little helps!

• Support the right legislation

Of course, it is essential to change our individual behaviors and habits, but unfortunately, this is not sufficient to prevent and stop ocean plastic pollution. It is also essential that you support legislation that aims at reducing the use and production of plastic, improve recycling facilities and better manage waste in general.

• Support research and organizations

One of the main weapons we can use to stop ocean pollution is research. By deepening our knowledge of the effects of the issue, we can start implementing better policies for all.

There are many NGOs and non-profit that rely on donations to develop their projects and research for reducing and eliminating plastic from the ocean. Here are some examples:

• Oceanic Society
• Plastic Pollution Coalition
• Plastic Soup Foundation

Sylvia Earle, marine biologist, said: “It is the worst of times but it is the best of times because we still have a chance.” So, let us make the best of this chance; we can all make choices to protect our planet, it is not too late!

https://www.itsafishthing.com/plastic-in-the-ocean/

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/plastic-planet-how-tiny-plastic-particles-are-polluting-our-soil

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/marinedebris/plastics-in-the-ocean.html

https://theoceancleanup.com/

https://www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/plastic-in-the-ocean

https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/how-does-plastic-end-ocean

https://www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-today/

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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.

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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Expert Commentary

The good and the bad of plastic bag bans: Research review

Government bans on lightweight plastic shopping bags have spread in recent years amid fears about plastic’s negative impact on the environment. But alternatives are not necessarily better.

Republish this article

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

by David Trilling, The Journalist's Resource December 13, 2016

This <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org/environment/plastic-bag-bans-grocery-shopping-environment/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org">The Journalist's Resource</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://journalistsresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-jr-favicon-150x150.png" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;">

Plastic bags kill wildlife, clog waterways and pack landfills. Discarded bags can  spread malaria if   they collect rainwater, offering mosquitos a casual breeding ground. In recent years, local and national governments have begun phasing out or banning lightweight plastic shopping bags. But alternatives are not necessarily greener: People buy more plastic trash bags when shopping bags are unavailable. And a British government study found single-use paper bags contribute more toward global warming than plastic bags.

Not so straightforward:

For some activists, the effort to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags is both urgent and too late. According to a  2008 estimate in Waste Management,  people around the world discard between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags a year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)  lists single-use plastic bags as a major contributor, along with food wrappers and fishing nets, to the  Great Pacific Garbage Patch  — vast, shifting waves of trash that often arrive via storm drains and rivers and can entangle marine life or be ingested . According to a 2014 estimate published in PLOS ONE , more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic (not all from bags) weighing a combined 250,000 tons are floating in the world’s oceans.

Yet substitutes also offer cause for concern. A comprehensive  2011 study by the British environmental agency argued that plastic bags are greener than many alternatives. A paper bag must be used four or more times “to reduce its global warming potential to below” that of conventional plastic bags. The reason is that paper production — from the felling of trees to the emissions  and effluent from paper factories — is dirty. The study found “no significant reuse of paper bags,” not even as trash-can liners.

Legislation:

With a referendum in November 2016, California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures, which keeps an active list  of American laws. Thicker, reusable bags are still available for purchase for 10 cents. Before California, cities often organized the bans: In 2016, for example,  Cambridge  became the first Massachusetts city to ban plastic bags altogether and require merchants to offer paper bags for a fee of no less than 10 cents. By contrast, Missouri’s legislature in 2015 forbid  cities and counties in the state from enacting plastic bag bans.

The European Union passed legislation in 2015 aiming to cut plastic bag use in half by 2019 and half again by 2025. E.U.-member France went further, banning single-use plastic bags on July 1, 2016, and phasing in other , more restrictive bans in the upcoming years – including the prohibition of plastic cooking utensils by 2020.

Do these bans work? They do appear to reduce the number of shopping bags used, but the effect on demand for (potentially pernicious) alternatives is unknown.

• Five years after Ireland instituted a 15 Euro cent levy on plastic bags in 2002 – Irish stores had been giving out 1.2 billion each year for free – a paper published in  Environmental and Resource Economics   suggested  a 90 percent reduction in use.
• One year after its ban San Jose  reported “a reduction in bag litter of approximately 89 percent in the storm drain system, 60 percent in the creeks and rivers, and 59 percent in city streets and neighborhoods.”
• Researchers at Cardiff University, in the United Kingdom, found that a fee for plastic bags introduced in October 2015 has led to a sharp decline in the number of shoppers who take single-use bags at checkout, from 25 percent to 7 percent after one year.
• China, which banned many types of plastic bags in 2008, claims some successes. But some reports suggest the rule has been difficult to enforce.

Academics have measured consumer behavior and public opinion on plastic bags in many countries, including Turkey , Uganda and Canada . A 2016 study in Social Marketing Quarterly examines how shoppers respond to different incentives for bringing their own shopping bags – such as avoiding a fee or paying a tax – and remarks “that a penalty framed as a tax may be more effective in motivating shoppers to bring reusable bags.”

“Biodegradable” plastic bags:

In 2010, raw plastics production in the U.S. used the energy and natural gas equivalent of 172 million barrels of oil,   government figures  suggest. But some newer plastics are made from vegetable matter, allowing manufacturers to claim their plastics are biodegradable. In theory, that means these plastics can be used to feed bacteria that convert them into water, carbon dioxide and biological matter. But the process rarely works in a landfill – these products need to be composted with the right microbes. When they’re not, they may not break down at all or can release methane, a greenhouse gas. So-called starch-polyester bags, made from a blend of vegetable matter and synthetic plastics, had the highest global warming impact in the  2011 study conducted by the British environmental agency “due to the high impacts of raw material production, transport and the generation of methane from landfill[s].”

The European Union hosts an online forum to discuss biodegradable plastic bags.

