english short essay on plastic pollution

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste makes its way from our homes and offices to landfills and bodies of water, causing contamination. For the sake of health and the environment, it is important to properly dispose of such plastic waste and to reduce its widespread use. Here we have provided both a Long and Short essay on plastic pollution for students of Class 1 to 12.

Students can refer to these plastic pollution essays in English to gain some insights on the topic as well as a reference for writing their essays.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is becoming more of a global problem. Governments, foundations, and some social media organizations are all attempting to raise awareness about this issue. Plastic goods are commonly used in industry because they are more effective and less costly than other materials.

Plastic, on the other hand, triggers a slew of environmental issues. Plastic pollution has several negative effects on our climate, but the three most important are ocean pollution, land pollution, and food pollution.

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on the oceans, and it's getting worse every year. Some governments are imposing strict regulations to discourage the use of plastic goods so that people are aware of the effect of plastic waste on the environment. As a result, action must be taken to address this issue before it is too late.

Plastics come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are commonly used in our everyday lives. Today, it's difficult to find a substance that isn't made of plastic. Thermosets, also known as thermoplastics, are used in several products.

The following are a few examples of plastic objects that people typically use in their daily lives:

PET fabric and polyester condensers.

Plastic tapes–fabrics, garments, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings, tarpaulins, etc. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)–used in water bottles, tubes, detergent bottles, food trays in microwaves.

PET fabric and polyester condensers, LCDs, and plastic tapes–fabrics, clothes, curtains, carpets, conveyors, mouldings have frequently broken FAQor or wall corsets made of polyvinyl chloride, automobile instrument boards, electrical wiring sheaths, games, syringes, cloth covers, window frames, and other high-density polyethene building materials Plastic bags, trash bags, prescription bottles, empty food containers, bottles, and milk bottle liners are all examples of items that can be recycled.

While it might seem that addressing chemical waste issues is as simple as recycling or washing empty bottles, the reality is that polluting plastic can vary in size from large to small.

Even if you don't want it on those products, plastic is all around us. Milk boxes are stuffed with cardboard, water bottles are strewn around, and some items can also contain small plastic pieces. Chemical pollutants are more likely to enter the environment and cause harm each time one of these items is discarded or swept away.

Plastic is one of the many widely available but overused items in today's world due to its low cost. When burned in the open, this does not decompose quickly and pollutes the underlying soil or groundwater.

Commercial fisheries are an unavoidable requirement in many parts of the world, but many people consume fish daily. Nonetheless, this industry has culminated in a variety of solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. Plastic is often used in the nets used by certain large-scale troll operations. Second, they spend a lot of time submerged in water, where they can freely release contaminants, but they are frequently dissolved or killed, leaving them to live wherever they land. It not only destroys and threatens native animals, but it also allows chemicals to swim away and contaminate nearby fish.

The majority of the items are made of plastic, but most of the materials are not biodegradable, making disposal difficult. There were no natural methods in place to recycle non-biodegradable plastics. It cannot be recycled or left to starve in the manner in which traditional waste is discarded or spilt.

Also, reuse does not reduce steel use because it recycles existing plastics in a new shape. In a variety of ways, the method of paper recycling can result in the release of plastic allergens.

Short Plastic Pollution Essay in English

Plastic waste has long-term social, economic, and ecotoxicological effects. Entanglement, swallowing, and starvation are some of the physical effects on sea life. Chemical influence: the accumulation of residual chemical contaminants like PCBs and DDT.

It's easy to see how this amount of oil, which isn't meant to penetrate, can harm the environment over time, causing long-term problems for plants, animals, and humans. The following are a few of the major long-term consequences of pollution:

Upsets the Flow of Food - Polluting materials, which come in smaller and larger dimensions, impact even the tiniest species on the earth, such as plankton. When these species become contaminated as a result of plastic ingestion, it poses a threat to larger animals that depend on them for food. Any move further along the food supply chain can cause a slew of problems. Furthermore, it means that plastic is present in the fish that so many people consume daily.

Groundwater Pollution - Chemicals are released into the soil and leak into groundwater, resulting in groundwater pollution (also known as groundwater contamination). Such a type of water pollution may also occur naturally as a result of the presence of a minor and undesirable component, contaminant, or impurity in underground water, in which case it is more likely to be referred to as waste rather than pollution. Plastics are responsible for almost all the waste and pollution that pollutes the world's oceans. It will have devastating effects for a variety of marine animals, with repercussions for those that consume fish or other sea life for food, such as humans.

Land Pollution - Once dumped in landfills, the plastic reacts with water or forms toxic chemicals. If these pollutants flow deep into the water, they degrade its efficiency. The stench wafts through the litter and transports waste from one place to the next. They can also become entrapped in posts, traffic lights, trees, walls, houses, and other structures, as well as predators that may arrive in the area and suffocate to death.

Air Pollution - Air pollution appears to be a mix of solid particles and gases in the atmosphere. Pollutants from automobiles, plants, smoke, pollen, and mould spores can all be stored as particulate matter. Ozone is a chemical that contributes significantly to urban air pollution. Smog is the term for when ozone causes air pollution. Some of the toxins in the air are poisonous.

