How Does Plastic Cause Water Pollution?: Plastic has become a massive problem in the world today. According to research, we have over 8million tons of plastics in the ocean yearly. This is bad for both humans and sea creatures as both are directly and indirectly affected by this pollution. Plastic is made from chemicals which highly toxic, when these plastics get to our oceans, it harms marine creatures as it releases their toxins into the water. There have been countless meetings by the world leaders toward ending the plastic pandemic, yet there has not been any solution.
Some people might think they are not affected by this problem or it’s none of their business, the truth is we as humans are directly and indirectly affected and at health risk just like the animals in the ocean. Plastic bags affect us all living on this planet, whether you leave in the urban megacity or the rural farmland, I’m sure you do see plastic bags flying around anytime, be it the smallest of the plastic, it’s all part of the problem. The not only fact, but these plastics are also usually not a good sight to behold when they are heaped at a corner, they seriously cause real harm to the environment, harm the ocean habitats, it gradually and slowly releases toxic chemicals when they get into the soil, animals mistake them as their foods and eat them, thereby getting choked by the plastic and this causes intestinal obstruction. Moreso, when plastic blocks the sewer pipes, there will be no free flow of water, this causes the local creeks and streams to starve leading them to die off in some cases may be.
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One of the bad things about plastic is the fact that it over time breaks down into smaller bits. When this happens, fish and other sea animals can ingest this dangerous and toxic material and humans consume these fish which could potentially cause serious health problems in both sea creatures and humans when we consume them. The plastic problem has however compounded since when the world was hit by the pandemic, there has been an increased use of plastic materials in other to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus. More use of personal protective equipment like an apron, gloves, masks, etc is all washing off ashore of our oceans. All these are made from plastic which takes thousands of years to degrade. Everyone is directly and indirectly been affected by the negative impact of plastic.
The marine ecosystem is in great jeopardy as it is struggling to cope with the high influx of plastic waste harming marine life and its habitats. The harm plastic has caused can never be overemphasized to mention a few:
How Does Plastic Cause Water Pollution?
- It contaminates the seafood with toxins that are very harmful to the human body system as this can cause cancer, disability, or reproductive problem.
- It strangles and chokes the sea animals that get entangled in them or feed on them mistaking them for their food.
- Due to the fact plastic can move from place to place with currents and waves, it can cover up the ocean plants and this can block the plants from getting the sunlight it needs for growth, when this happens, it causes stunted growth in them due to lack of sunlight.
Plastics have been heavily linked to flooding as the plastic bags tend to clog the drainage system. We must take the bull by the horn and put all hands on deck, as this is a collective effort. Everyone has a role to play to reduce plastic waste pollution in the ocean. There are so many ways we can help in the fight against plastic.
- We need to ditch single-use plastics: Producers and manufacturers need to put a stop to the production of single-use plastics. Most single-use plastics are not recyclable, they are not biodegradable, meaning these stay on the surface of the earth for hundreds of years.
- We need to be a part of the reusable revolution campaigners: Reusable plastics like take-away containers, straws, water bottles, cups, etc. These are not only considered earth-friendly but also save you some money from having to often buy the same thing repeatedly.
- Patronizing local shops and opting for plastic-free packaging: Another good thing about supporting our local store is the fact that what we buy, generally has a shorter supply chain, so much plastic use is cut out.
- Buying products from recycled materials: So many manufacturers are now adopting this method. I have seen few clothing companies that have so many clothes made from recycled materials. This is quite commendable as it is a step toward the right direction in putting an end to plastic pollution.
This is not left to only the government to tackle, it is a collective task, if not it will keep getting worse and human health will be threatened, likewise the sea creatures.
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