Researchers have looked into the policy challenges of biodegradable plastics, how they break down in the ocean and wider environmental impacts .

Our health:

Besides assuming a deviant place in marine ecosystems, there are concerns about the synthetic compounds in plastic that may be oozing into our food. One of the main building blocks of plastics, bisphenol A (also known as BPA), has been shown to stimulate breast cancer cells and damage the quality of rat sperm. Phthalates are another subject of disquiet.

Microbeads:

Another plastic causing concern is the microbeads found in some exfoliating facial scrubs and toothpastes, which are rinsed down drains into rivers, lakes and oceans . A 2015 study in the Marine Pollution Bulletin estimated that between 4,594 and 94,500 microplastic particles pass into the sewer during each use (between 16 and 86 metric tons annually in Britain alone). A forthcoming study in Chemosphere finds that microbeads do not accumulate in the gut when fed to goldfish, though both studies recognize their chemical effect in the food chain is unknown. In 2015, President Obama signed the Microbead-Free Waters Act to ban microbeads in hygienic products, though they continue to be used in other countries.

Arguments for plastic:

Proponents of plastic bags argue that they are hygienic and cheap and preserve foods that would otherwise spoil. A number of lobbies have worked to confound legislation that would reduce the availability of plastic bags. In California, for example, The Washington Pos t found that the American Progressive Bag Alliance – a Washington-based group run by a plastics lobby – spent over $3 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 to oppose California’s attempts then to legislate a ban.

Plasticfilmrecycling.org (a project of the American Chemistry Council ) is supported with funds from large multinationals like Dow Chemical and ExxonMobil. Some organizations – such as the Plastics Industry Association , which directs visitors to the American Progressive Bag Alliance and bagtheban.com — support recycling as a solution, rather than less plastic.

Plastic shopping bags are widely reused as trash-can liners, the British environmental agency study points out. When they are banned, the study adds, consumers purchase more plastic trash bags: “The reuse of conventional HDPE [plastic] and other lightweight carrier bags for shopping and/or as bin-liners is pivotal to their environmental performance and reuse as bin liners produces greater benefits than recycling bags.”

Anti-plastic lobbying and activism:

The California plastic bag ban received support from the California Grocers Association . Grocery stores stood to benefit because the law mandated they charge 10 cents for reusable bags.

• The American Forest and Paper Association argues for the use of paper bags and against the imposition of fees on paper bags.
• A website – plasticbaglaws.org – founded by a California lawyer who consults for activist organizations, has a number of useful links .
• The Worldwatch Institute , another nonprofit campaigner, estimates at least 267 animal species have suffered “from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris, and plastics and other synthetic materials.”

Other resources:

• This 2011 E.U. study shows, among other things, that residents of eastern E.U. members and Portugal use the most plastic bags in the union.
• Journalist’s Resource profiled a 2016 paper on gender stereotypes and environmentally friendly behavior that found some people think recycling is feminine.
• A 2015 paper in the Journal of Marketing found that people who bring reusable grocery bags on their shopping trips may purchase more junk food.
• NOAA has fact sheets on microplastics in the ocean and plastic marine debris .

Keywords: Trash, pollution, waste, plastics, regulations, petrochemicals, chemical lobby

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Disadvantages of Plastic: The Effects Plastic has on our Planet

Mar 1, 2022

By Gopal Kolli

What is Plastic? Plastic is a generic term that covers all different types of synthetic materials that are used to make packaging materials, day-to-day items that are used in our household and a variety of things. Plastic is present in almost everything we use. It can be moulded, bent or converted into any shape or size of our desire as required by our lifestyle. While plastic has become a sort of mandate in our lives, we must know that heavy usage of plastic can create a solid waste problem globally. Proper disposal of plastic is of utmost importance, as disposing waste improperly can overflow the landfills and cause tremendous harm to our environment.

What are the different uses of plastic? Plastic has become an indispensable part of everything we do. No matter how hard we try it's difficult to completely eliminate the use of plastic from our lives. It is widely used in food storage, water bottles , home supplies and other products. All industries globally use plastic materials in one or other ways. Due to the uncontrolled use of plastic, its disposal has become a huge problem in major cities and towns alike.

What are the different types of plastics? Plastics can be classified into two main types. 1. Thermoplastics This type of plastic is called Thermoplastic polymer. They can be moulded into any desired shape with the help of heat and be reused multiple times. PVC or Polyvinyl chloride, polythene are good examples of such plastic. They are used to make a variety of bottles, plastic bags and so on. 2. Thermosetting plastic This is also known as thermoset polymers and such types of plastic cannot be remoulded with the help of heat. Once they take the shape of a particular object, it must be used as it is. Bakelite and melamine are good examples of such plastics. In our household, common items such as switchboards, jug handles are made from thermosetting plastic.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of plastic? Advantages of plastic are:

• Plastic is generally used for packaging food as it keeps it safe.
• The cost of producing plastic is low and its material itself is quite lightweight.
• Depending on your requirements it can be moulded into a transparent, translucent and opaque material.
• It is used for building houses, furniture, and safety coating on wires and pipes.
• It has great insulation properties.
• Plastic has high durability and lasts for a long time.
• It is shock absorbent and corrosion resistant.
• It does not decompose easily and can be used and reused for prolonged periods of time.
• Plastic is water-resistant.
• Plastic is a versatile material.