Plastic trash disposal that isn't done properly would have a huge environmental effect. To ensure that the environment remains free of plastic waste, waste disposal using green technologies and proper waste management must be strictly controlled. The preservation of the environment from rising plastic contamination is the responsibility of every human being.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastic can be found in everything from milk cartons to water bottles. Plastics are inexpensive, simple to manufacture, and extremely durable. Toxic contaminants have a greater probability of infiltrating the environment and causing harm every time one of these plastic objects is disposed of or rinsed down the drain.

It is one of the most commonly available and overused items in the world today because it is less expensive. Demand for low-cost plastics is increasing because of rising urbanization and population increase.

Because they're so inexpensive, they're also easily discarded. When burned in the open air, it does not degrade quickly and pollutes the ground and air nearby.

Waste is frequently carried by the winds. Plastic, because it is lightweight, is carried away by gentle winds and washed into sewers, rivers, streams and, eventually, the oceans. Natural disasters, such as floods, should also be taken into account as sources of plastic pollution.

Commercial fishing is a necessary economic industry in many regions of the world, but it has contributed to the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans in several ways. Plastic nets are commonly utilized in certain large-scale fishing activities. They are frequently broken apart or misplaced and can rot wherever they fall. Marine animals become entangled in nets and/or ingest the poisonous particles.

FAQs on Plastic Pollution Essay

1. What do we Mean by Plastic Pollution?

Plastic Pollution occurs when synthetic plastic goods accumulate in the atmosphere to the point that they pose a threat to wildlife and their ecosystems, as well as human populations.

2. What are the Ways in Which we can Avoid/Control Plastic Pollution?

The reality is that the only way to fix this problem is for people and businesses all over the world to agree to and enforce pollution-reduction policies. The best plastic pollution solutions to control and avoid it are listed below.

Shop Friendly - Plastic bags have become a daily convenience, but they can be easily replaced with plastic bags, some of which are elegantly structured and lightweight. Simply add up how many things you typically carry out of a store and divide by the number of times you shop there. It's a substantial sum of money! Take a bag and, if you have any, just use plastic bags as much as you can.

Get Rid of Bottled Water - Drinking plenty of water is recommended every day, and giant water bottles are becoming a popular way to stay hydrated during the day. Furthermore, some of these are only licenced for individual use, meaning that any full container will end up in the trash. Several companies are now selling recycled water bottles as a substitute, reducing plastic waste and the availability of leaky bottles.

Reduce the Usage of To-go Containers - You'd be amazed to hear how much plastic is used in the manufacture and storage of food containers. Though the cafe's drink cup is documented and usually wrapped in acrylic for padding (for either a cup of coffee or a piece of cardboard to see what's going on). Plastic food plates, lids, and cookware can all be quickly replaced with recycled materials, resulting in a substantial reduction in waste from only one meal.

3. Why is plastic pollution on the rise?

The accumulation of plastic in the environment causes plastic pollution. Primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, are classified as primary, whereas secondary plastics, which emerge from the decomposition of primary plastics, are classified as secondary. Its world production is increasing at an exponential rate. Plastic pollution is on the rise because of people's persistent need to use plastic. Its outstanding features, including simplicity of shape, low cost, and mechanical resistance, all contribute to its success. It is both inexpensive and readily available. Furthermore, plastic does not decompose in the soil or water; it persists for over a century, contributing to an increase in plastic pollution. Plastic is practically everywhere because it is the suitable material for packaging. Natural disasters, such as floods, should be considered plastic pollution sources.

4. How does plastic pollution affect the environment?

Plastic pollution has a range of effects on the environment. Plastic stays in the ecosystem for a long time, causing a hazard to wildlife and spreading pollutants. Plastic also majorly contributes to global warming. Almost all plastics are made from chemicals used in the manufacturing of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. To begin with, it pollutes our water. So, there is a scarcity of clean water and everyone's needs for clean water can’t be fulfilled. It is also eroding our soils and fields. Disease-carrying insects are accumulating in plastic landfills, and soil fertility is worsening. Plastics are also released into the atmosphere when they are burned in incinerators, releasing greenhouse gases and hazardous air pollution. Plastic has an impact on all organisms in the food chain, from microscopic plankton to whales.

5. Where can I get a collection of long and short essays for my school?

Vedantu has a good collection of long and short essays to help students from Class 1 – 12. Vedantu's online educational platform will provide you with a comprehensive learning experience. You will be able to chat with some of the instructors with adequate expertise to coach you for school exams, competitive exams, and so on through our live interactive teaching sessions. In addition to coaching classes, we provide revision notes for grades 6 to 12. You can also easily download them and access them as per your convenience. Students who are looking for good quality study material, can download that from Vedantu website in PDF format with no extra cost. You can also get more resources for free by downloading the Vedantu app.

Essay on Plastic Pollution

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

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction.

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

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Effects of plastic pollution.

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

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

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

250 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

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

The Ubiquity of Plastic

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

Environmental Impact

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

Human Health Risks

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

500 Words Essay on Plastic Pollution

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

The Scale of the Problem

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

Impacts on Marine Life

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

Impacts on Human Health

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

Addressing Plastic Pollution

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

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

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

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Essay on Plastic Pollution in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Plastic pollution is damaging our environment rapidly. Waste plastic material is hard to dispose of and contributes to major pollution on earth. This has become a cause of global concern. The increasing use of plastic bags, utensils and furniture, the amount of plastic waste has also gone up and so has the plastic pollution. It is time we must take this problem seriously and work towards eradicating it.