Disadvantages of plastic are:

• Plastic takes tons of years to decompose. Some plastics may even take 400 years or more to completely decompose.
• Producing plastic is cheap, however, it is done using a variety of toxic chemicals and colours. This can cause harm to the environment.
• The recycling process for plastic can be very expensive.
• Heavy use of plastic increases the pollution in the environment. Since most of the waste lands up in the oceans, it is quite harmful to aquatic life as well.
• Some plastics may not be able to take heavy loads and may deform or break due to the load.
• Plastic is combustible in nature
• It is also said eating from plastic boxes can cause cancer
• The burning of plastic releases toxic materials into the environment.
• Plastic degrades the quality of the soil.
• Plastic can cause fire if not disposed of correctly.

Take a  look at our Comparison Table 

Advantages of plastic                                          Disadvantages of plastic

Frequently Asked Questions : 1. Are there any negative effects of plastic usage? Long-term exposure to plastic is not good for living beings. Eating out of plastic containers may expose us to a variety of health disorders. If care is not taken today, this issue of excessive usage of plastic may harm the regular working of the human body.

2. Is plastic harmful to humans? If yes, how? Humans widely used plastic every single day for a multipurpose. This kind of high exposure to plastic substances can cause long term disadvantages. When the toxic from plastic enter our body via food, water or air it creates a disturbance in our body functions and causes changes in our hormones.

3. Are there any major problems with the use of plastic? It is true that there are both advantages and disadvantages to plastic usage. Plastic and essentially single-use plastic causes environment degradation, loss of aquatic life and fills up our landfills. It contaminates water bodies and releases toxic substances into the air, water and soil. Long-term usage of plastic can cause birth defects in children, compromise our immunity and even cause cancer.

4. What are the merits of plastic? How does it benefit the economy? Plastic is water-resistant, chemical and even rust-resistant. It has thermal and insulating properties and is adhesive. Producing plastic is cheap and hence can be done in bulk quantities. It is also a highly durable material. It is lightweight in nature.

Conclusion Plastic is widely used at all points in our lives. Businesses, communities, individuals and households use plastic on a regular basis to fulfill their needs and requirements. While utilizing plastic in small amounts has its own set of advantages, prolonged usage of plastic can prove to be disadvantageous for us and the environment. A balance must be maintained in terms of the usage and safe disposal of plastic. On an individual level, care must be taken to avoid extreme usage of plastic. You could choose healthier options such as glass or toxic-free materials for cookware or utensils or water bottles and try your level best to avoid single-use plastic.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 150, 300 & 500 Words )

By Vijay Gupta

Updated on: May 10, 2023

If you are looking for an essay on plastic pollution, you have come to the right place. Here, I’ve written several different essays on this topic.

It’s a very important topic for different types of examinations whether they are academic or competitive. You must prepare it.

So, without wasting your valuable time, let’s start the article.

See the essay on the importance of sports and games .

Table of Contents

Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 150, 300 & 500 Words )

Essay on plastic pollution in english ( 500 words ), 1. introduction.

Plastic is such a substance that is being used everywhere. Today, nothing is exempt from this.

As much as it has benefited us through bags, furniture, utensils, bottles, boxes, and other accessories, it has also harmed our environment. Its waste has caused a lot of damage to the environment. Its use increased as time passed.

Earlier, when plastic was not used much, it didn’t pose much threat to our environment, but since its use has started making various things, its waste is increasing rapidly, which has become very difficult to dispose of.

Actually, plastic has brought a new type of pollution to the earth. If it’s not taken care of in time, it can become a serious problem in the coming time.

That’s why we should start our efforts to solve it.

2. Effects of plastic pollution

Plastic pollution has had a wide impact on water, land, and all living beings. The faster the use of plastic has increased, the faster its waste too.

It has badly affected all living beings. Due to the accumulation of its waste on the banks of rivers, ponds, and other water sources, we are getting health-related problems due to drinking such water.

However we purify water in many ways, yet the effect of plastic remains somewhere.

In addition, plastic waste has affected the growth of trees and plants along with weakening the soil fertility as it contains a mixture of toxic substances. That’s why we should pay attention to it and at the same time reduce it.

3. How to stop plastic pollution?

Although the outbreak of plastic pollution is increasing day by day, if we try to stop it, we can do so by adopting some methods which can prove to be very helpful for us.

Whenever we go to the market, we should avoid plastic bags, instead, we should use bags made of paper, cloth, and leather. At the same time, we should run a campaign at our level not to use plastic items, so that those who know you can also be a part of that campaign and avoid the use of things made of plastic.

Also, if there is any function or party in our house, we should avoid plastic plates, bowls, and glasses, but use utensils made of steel.

If you can’t avoid using plastic, try reusing it. Apart from this, avoid buying new things made of plastic. If you have become accustomed to plastic items, try instead of throwing them away when they are damaged, to sell them at the junk shop so that they can be recycled, it will definitely reduce the plastic waste on the land.

4. Conclusion

Ultimately, the government should ban the use of plastic. Its use on the general public should be completely banned because only we are responsible for spreading plastic waste on land.

Unless it’s done with full responsibility, it’s very difficult to stop it. It’s time that now we should seriously consider it otherwise we won’t be able to escape from its ill effects in the coming time.

See the essay on computers .

Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 300 words )

Plastic is used a lot in our daily life. We all use it in different ways, and that’s why we are unable to reduce its use as time is proceeding.

As air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution are fatal for our environment, in the same way, plastic pollution is also dangerous for it. In earlier times, when the use of plastic was less, there was no problem of pollution caused by it, but today its excessive use is increasing the pollution caused by it.

Its excessive use has affected all living beings whether they’re humans, animals, or trees. It’s a substance that cannot be degraded. When it’s burnt, it increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is a great threat to the environment.

Along with this, various types of plastic waste are eaten by animals, which adversely affects their health. Due to the toxic substance in it, it’s harmful to them.

Also, plastic waste is responsible for land pollution.

Plastic waste has increased so much that it can be easily seen on the banks of rivers, ponds, and seas. It can neither be broken nor disposed of. It can only be recycled.