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Long and Short Essay on Plastic Pollution in English

Here are essays on plastic pollution of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams and school assignments. You can select any plastic pollution essay as per your need and requirement:

Short Essay on Plastic Pollution 200 words – Essay 1

Plastic pollution is caused due to the accumulation of the waste plastic material in the environment. Plastic is a non bio-degradable substance. It doesn’t get disposed off in the soil or water and its effect is worse when burnt. It is thus a challenge to dispose it off. Remains in the environment for hundreds of years and causes air, water and land pollution. It is hazardous for the humans, animals as well as the plants. Several animals, birds and marine creatures die due to plastic pollution each year.

Plastic plates, bags, spoons, glasses and other material are readily available in the market. These are economical and easy to use. People prefer using these use-and-throw utensils during gatherings and parties as it shuns the hassle of clearing and cleaning the utensils later. All they need to do is to gather these and throw them away. However, little do they realize that this waste is not disposed off so easily. It continues to remain in the environment and harm us adversely.

Not just plastic utensils and carry bags, furniture and various other things made out of plastic are also used extensively world over. It is high time we must realize the harmful effects of plastic pollution and contribute our bit towards bringing it down.

Essay on Beat Plastic Pollution 300 words – Essay 2

Plastic pollution, caused due to plastic waste, has reached alarming heights and is increasing rapidly with every passing day. It has become a cause of global concern as it is destroying our beautiful planet and having negative repercussions on all kinds of living beings.

Ways to Beat Plastic Pollution

Here are two simple ways to lower plastic pollution that we can practice in our daily life:

• Avoid Usage/ Look for Alternatives

The first and the most important step towards beating plastic pollution is to avoid the usage of plastic products.

Now, since we have grown quite accustomed to using plastic products and these are light on our pocket, we cannot avoid their usage completely. However, we can certainly avoid using those plastic products that can easily be replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, instead of using plastic bags, we can easily opt for a jute, cloth or paper bag when we head for shopping. Likewise, instead of using disposable plastic cutlery and utensils during parties we can use those made of steel, paper, thermocol or any other material which is reusable or easy to dispose.

If you cannot avoid using plastic bags or other products for some reason then it is suggested to at least reuse them as many times as you can before disposing them off. We are in a habit of throwing the plastic bags and containers we get with packed food almost immediately after use even though these can be used a couple of times before disposing off. We should reuse these instead. This can be our contribution towards reducing the plastic waste and bringing down plastic pollution.

Essay on Causes and Effects of Plastic Pollution 400 words – Essay 3

Plastic pollution has become a major threat to our environment in today’s times and it is likely to make things worse in the times to come. There are many reasons that lead to this type of pollution. The adverse effects of plastic pollution are also plenty.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

• Economical and Easy to Use

Plastic is one of the most widely used substances when it comes to production of containers, bags, furniture and various other things. This is because it is economical and can easily be molded into different forms. The increasing use of plastic goods has increased the plastic waste which is a cause of plastic pollution.

• Non-Biodegradable

Plastic waste which is increasing by the day is non-biodegradable. Plastic does not get disposed of in soil or water. It remains in the environment for hundreds of years and adds to the land, water and air pollution.

• Plastic Breaks but Doesn’t Dissolve

Plastic bags and other items made from plastic break into tiny particles that make their way into the soil or enter the water bodies thereby contributing to plastic pollution.

Effects of Plastic Pollution

Here is how plastic pollution is effecting our environment and life on earth:

• Pollutes Water

Plastic waste is entering the water bodies such as rivers, seas and even oceans and is polluting our water drastically. This water is then supplied at our places. No matter how much we filter this water it can never get back to its pure form and thus has negative repercussions on our health.

• Pollutes Land

Large amount of plastic waste is dumped in landfills. Wind carries plastic bags and other small plastic particles from one place to another thereby effecting major area. Plastic particles release harmful chemicals that deposit in the soil and ruin its quality. It impacts the growth of the plants. Besides, waste lying on the land breeds mosquitoes and other insects that are carriers of various serious illnesses.

• Harms Marine Life

Plastic bags and other plastic litter that goes into rivers and seas are mistaken as food by the marine creatures who often gulp them and eventually fall sick.

• Harms Animals

Animals mostly feed on food thrown in the garbage. They eat plastic bags and other items along with other things. Plastic bags often get stuck in their intestines and choke them to death. They are also a cause of many serious illnesses.

Essay on Solutions of Plastic Pollution 500 words – Essay 4

Plastic pollution has become a growing concern worldwide. The government of many countries is taking measures such as banning plastic bags to reduce plastic pollution. However, bringing down this problem is only possible if we all contribute our bit as responsible human beings.

Government Must Take Stringent Steps

It is time the government of various countries must take strict measures to fight plastic pollution. Here are few steps they should follow:

• Keep a Tab on Plastic Production

With the increasing demand of plastic products in the market, the number of factories manufacturing plastic is increasing worldwide. The government must not allow any more plastic manufacturers in the market to keep a tab on the production of the items made of plastic.

• Ban Plastic Items

The government of many countries have put a ban on the use of plastic bags as they contribute to maximum amount of plastic pollution. However, in some countries such as India, this ban has not been implemented well. The government must take stringent steps to stop the use of plastic bags. This should involve putting a ban on the production of plastic bags as well as punishing those found using these.