In the absence of information, people use it and throw it on the ground outside the house, which gets accumulated in the ground and gets sunk somewhere inside. Therefore, the government should seriously campaign for this so that the pollution caused by it can be stopped and future problems related to it can be dealt with.

Along with government efforts, we should also be aware of the pollution caused by it and try to stop it.

See essay on the importance of reading .

Short Essay on Plastic Pollution in English ( 150 Words )

Plastic is a substance the use of which is increasing day by day. Due to its cheapness, It’s used in various fields. Its excessive use has increased plastic pollution, due to which it’s having a bad effect on our lives.

In fact, plastic cannot be decomposed. Sometimes when it’s burnt, it pollutes the environment in the form of carbon dioxide instead of being destroyed. Along with the increasing use of plastic, its waste is also increasing, which is often seen in ponds and on roads.

Nowadays, plastic bags, plastic glasses, and plastic plates are being used more for many purposes, which we are unable to reduce. Although efforts are being made to ban plastic under various campaigns, it has not been completely eradicated.

Earlier, when plastic was not used so much, there was no plastic pollution but today its excessive use has created a serious problem for our society.

So, it’s very essential to stop it. We must restrain ourselves to use it. Also, we should make others aware of this.

Final words

In the end, I hope that the article must have proved to be very helpful for you. Here, I have covered the essay on plastic pollution in 150 words, 300 words, and even 500 words.

If you really liked this article, please share it with those who need it.

Vijay Gupta

Hello everyone, My name is Vijay Gupta and I belong to a very small town that is situated in district Hardoi, which is in Uttar Pradesh. 1. Education – I’ve completed my primary education from a private school that is situated in my hometown and upper primary, matric and higher secondary education have been completed from a government college. Well, I was an average student till class 5th, but I accelerated my preference towards studies from class six. Consequently, I passed out many classes with good positions. Even I passed out 12th with good marks ( 405/500 ) and topped my college. Due to getting good marks, I got a cheque of 500 rupees and was rewarded by the Principal of my college. After completing my 12th, I prepared twice for IIT ( Indian Institute of Technology ) from Aakash institute, but unfortunately, I failed to get selected into the best IIT colleges. But during the preparation, I was being graduated from CSJMU Kanpur. I completed my graduation in 2016 and now I’m pursuing an educational degree ( B.Ed. ). 2. Profession – Although I love teaching, but I also do blogging. Both are my favorite jobs.

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Pros Cons Advantages Disadvantages

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic essay in points.

shoaibraza134 June 29, 2018 Environment Leave a comment 57,817 Views

Here is the complete package about the Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic full essay in points. What exactly is plastic? It is basically synthetic matter (material) , which is made from a variety of several organic polymers, such as nylon, PVC, polyethylene etc., that can be shaped and molded while still soft and can be finally set into completely solid and rigid form or even slightly solid/elastic shape and form. They are basically organic polymers that have a higher molecule mass and they usually also contain several other substances. Before going towards advantages and disadvantages of plastic, we will read little history first;  

History of Plastic

World’s first ever completely synthetic plastic was invented 1907 in New York by Leo Baekeland, who also added the material as plastics. Later on many scientists further added to the science of plastic materials. The success reached its peak in the early 20th century and that’s when concerns also started to arise about the wellbeing of the natural environment because of the slow decomposition time. However, later, by the end of the century, the idea of recycling came into the limelight to deal with this problem. The cost of “manufacturing plastic” is generally not very high. Due to their versatility, the fact that they are impervious to water and because they are generally easier to manufacture, it is used in a wide range of products of different types that used for different purposes. “Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic”. It have completely replaced the use of some of the natural materials that were previously used for certain purposes in the ancient times such as bone, stone, wood, leather, metal, and horn, metal, ceramic glass etc. It is a very useful matter in today’s era. In most of the developed countries it is being widely used in the packaging of products and also in the constructions and buildings industry in the form of plumbing, vinyl, piping etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Plastic

Since the beginning, plastic allowed innumerable advances in our industry and way of our living. Produced as a light, chemically resistant, durable, and easy to produce, it was a flawless building material for numerous articles which are not only used by normal users in their daily activities but also in the construction industry, aeronautics, electronics, transportation, energy conservation, packaging, scientific components and so on. Every benefit comes with a cost. Plastic, like other materials, also has a cost. Let’s have a look at the Pros and Cons of Plastic , Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic

Advantages of plastic.

• Easy to Handle Benefits

In the number of Advantages, the first Advantages of Plastic is very easy to handle due to the lightweight it has. Shopping bags are example of plastics which have almost no weight at all. The lightweight is not just limited to manufacture shopping bags. Now days, even the automobile industry is using plastic to manufacture fuel efficient, lightweight cars. The solid material is shaped in such a way that the safety is not compromised and it adds up more benefits in return.

• Strong and Durable

The word plastic may sound delicate and it is true that some kinds of plastics are easily damaged but there are other kinds which are strong enough to protect you. An example of such plastic made products can be the bullet proof vests which are lightweight and solid. Car dashboards are another example of products made from it. These lightweight dashboards are much safer and would cause less damage in case of an accident. The bumpers are also made up of it, which are good shock absorbers.

• Much Cheaper

It is true that there are other alternatives available which are as strong and reliable as it is, but one thing that gives advantages of plastic a higher position is the price factor. It is quite cheaper compared to its alternatives. In today’s world, firms are looking to cut costs and increase profit margins. With the help of this material, this long term goal is made possible. It is also used by many manufacturers and it helps them to manufacture good quality goods at a lower rate which further helps them to become the market king.

• Advantages of Water Resistant

Plastic is a water resistant material which makes it perfect for the protection of those things which can get damaged by water. It can be used to make a mobile phone cover or a raincoat. This property of this material makes it one of the most important materials that exist on planet earth!