• Spread Awareness

It is of utmost importance to spread awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste on our environment. This can be done by way of television and radio advertisements, billboards and social media. This should help people understand the seriousness of the issue and how their contribution can make a difference.

Other Simple Solutions to Lower Plastic Pollution

Here are certain simple ways in which we can lower plastic pollution and make our environment cleaner:

• Don’t Use Plastic Bags

Plastic bags get broken into tiny pieces that go into the water bodies and enter the soil thereby disrupting the growth of plants and causing harm to the aquatic life. Mostly used for grocery shopping, these bags can easily be replaced by reusable cloth bags.

• Say No to Packaged Drinking Water

Packaged drinking water comes in plastic bottles and glasses. These waste bottles and glasses contribute immensely to plastic pollution. As responsible citizens we must stop purchasing packaged drinking water and carry our own water bottles instead.

• Avoid Ordering Food

Most fast food restaurants deliver food in plastic containers that add to waste plastic. It is better to avoid ordering food from such restaurants. It is better to have home cooked food.

Many recycling companies take used plastic containers, plastic bottles and other stuff made of this material and recycle it. It is suggested to give away such plastic items to these companies rather than throwing them in the bin and adding to the plastic waste.

• Purchase Bulk Grocery

It is a good idea to purchase bigger packages of the grocery items rather than going for several small packets. These items are mostly packed in plastic bags or containers. So, this way you will reduce plastic waste.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution 600 words – Essay 5

Plastic pollution is increasing by the day. Research shows that the use of plastic has increased drastically in the last two decades. Plastic is convenient to use and costs less. This is the reason why people are more inclined towards purchasing various products made of plastic. To meet the growing demands of the people, the number of factories manufacturing plastic products has increased rapidly. The more plastic used, the more plastic waste gets accumulated on our planet and causes the hazardous plastic pollution. This is becoming a threat to life as it is giving way to various illnesses.

Plastic Production: Consuming Useful Resources

Not only is disposing of plastic a serious concern but the production of this substance is equally devastating for us. The production of plastic involves valuable fossil fuels such as oil and petroleum. These fossil fuels are non-renewable and hard to extract.

A lot invested in fetching these fossil fuels and these required for various other purposes. If we continue to use these valuable fuels for the production of plastic, we shall run out of them and would not be able to employ them for producing or running other more important things.

Marine Life: Worst Effected by Plastic Pollution

Plastic bags and other plastic particles carried by wind and water into the seas, oceans and other water bodies. People who go for picnics and camping also litter plastic bottles and packets of chips that add to plastic pollution.

All this goes into the rivers and seas and effects the marine creatures adversely. These poor creatures mistake plastic for food and eat it. This results in serious illness in fishes, turtles and other marine creatures. Many of them die because of plastic pollution each year. Researchers claim the number of deaths and illnesses caused due to plastic pollution will increase in the coming years.

Plastic Pollution: A Threat to Humans and Animals

Just like the marine creatures, animals also consume plastic lying in the garbage mistaking it for food. At times, they gulp the entire plastic bag by mistake. This gets stuck in their intestines and suffocates them to death. Plastic waste keeps deteriorating with time and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Large chunk of mosquitoes penetrate here and give way to various diseases each year.

Plastic waste is also polluting the rivers that are a source of drinking water for us. The quality of drinking water is getting worse day by day due to plastic pollution and this is resulting in various water borne diseases.

Collective Effort to Fight Plastic Pollution

It is difficult to dispose plastic products. It is dangerous when plastic waste goes to the landfills and even more dangerous when it goes into the water bodies. Unlike, wood and paper we cannot even dispose it of by burning it. This is because burning plastic produces harmful gases that are dangerous for the environment and life on earth. Plastic thus causes air, water and land pollution.

No matter, how hard we try we cannot do away with the plastic products completely. However, we can certainly restrict our plastic usage. A number of plastic products such as plastic bags, containers, glasses, bottles, etc can easily replaced by eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth/ paper bags, steel utensils and so on.

Controlling plastic pollution is not solely the government’s responsibility. In fact, the government alone cannot do anything. We need to act responsibly and do our bit to bring down the plastic pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions on Plastic Pollution

What is the short paragraph of plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and landfills. It is a significant global concern due to the detrimental effects it has on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Plastic materials, such as bottles, bags, and microplastics, take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to long-lasting pollution. Plastic pollution not only degrades the beauty of our natural surroundings but also poses risks to marine life, as animals can mistake plastic for food or become entangled in it. It is crucial to address plastic pollution through sustainable practices and the reduction of single-use plastics.

What is plastic essay in English?

Plastic is a synthetic material derived from petrochemicals. It has become an integral part of our modern lives due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. However, the excessive and irresponsible use of plastic has led to a grave environmental crisis. Plastic pollution is a pressing issue worldwide, with devastating effects on ecosystems and human health. Plastic takes centuries to degrade, resulting in its accumulation in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats. It poses a significant threat to marine life, as animals often mistake plastic debris for food or become entangled in it. To mitigate plastic pollution, it is essential to promote recycling, reduce single-use plastics, and adopt sustainable alternatives.

प्लास्टिक निबंध को इंग्लिश में क्या कहते हैं?

एक प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण निबंध कैसे शुरू करें: प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण निबंध को शुरू करने के लिए आप निम्नलिखित तरीकों का उपयोग कर सकते हैं: एक उद्धरण या किसी रोचक तथ्य के साथ प्रारंभ करें जो प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण के बारे में ध्यान आकर्षित कर सके। प्लास्टिक का परिचय दें और इसके महत्वपूर्ण उपयोगों का वर्णन करें। प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण के प्रमुख कारणों का विवरण करें, जैसे एकल उपयोग प्लास्टिक, कंटेनरों और पैकेजिंग, और अनुचित तरीके से प्लास्टिक की उपयोगिता का उपयोग करना। प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण के परिणामों पर विचार करें, जैसे समुद्री जीवों के लिए खतरा, जैव विविधता पर प्रभाव, और मानव स्वास्थ्य पर आपत्तिजनक प्रभाव। प्लास्टिक प्रदूषण को रोकने के उपाय पर चर्चा करें, जैसे कि प्लास्टिक की उपयोग सीमित करना, पुनर्चक्रण को बढ़ावा देना, बायोडीग्रेडेबल प्रोडक्ट्स का उपयोग करना, और सब्सिडीज़ और कानूनी प्रावधानों का समर्थन करना।

How do you start a plastic pollution essay?

Grab the readers attention: Begin with a captivating opening sentence or a thought-provoking question related to plastic pollution. This will engage the reader and make them interested in reading further. Provide background information: Introduce the topic of plastic pollution and its significance. Discuss the widespread use of plastics in various industries and its impact on the environment. Highlight the harmful effects of plastic: Explain the detrimental effects of plastic on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Discuss how plastic pollution leads to habitat destruction, marine pollution, entanglement of animals, and ingestion of microplastics. Address the environmental impact: Describe how plastic waste contributes to pollution, particularly in oceans and landfills. Talk about the slow decomposition rate of plastic and the long-term consequences it has on the environment. Discuss the human health risks: Highlight the potential health risks associated with plastic pollution. Mention the harmful chemicals present in plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), and their effects on human health, including hormonal disruptions and potential carcinogenic properties. Explore the social and economic implications: Discuss how plastic pollution affects communities, particularly those living near polluted areas or dependent on natural resources. Address the economic costs of plastic pollution, such as the impact on tourism, fishing industries, and waste management. Propose solutions: Shift the focus towards solutions to combat plastic pollution. Discuss individual and collective actions that can be taken to reduce plastic consumption, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Highlight success stories: Share examples of communities, organizations, or countries that have successfully implemented measures to reduce plastic pollution. This can inspire readers and demonstrate that change is possible. Emphasize the importance of education and awareness: Stress the significance of spreading awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution. Discuss the role of education in changing behaviors, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policy changes. Conclude with a call to action: Summarize the main points of the essay and leave the reader with a compelling call to action. Encourage individuals to make conscious choices, support initiatives, and actively participate in reducing plastic waste.

How is plastic harmful?

Plastic is harmful due to several reasons: Environmental impact: Plastics are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They contribute to pollution, littering ecosystems, and causing harm to wildlife. Marine pollution: Plastic waste in oceans harms marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. It disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems and poses a threat to marine species. Microplastics: Plastic breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which are found in water bodies, soil, and even the air we breathe. These microplastics can be ingested by organisms, potentially entering the food chain and posing health risks. Human health risks: Some plastics contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC, which can leach into food, beverages, and the environment. These chemicals are associated with various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and potential carcinogenic effects.

How can we avoid plastic?

To avoid plastic and reduce plastic consumption, consider the following: Carry reusable bags: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping instead of using single-use plastic bags. Say no to plastic straws and utensils: Opt for reusable alternatives like metal or bamboo straws and utensils. Use a refillable water bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Bring your own containers: When ordering takeout or buying food, use your own containers to avoid disposable plastic containers. Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging: Look for products with eco-friendly packaging or those that use minimal plastic packaging. Recycle and dispose of plastic properly: Follow proper recycling practices and dispose of plastic waste responsibly to prevent it from ending up in landfills or oceans. Support alternatives to plastic: Choose sustainable alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo products instead of plastic whenever possible. Spread awareness: Educate others about the consequences of plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in your community.

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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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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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The problem of plastics

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• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Plastic Pollution: A Perspective on Matters Arising: Challenges and Opportunities
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plastic pollution , accumulation in the environment of synthetic plastic products to the point that they create problems for wildlife and their habitats as well as for human populations . In 1907 the invention of Bakelite brought about a revolution in materials by introducing truly synthetic plastic resins into world commerce. By the end of the 20th century, plastics had been found to be persistent polluters of many environmental niches , from Mount Everest to the bottom of the sea . Whether being mistaken for food by animals , flooding low-lying areas by clogging drainage systems, or simply causing significant aesthetic blight , plastics have attracted increasing attention as a large-scale pollutant .