Unlike other materials, it is odorless. This property of plastic is very unique. If you have to choose it or any other material to wrap a gift you would definitely prefer this because of this property. An odorless material can be used to cover a sweet dish without worrying about the smell. It is indeed very popular among chefs!

• Recyclable and Reusable

The Last Advantages of Plastic are one of those materials that can be recycled and reused. Isn’t that great?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Full Essay in Points

Disadvantages of Plastic

• Decomposes Slowly

As like advantages the first Disadvantages of Plastic is the strong and durability is beneficial when it comes to protection but these same features turn evil when it comes to decomposition. It is hard to break down which means that the landfills and seas being affected by plastic will have to suffer for a long time. Sea animals may die as a result and land pollution increases.

• Danger of Causes Cancer

I think this is the one of the most dangerous negative point in all “ Disadvantages of Plastic” . In a research, scientists discovered that there are certain materials in plastic which cause cancer. A well-known substance is the BPA but this alone is not the devil. Even after removal of BPA, there are some materials which when combined together cause the same problem. This is extremely dangerous for health and may even cause abnormal growth in children.

• Low Melting Point Makes it Even Worse

The low melting points limit its use. Shopping bags that are used to carry hot food add up to the health issues mentioned above. It can easily get mixed if the temperature is not favorable and this may not seem very alarming but if we see it with a long term perspective, it is just like slow poisoning.

• Produce Toxic Gases when Burned

They have many disadvantages; these materials are very harmful when they are burned. The toxic gas produced by burning and the air pollution is also one of the causes of global warming. This also negatively affects the plant growth and is bad for humans and animals. The toxic gases can cause many harmful diseases, some of which are curable while others are not.

• Non-Renewable Resource

The benefits that plastic brings with its existent are unlimited but the availability of this blessing is limited. Yes, it is a non-renewable resource which means if we consume it excessively, we might not ever see it again!

• Low Heat Resistant

The last Disadvantages of plastic : If exposed to heat, this material will melt. The low heat resistant is a major drawback as it cannot be used for purposes which involve higher temperatures. This makes it unsuitable for making a frying pan or stove.

These were Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic in points as you have seen above. It is true that plastics are cheaper and more durable but they are harmful and non-biodegradable too. It is very beneficial for many different industries but the usage of this substance can cause many adverse effects not just for the environment but for all living things. We must sustain our future. We must protect our environment.  You must minimize the cons and focus on increasing the benefits because only then we can make plastic a real blessing.

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Plastic Surgery: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Plastic surgery is one of the most popular types of medical services in the modern world. However, it is a relatively new field that has seen a rapid development over the last few decades. This paper offers a discussion of the concept of plastic surgery, the reasons for patients to undergo it, and some of the historical figures associated with it.

Plastic surgery is defined as a type of surgical procedure that is oriented toward the improvement or restoration of the appearance of form of body parts. Plastic surgery can be used for versatile purposes and is multifunctional. Even though this kind of surgical procedure has been popular for many decades, the practice is still considered controversial.

Generally, there are two major categories of patients for plastic surgery. The first type of patient includes the individuals who are dissatisfied with certain body parts and desire to change how they look. These patients are willing to change their appearance due to their strong self-image and a wish to improve their bodies in order to become more satisfied with them (for example, breast augmentation or rhinoplasty). The second type of patients for plastic surgery includes the people whose appearance was deformed due to different circumstances (accidents, for example) or persons who have visible physical or cosmetic flaws on their bodies such as scars ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). Compared to the patients of the first type, these individuals are forced to undergo plastic surgery by diverse external factors that have impacted their bodies in a negative manner. At the same time, there are some groups of individuals who are known as inappropriate candidates to undergo plastic surgery. Their reasons for plastic surgery are questionable, and it could be very risky for both the patients and the professionals to proceed with the surgeries in these cases.

Such groups include people who are experiencing an ongoing emotional crisis that may significantly affect and compromise their decision making capability (for example, severely depressed patients who are convinced that plastic surgery would make them feel better) ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). These patients are advised to solve their emotional issues first and then re-think their decisions regarding plastic surgery. Moreover, another group of inappropriate candidates involves people whose reason to undergo surgery is based on a minor defect (for example, perfectionists who obsess over a feature that may not even be noticeable to anyone else) ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). Finally, one more type of undesirable plastic surgery candidates consists of individuals who are impossible to please or who pursue unrealistic goals such as having facial features similar to those of celebrities ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009).

The world’s first plastic surgery was carried out in 1917. The patient was Walter Yeo, a sailor who had suffered from an extensive injury to the face during his service in the First World War ( The Telegraph , 2008). As a result of the injury, Walter Yeo lost his lower and upper eyelids. The surgeon who worked on Yeo’s treatment was named Harold Gilles, currently recognised as the “father” of plastic surgery as a field ( The Telegraph , 2008). Gilles used a skin graft taken from an uninjured part of the patient’s body that was then placed on the area around his eyes, similar to a mask, in order to re-create eyelids. The first plastic surgery was a breakthrough in medicine that was especially relevant in the years after the First World War that had left many men with severe injuries inflicted by explosives.

Over the decades following the case of Walter Yeo and the pioneering practices of Harold Gillies, the field of plastic surgery developed rapidly and now is mainly used for beauty-related purposes along with life-saving strategies. One of the most common images associated with modern plastic surgery is that of the so-called “real-life Barbie.” Her name is Valeriya Lukyanova, and she is a 30-year old model from Ukraine. Valeriya is known for her surgically re-shaped body for the purpose of making it resemble that of the world-renowned doll. The woman underwent a series of surgeries on many of her body parts in order to achieve doll-like proportions in her body and face. Namely, her measurements are 39-18-34 inches; her breasts and waist were surgically re-shaped, her eyes enlarged, and a couple of her ribs removed, and the shapes of her nose and lips were modified as well ( Valeria Lukyanova Height Weight Body Statistic s, 2016). Valeriya’s makeup routine is also thorough and takes as long as an hour and a half since her goal is to achieve a look similar to that of a Barbie doll (Bacardi, 2016).