Plastic is a polymeric material —that is, a material whose molecules are very large, often resembling long chains made up of a seemingly endless series of interconnected links. Natural polymers such as rubber and silk exist in abundance, but nature’s “plastics” have not been implicated in environmental pollution , because they do not persist in the environment . Today, however, the average consumer comes into daily contact with all kinds of plastic materials that have been developed specifically to defeat natural decay processes—materials derived mainly from petroleum that can be molded, cast, spun, or applied as a coating. Since synthetic plastics are largely nonbiodegradable , they tend to persist in natural environments . Moreover, many lightweight single-use plastic products and packaging materials, which account for approximately 50 percent of all plastics produced, are not deposited in containers for subsequent removal to landfills , recycling centres, or incinerators . Instead, they are improperly disposed of at or near the location where they end their usefulness to the consumer. Dropped on the ground, thrown out of a car window , heaped onto an already full trash bin, or inadvertently carried off by a gust of wind , they immediately begin to pollute the environment . Indeed, landscapes littered by plastic packaging have become common in many parts of the world. (Illegal dumping of plastic and overflowing of containment structures also play a role.) Studies from around the world have not shown any particular country or demographic group to be most responsible, though population centres generate the most litter. The causes and effects of plastic pollution are truly worldwide.

According to the trade association PlasticsEurope, worldwide plastic production grew from some 1.5 million metric tons (about 1.7 million short tons) per year in 1950 to an estimated 275 million metric tons (about 303 million short tons) by 2010 and 359 million metric tons (nearly 396 million short tons) by 2018; between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons (5.3 million and 14 million short tons) are discarded into the oceans annually by countries with ocean coastlines.

Compared with materials in common use in the first half of the 20th century, such as glass , paper , iron , and aluminum , plastics have a low recovery rate. That is, they are relatively inefficient to reuse as recycled scrap in the manufacturing process, because of significant processing difficulties such as a low melting point, which prevents contaminants from being driven off during heating and reprocessing. Most recycled plastics are subsidized below the cost of raw materials by various deposit schemes, or their recycling is simply mandated by government regulations. Recycling rates vary dramatically from country to country, and only northern European countries obtain rates greater than 50 percent. In any case, recycling does not really address plastic pollution, since recycled plastic is “properly” disposed of, whereas plastic pollution comes from improper disposal.

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Essay On Plastic Pollution – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay For Children

Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay On Plastic Pollution For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on plastic pollution for kids, short essay on plastic pollution in 150 words for kids, long essay on plastic pollution for children, what will your child learn from the essay onplastic pollution.

The invention of plastic was one of the highlights of the past century’s industrial revolution. However, this has soon led to the downfall of our planet. Kids can understand and learn about the use and misuse of this product by writing an essay on plastic pollution for class 1, 2 & 3.

The benefits of plastic were enticing for people and continue to be so for many till today. It is lighter than metals, more durable, and resistant to environmental perils such as rust. Moreover, it was cheap to produce plastic, making the end products affordable. It led to better inclusion of consumers in the market economy. However, the joy of discovery soon came to a staggering halt when it was realised that plastic is a menace to our environment. Plastic doesn’t get decomposed easily as it is a process of thousand years.

This article can guide kids on how to write an essay on plastic pollution. A structured composition on this topic can educate kids of primary classes about the serious issue.

• Plastic stays in the ecosystem and pollutes our resources.
• The use of plastic has become widespread because several industries have already incorporated plastic into their manufacturing units.
• Plastic items had already reached our homes and offices. Therefore, reducing plastic usage has become almost impossible for us.
• In the 2000s, governments became more aware and developed stringent regulations for plastic use.
• Today, single-use plastic is banned in most countries.
• It has become a must for consumer goods manufacturers to use recyclable material, so there will be no plastic out in the open.
• The road to recovery is long because plastic pollution is here to stay, and it is deeply impacting the health of all the living beings on this planet.

Plastic is one of the most formidable inventions of mankind. Industries find it difficult to remove plastic from their ecosystem because it is cheap to produce. Additionally, plastic is lightweight and durable. However, plastic takes thousands of years to decompose. Meanwhile, it releases toxins into the environment, which pollutes our natural resources. When writing an essay for kids, we must explain everything mentioned above in simple and straight language. Here are 10 lines on plastic pollution for classes 1 and 2:

• Plastic pollution is the process of deposition of plastic particles and objects in the earth’s ecosystem that causes adverse environmental change.
• Plastic pollutants can be segregated based on their size.
• Plastic is overused despite being harmful because it is cheap to produce, making end-products more affordable and better sales.
• People try to burn plastic to get rid of it, but it only results in more damage as it causes air pollution.
• Plastic remains take a lot of years to decompose, and the toxins sift beneath the surface, causing water pollution.
• Wildlife is affected the most by plastic pollution. Animals accidentally ingest plastic objects, which endangers their lives.
• Plastic containers and other such objects release chemicals in the food, which cause cancer in people who consume it.
• In seas and oceans, plastic pollution is caused by commercial fisheries that use plastic nets to catch fish.
• Plastic contaminants get dissolved in water or sit where they land. In the process, they pollute the food source of marine animals. When contaminated seafood is consumed, it causes terminal diseases.
• We can reduce plastic pollution by avoiding single-use plastic completely and promoting recycling and reusing.

Teachers may ask kids in lower primary classes to write a short essay on plastic pollution. Here is a template they can refer to:

Plastic is overused by us, which has resulted in widespread plastic waste. The damages due to plastic waste are multifold, and researchers have observed economic, social, and ecotoxicological effects. Plastic was made for our comfort, but now it is damaging our environment. We need to understand that not all plastic can be recycled. As responsible citizens, we should be mindful of our use of plastic in our daily lives. We should switch to stainless steel or glass bottles instead of plastic ones because glass and metals can be resumed and recycled numerous times. We should make sure that we throw any plastic substances like chocolate wrappers, chips packets, and biscuit wrappers in the green coloured recycled bin. We should collect our trash and dispose of it in proper containers when we are outdoor and we should not litter in public areas like parks, forests, beaches, etc. Carrying reusable cloth bags instead of plastic bags to the market is sensible to curb excessive plastic use. Plastic is a manufactured material, so it is not supposed to linger around in the environment. Moreover, chemicals released from plastic waste penetrate all walks of nature, damaging the environment over time. As a result, plants, animals, and human beings suffer.