According to Valeriya, her decision to change her body so much was based on her spiritual needs and development; basically, she adjusted the way she looks to who she feels she is on the inside (Bacardi, 2016). This change could scarcely be considered essential from a physical point of view. However, that of Walter Yeo was a physical necessity because his eyelids were destroyed due to his injuries.

In comparison, the sources of motivation each of these patients had for their surgeries differs significantly. Valeriya’s advantage is the fact that surgeries made her happier about her appearance and helped her career. Walter benefited in terms of health because the function of his eyes improved due to the procedure. The main disadvantage of the surgeries for Valeriya was their cost; whereas, for Walter, the surgery changed his face, making it less attractive.

Bacardi, F. (2016). Human Barbie Valeria Lukyanova answers plastic surgery questions and talks the misconceptions of her looks . Web.

Cosmetic surgery . (2009). Web.

The Telegraph. (2008). Pictures of first person to undergo plastic surgery release . Web.

Valeria Lukyanova Height Weight Body Statistic s . (2016). Web.

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Essay on Plastic Bag : Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages

February 27, 2018 by Manasi Shewale Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

What is a Plastic Bag?

Plastic bags can be said the most abundantly used substance in the whole world.

In our day to day life, we use plastic bags to carry so many things for example, we use plastic bags for packaging fruits, vegetables, clothes, books, etc.

Every other object is carried using a plastic bag or any packaging substance made of plastic.

The invention of a plastic bag is a boon to the human beings and has made us dependent on it as there is no other alternative to the use of plastic bag.

The first proper plastic bag was invented or put forth by “Thulin” in around 1960.

The most commonly used plastic bag is a Polythene. It is basically a synthetic product that is it was made in the laboratory.

It was basically made to replace the traditional paper bags which used to tear under high pressure, etc.

Polythene is a polymer that is a very complex compound which formed due to a long chain of monomers that is the primary compound.

For example, the monomer ethylene is used for the production of the polythene polymer.

This ethylene molecule will bind to several other ethylene molecules in a single long chain or a branched long chain and form the complex polymer called Polythene or also known as polyethylene.

There are different types of polythene like High Density Polythene (HDPE), Low Density Polythene (LDPE), etc. but the most commonly used is Polythene and is seen as our daily plastic bags.

Uses of Plastic Bag

Plastic has many day to day uses, and they have completely replaced the traditional products which involved the use of paper, metal and some other substances.

When these plastic bags were introduced in the market they attracted the people mostly because they were cheap i.e. very inexpensive and very light in weight.

They have many medicinal uses also as they prevent any and all types of contamination and also prevents leakage of any chemical.

They are used for packaging materials ranging from edible chips to big metallic containers.

Plastic is also used to make plastic boxes or containers to store food and water. Plastic is used to cover any object or substance from dust particle that is to avoid the dust particles from settling on any object.

Other than the HDPE and LDPE type of polythene, there are other types of polythene specifically designed for its use in the electrical or metallic substances, etc.

For example, the big pipes which are use for transportation of water under the surface of earth are also made of polythene (HDPE is used).

Such is the use of plastic that in today’s date we find more amount of plastic in our environment than many trees or plants.

The uses of plastic bags are very great but the disadvantages or limitations of plastic bags are many.

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable that is does not decompose naturally and is very stable. It will stay or accumulate in the place where it was dumped. Therefore, it has such disastrous effects.

Plastic is made from ethylene which is renewable or organic compound which has an importance in plant biology.

But it’s polymer is a non-biodegradable compound and no such health-related importance to humans as well as plants.

Disadvantages of Plastic Bags

Plastic bags have a wide range of advantages but the list of disadvantages that it has is somewhat never ending. This is due to the sole fact that plastic is non-biodegradable.

If you dump plastic in a small portion of soil then even a certain period of time, the plastic would remain unchanged in the soil.

This means that it does not get absorbed into the soil or also decompose in the presence of the microorganisms which are present in the soil.

This leads to accumulation of plastic in the environment thus, causing plastic pollution.

We use plastic bags then after their use is over we put it in the dust bin. This plastic waste is not treated and therefore, dumped into the forest, oceans or also buried into the soil without any treatment.

This just leads to accumulation of the plastic.

The garbage bag itself is made of plastic which again contributes to plastic pollution.

Also, plastic takes more than 1000 years to degrade that also by breaking down into smaller toxic substances and not into ethylene which is biologically useful.

The plastic waste which is dumped into the oceans affects the aquatic life at a very large scale. The fishes living in the ocean cannot breathe as low-density plastic floats on water.

This floating of the plastic might block or would not allow the fishes to breathe (i.e. access to oxygen).

Even if they come to the surface a foreign substance like plastic is a hindrance in their ecological cycle as they misunderstand plastic to being food (prey fishes like jellyfish) and consume it.

It is commonly heard that sea turtles ingest such plastic bags or balloons which ultimately lead to their death.

Therefore, plastic pollution is also considered as a threat to the aquatic life and also a possible reason in reduction of the number of certain species of turtles.

Plastic is also dumped or buried in the soil.  As we learnt above, that plastic degrades very slowly that is it takes 1000 of years to degrade.

But the degradation is also too poisonous to the environment as plastic breaks down into toxic components which are definitely deadly to the plants growing in that soil.

The consumption of plastic by the animals can choke them and cause a painful death. Also, the accumulation of plastic in soil degrades its nutritional quality.

This also affects the plants and trees which grow in the soil.

Most of the times it is considered that burning of plastic can decompose it but this is not the case.

The burning of plastic bags causes it to melt and generate harmful toxins in gaseous forms which if inhaled can cause suffocation or also accumulation of these toxins in the body.

If we check the Statistical data about the use of plastic only in India, then also it is more than 15 thousand tons. We should also note that India contributes only 11% of the whole world’s plastic waste.

This explains that even if India’s plastic consumption is not more still we see plastic pollution and presence of plastic in our surrounding.

Due to the increasing knowledge of the threat by plastic to the environment, it is now banned in most of the countries and also an alternative for plastic is being developed.

The techniques which have been already developed for plastic degradation are expensive and can degrade only a certain amount of plastic at a time, but we have trillions of plastic bags to be decomposed.

This has become a burning issue as plastic will bring death to the life on earth if not curbed now itself.

Therefore, not just forcefully banning plastic bags but also willingly avoiding the use of plastic and find an alternative to store and carry the products should be done.

About Manasi Shewale

Manasi Shewale loves to read novels and review them inturn. She is an avid reader of various topics of scientific interest in Chemistry and Biology.

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Have you Burn Crackers this Diwali ? Yes No

Ocean floor a 'reservoir' of plastic pollution

New research from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, and the University of Toronto in Canada, estimates up to 11 million tonnes of plastic pollution is sitting on the ocean floor.

Every minute, a garbage truck's worth of plastic enters the ocean. With plastic use expected to double by 2040, understanding how and where it travels is crucial to protecting marine ecosystems and wildlife.

Dr Denise Hardesty, Senior Research Scientist with CSIRO, said this is the first estimate of how much plastic waste ends up on the ocean floor, where it accumulates before being broken down into smaller pieces and mixed into ocean sediment.

"We know that millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans every year but what we didn't know is how much of this pollution ends up on our ocean floor," Dr Hardesty said.

"We discovered that the ocean floor has become a resting place, or reservoir, for most plastic pollution, with between 3 to 11 million tonnes of plastic estimated to be sinking to the ocean floor.

"While there has been a previous estimate of microplastics on the seafloor, this research looks at larger items, from nets and cups to plastic bags and everything in between."

Ms Alice Zhu, a PhD Candidate from the University of Toronto who led the study, said the estimate of plastic pollution on the ocean floor could be up to 100 times more than the amount of plastic floating on the ocean's surface based on recent estimates.

"The ocean surface is a temporary resting place of plastic so it is expected that if we can stop plastic entering our oceans, the amount would be reduced," Ms Zhu said.

"However, our research found that plastic will continue to end up in the deep ocean, which becomes a permanent resting place or sink for marine plastic pollution,"

Scientific data was used to build two predictive models to estimate the amount and distribution of plastic on the ocean floor -- one based on data from remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and the other from bottom trawls.

Using ROV data, 3 to 11 million metric tonnes of plastic pollution is estimated to reside on the ocean floor.

The ROV results also reveal that plastic mass clusters around continents -- approximately half (46 per cent) of the predicted plastic mass on the global ocean floor resides above 200 m depth. The ocean depths, from 200 m to as deep as 11,000 m contains the remainder of predicted plastic mass (54 per cent).

Although inland and coastal seas cover much less surface area than oceans (11 per cent vs 56 per cent out of the entire Earth's area), these areas are predicted to hold as much plastic mass as does the rest of the ocean floor.

"These findings help to fill a longstanding knowledge gap on the behaviour of plastic in the marine environment," Ms Zhu said.

"Understanding the driving forces behind the transport and accumulation of plastic in the deep ocean will help to inform source reduction and environmental remediation efforts, thereby reducing the risks that plastic pollution may pose to marine life."

The article, Plastics in the deep sea -- A global estimate of the ocean floor reservoir , was published in Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers.

This research is part of CSIRO's Ending Plastic Waste Mission, which aims to change the way we make, use, recycle and dispose of plastic.

• Oceanography
• Environmental Awareness
• Recycling and Waste
• Environmental Issues
• Earth Science
• Oceanic trench
• Hazardous waste
• Radioactive waste

Story Source:

Materials provided by CSIRO Australia . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Xia Zhu, Chelsea M. Rochman, Britta Denise Hardesty, Chris Wilcox. Plastics in the deep sea – A global estimate of the ocean floor reservoir . Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers , 2024; 206: 104266 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104266

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So Much Produce Comes in Plastic. Is There a Better Way?

As governments impose limits on plastic food packaging, climate-friendlier alternatives are in the works. Here are some that might be coming to a grocery store near you.

By Kim Severson

If it seems like plastic surrounds nearly every cucumber, apple and pepper in the produce aisle, it does.

What began with cellophane in the 1930s picked up speed with the rise of plastic clamshells in the 1980s and bagged salads in the 1990s. Online grocery shopping turbocharged it.

But now the race is on for what people who grow and sell fruits and vegetables are calling a moon shot: breaking plastic’s stranglehold on produce.

In a March survey among produce professionals on LinkedIn, the shift to biodegradable material was voted the top trend . “It’s big,” said Soren Bjorn, chief executive officer of Driscoll’s, the world’s biggest grower of berries, which has switched to paper containers in many European markets.

Spain has a plastic tax. France has severely limited plastic-wrapped produce and the European Union is about to add its own restrictions . Canada is trying to hammer out a plan that could eliminate plastic packaging of produce by 95 percent by 2028. In the United States, 11 states have already restricted plastic packaging. As part of a sweeping anti-waste plan, the Biden administration is calling for new ways to package food that uses climate-friendly, antimicrobial material designed to reduce reliance on plastic.