The discovery of plastic took the entire world by storm. The industries rushed to get their hands on the means of producing this material. The reason was that plastic was cheaper and easier to produce than some other metals. Therefore, plastic pollution has bever been a localised problem.

Today, it is a massive global issue because developed and developing countries suffer from the consequences it causes. Governments have taken cognisance of this issue, which has led to the introduction of express legislation in many countries. However, the low cost of production that plastic offers make it difficult to eradicate its use unless a suitable eco-friendly alternative comes along. Hence, governments and foundations are running awareness campaigns relentlessly to bring a force of habit to people. The purpose is to get 90% of the recyclable plastic back into the system. NGOs are also organising social media campaigns to teach people about plastic pollution and how they can reduce it individually. The effects of plastic are widespread, and plastic is remotely associated with many diseases originating from landfills.

Developed countries are actively discouraging the use of plastic because their per capita income is high and they can afford the alternatives. Moreover, by asking people to refrain from using plastic in public places, the governments are making them aware of the disadvantages of plastic.

Another major point of concern is that plastic can be produced in various shapes and sizes. Therefore, most products that we use today have some percentage of plastic, and it is hard to find a completely plastic-free product today. Thermoplastics are the kind of plastics that make their way into most products. If you seem to think that you don’t use that much plastic in your household, here is a list of some commonly used plastic items that will make you feel:

• Polyester condensers and PET fabric.
• Your LCD TVs or panels.
• Clothes, curtains, carpets, conveyors, wall corsets, automobile instrument boards, syringes, cloth covers, electrical wirings, sheaths, window frames, plastic bags, trash bags, food containers, prescription bottles, milk bottles, etc.

It is almost impossible to imagine your life without using these products. The good news is that most of the plastic products used in packaging are recyclable, so if we pay a little attention, we can play our part.

1. Harmful Effects Of Plastic Pollution Environment

However, the three major adverse impacts of plastic are land pollution, water pollution, and food pollution. Marine life has suffered the worst due to humans’ excessive use of plastic. Oceans are getting worse day by day. We see pictures of tortoises dying because of a plastic straw stuck in their throat. Moreover, it takes a lot of resources to clean the oceans because high macron plastics settle near the ocean’s surface.

2. Causes Of Plastic Pollution

Plastic is one of the cheapest substances to produce that is durable and efficient. Therefore, almost all industries incorporate plastic in some units of manufacturing. It leads to toxic contamination, which is more likely to infiltrate the soil and air.

3. How Plastic Pollution Can Be Managed?

The issue of chemical waste has become very complex today. Only recycling can not provide a complete solution to the problem because plastic waste varies in size. It can be the size of a peanut or as big as a whole house! No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to get rid of plastic completely. When we release this plastic into the environment, we cause irreparable damage. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that the plastic substances we discard or throw away do not end up in nature.

Let’s discuss the long-term consequences of plastic waste that your child can learn from this plastic pollution composition:

• Affects the food chain:  The food chain starts from very tiny organisms that serve as a food source to the organisms that are higher in order. Now, plastic contaminants come in varied shapes and sizes, so when the tiny organisms at the start of the food chain suffer from ingesting these particles, they get contaminated too. Eventually, due to successive ingestion, the entire food chain is polluted.
• Groundwater pollution:  Groundwater is the largest freshwater source. Several aspects of our lives are dependent on the availability of groundwater. Due to excessive wastage of water, the groundwater levels have diminished already. Whatever is left in the water table is polluted due to plastic waste on the surface, and the fluid from this waste seeps through the soil and pollutes the groundwater.
• Air pollution: The pollution is caused due to a mixture of gasses and pollutants. When people burn plastics, they release emissions into the atmosphere, leading to air pollution.

Plastic pollution is a prevalent issue worldwide, which is why it becomes crucial to find ways to overcome it. It’s time to wage war against this menace to save the environment.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution

Introduction

Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, presenting a major threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health on a global scale. Defined as the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, this issue has reached alarming levels due to the pervasive use of single-use plastics and inadequate waste management systems. For instance, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, spanning an area twice the size of Texas, is a stark reminder of the scale of this problem. As plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, they degrade into smaller particles known as microplastics, infiltrating even the most remote ecosystems. This essay will examine the effects, reasons, and remedies for plastic pollution , emphasizing the immediate necessity for collective action to tackle this worldwide crisis.