So we agree that eliminating plastic is the answer?

Reducing the use of plastic is an obvious way to push back against a changing climate. Plastic is created from fossil fuels, the biggest contributor to greenhouse gases . It chokes the oceans and seeps into the food chain. Estimates vary, but about 40 percent of plastic waste comes from packaging.

Yet plastic has so far been the most effective tool to fight another environmental threat: food waste.

Wirecutter shares tips for keeping your produce fresh for weeks.

Selling produce is like holding a melting ice cube and asking how much someone will pay for it. Time is of the essence, and plastic works well to slow the decay of vegetables and fruit. That means less produce is tossed into the garbage, where it creates almost 60 percent of landfill methane emissions, according to a 2023 report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

A Swiss study in 2021 showed that each rotting cucumber thrown away has the equivalent environmental impact of 93 plastic cucumber wrappers.

Food is the most common material in landfills. The average American family of four spends $1,500 each year on food that ends up uneaten. Of that, fruits and vegetables make up nearly half of all household food waste, according to research from Michigan State University. And it’s not just the wasted food that adds to climate change. The farming and transportation wasted to produce food that is discarded impacts the climate, too.

Preventing food waste and reducing the use of plastic aren’t mutually exclusive goals. Both are high on the agenda of the Biden administration, which in December issued a draft of a national strategy to halve the nation’s food loss by 2030.

Are Americans on board?

Consumers increasingly report that using less plastic and packaging matters to them, but their shopping habits tell a different story. American shoppers bought $4.3 billion worth of bagged salad last year, according to the International Fresh Produce Association. Marketing experiments and independent research both show that price, quality and convenience drive food choices more than environmental concerns.

Grocers are having to make tough decisions, too. Shoppers have complained about having to buy produce that has already been packed in plastic and priced. Not selling by weight is easier for the store, whose workers don’t have to weigh each item. But it often forces shoppers to buy more than they need.

Battle lines seem to be drawn between the never-plastic crowd and shoppers who prefer the ease of fresh salad greens delivered to their door.

“The packaging conversation is being held hostage by one side or the other,” said Max Teplitski, chief science officer of the International Fresh Produce Association. He leads the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods , a collection of industry trade groups that formed in January.

The group’s priority is to make sure that any changes in packaging will keep food safe and preserve its quality.

What alternatives to plastic are coming?

Here are a few new ideas headed to the produce aisle:

Bags from trees. An Austrian company is using beechwood trees to make biodegradable cellulose net bags to hold produce. Other companies offer similar netting that decomposes within a few weeks.

Film from peels. Orange peels, shrimp shells and other natural waste are being turned into film that can be used like cellophane, or made into bags. An edible coating made from plant-based fatty acids is sprayed on cucumbers, avocados and other produce sold at many major grocery stores. They work in a way similar to the wax coating commonly used on citrus and apples.

Clamshells from cardboard. Plastic clamshells are a $9.1 billion business in the United States, and the number of growers who use them is vast. Replacing them will be an enormous challenge, particularly for more fragile fruits and vegetables. Plenty of designers are trying. Driscoll’s has been working to develop paper containers for use in the United States and Canada. In the meantime, the company is using more recycled plastic in its clamshells in the United States.

Ice that feels like gelatin. Luxin Wang and other scientists at the University of California, Davis, have invented reusable jelly ice . It is lighter than ice and doesn’t melt. It could eliminate the need for plastic ice packs, which can’t be recycled. After about a dozen uses, the jelly ice can be tossed into a garden or the garbage, where it dissolves.

Boxes with atmosphere. Broccoli is usually shipped in wax-coated boxes packed with ice. The soggy cartons can’t be recycled. Iceless broccoli shipping containers use a mix of gases that help preserve the vegetable instead of chilling it with ice, which is heavy to ship and can transmit pathogens when it melts. Other sustainable, lighter shipping cartons are being designed to remove ethylene , a plant hormone that encourages ripening.

Containers from plants. Rice-paddy straw left over after harvests, grasses, sugar cane stalks and even food waste are all being turned into trays and boxes that are either biodegradable or can be composted.

Problem solved, right?

Hardly. Even if every grower and grocer started using packaging that could be recycled or composted, America’s infrastructure for turning it into something besides trash is spotty at best. Less than 10 percent of all plastic is recycled, a figure that is even lower for produce packaging, said Eva Almenar , a professor at Michigan State University’s School of Packaging . Only a small fraction of packaging labeled compostable stays out of the landfill.

Just 3 percent of wasted food lands at industrial composting centers. Several states have no commercial operations that can compost food waste.

“We don’t have right the technology, and we don’t have the collection systems,” Dr. Almenar said.

Even if the infrastructure were in place, people’s habits aren’t. “Consumers have no clue about what means green, compostable or recyclable,” she said.

Practically, no one has yet devised an affordable plastic alternative that can be recycled or composted and also keeps fruits and vegetables safe and fresh. Plastic allows packers to modify the mix of gases inside a package in a way that extends the shelf life and the quality of fresh produce.

“The pushback you are getting is that if you eliminate plastic and go to fiber, it depletes the shelf life really fast,” said Scott Crawford, vice president of merchandising for Baldor Specialty Foods and a veteran of both Whole Foods Market and Fresh Direct. “The question is which side of the balloon are you trying to squeeze?”

The ideal solution, he said, would be to go back to the days before plastic, when grocers stacked their produce by hand and no one demanded that seasonal fruit like blueberries be available year-round.

“I don’t think we’re going to live to see that,” he said.

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Kim Severson is an Atlanta-based reporter who covers the nation’s food culture and contributes to NYT Cooking . More about Kim Severson

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