Significance of the Issue

The significance of plastic pollution extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass economic, social, and health implications. Here are several key points outlining its significance:

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• Environmental Degradation: Plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems, harming wildlife through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. It contaminates soil, waterways, and oceans, altering natural landscapes and threatening biodiversity .
• Human Health Risks: Plastics release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can leach into food and water and pose health risks such as hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and cancer.
• Economic Costs: Plastic pollution imposes significant economic burdens on communities and industries, including costs associated with cleanup efforts, damage to tourism and fisheries, and losses in agricultural productivity.
• Marine Debris: Plastic debris in oceans severely threatens marine life. Millions of seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals perish yearly due to consuming or becoming entangled in plastic waste.
• Microplastic Contamination: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have infiltrated marine and terrestrial environments, entering the food chain and potentially exposing humans to harmful toxins.
• Global Scale: Plastic pollution is a global issue, transcending national borders and affecting all continents. The interconnected nature of marine currents means that plastic waste generated in one region can travel thousands of kilometers, exacerbating the problem on a global scale.
• Long-term Persistence: Plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years, accumulating over time and exacerbating the problem of pollution. This persistence makes plastic pollution a long-term and challenging issue to address.
• Environmental Justice: Plastic pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities and developing countries with limited waste management resources, exacerbating social inequalities and environmental injustices.

Types of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution comes in various forms, each with its own set of environmental impacts. Here are some common types of plastic pollution:

• Single-Use Plastics: Manufacturers design items like plastic bags, straws, bottles, and packaging for one-time use before users discard them. They majorly contribute to plastic pollution due to their widespread consumption and improper disposal.
• Microplastics: These are minute plastic particles measuring less than 5mm, either intentionally produced for specific uses (such as microbeads in cosmetics) or generated through the degradation of larger plastic items. Microplastics are widely distributed in the environment, existing in oceans , soil , and even the air .
• Macroplastics: Larger plastic items, such as fishing nets, buoys, and packaging materials, contribute to visible pollution in water bodies and on land. These items can entangle marine life and pose a hazard to wildlife.
• Nurdles: Nurdles are small, pellet-like plastic raw materials used in manufacturing plastic products. Accidental spills during transportation or handling can lead to nurdle pollution in waterways, where they can be mistaken for food by marine animals.
• Plastic Bags: The convenience of lightweight, long-lasting plastic bags for shopping and packaging comes at a cost: significant environmental pollution . This is because they are rarely recycled and often thrown away improperly.
• Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Styrofoam products, such as food containers and packaging materials, are lightweight and easily carried by wind and water, leading to widespread pollution in urban and natural environments.
• Plastic Packaging: Excessive packaging, especially non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle materials, contributes to plastic pollution by generating large amounts of waste that often end up in landfills or the environment.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Human activities and a combination of societal, economic, and environmental factors primarily cause plastic pollution. Here are some key causes of plastic pollution:

• Poor Waste Management: Inadequate waste management systems, including insufficient recycling infrastructure and improper disposal practices, litter plastic waste or end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans.
• Plastic Production and Consumption: The increasing production and consumption of plastics, driven by consumer demand and industrial processes, lead to a higher volume of plastic waste entering the environment.
• Lack of Recycling: Many plastics need to be recycled due to low recycling rates, limited recycling facilities, and the complexity of recycling certain types of plastics.
• Plastic Packaging: Excessive and unnecessary plastic packaging contributes to plastic pollution. Packaging materials often become waste after a single use, adding to the plastic waste stream.
• Mismanagement of Plastic Waste: Illegal dumping, littering, and inadequate waste collection and disposal practices contribute to plastic pollution, especially in urban areas and developing countries with limited waste management infrastructure.
• Plastic in Rivers and Waterways: Plastic waste from inland sources can be transported through rivers and waterways to the ocean, where it accumulates and contributes to marine plastic pollution.
• Loss and Abandonment of Fishing Gear: Discarded or lost fishing gear, such as nets and lines, is a significant source of marine plastic pollution, posing entanglement and ingestion risks to aquatic life.
• Microplastics from Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers from clothing, textiles, and personal care products can shed microplastic particles during use and washing, contributing to microplastic pollution in the environment.
• Lack of Awareness and Education: Insufficient awareness of plastic pollution’s harmful environmental effects and the importance of proper waste disposal can lead to unsustainable habits and actions.

Human Health Implications

Plastic pollution has several human health implications, primarily due to the toxic chemicals present in plastics and the potential for ingestion of microplastics. Here are some key ways in which plastic pollution can impact human health:

• Chemical Exposure: Plastics contain a variety of chemicals, such as bisphenols (e.g., BPA) and phthalates, which are known to be endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can potentially migrate out of plastics and into food, drinks, and the surroundings, potentially exposing humans to harmful substances.
• Food and Water Contamination: Plastic packaging and containers can contaminate food and water with chemicals from the plastic, especially when exposed to heat or acidic conditions. This contamination can lead to ingesting harmful chemicals, posing risks to human health.
• Microplastic Ingestion: Microplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, can be ingested through food, water, and air. Over time, these particles can accumulate in the body and may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and other adverse health effects.
• Respiratory Issues: Burning plastic waste, a common disposal method in some areas, releases toxic fumes and particulate matter into the air. Breathing in these pollutants can cause respiratory issues and worsen pre-existing conditions.
• Endocrine Disruption: Some chemicals found in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols, can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, potentially leading to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health effects.
• Cancer Risk: Certain chemicals found in plastics, such as styrene and vinyl chloride, are classified as carcinogens and may increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure.
• Immune System Effects: Exposure to chemicals in plastics can affect the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and other immune-related disorders.
• Children’s Health: Children are especially susceptible to the health consequences of plastic pollution because of their developing bodies and behaviors that could lead to increased exposure, such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact

Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

In recent years, global efforts to combat plastic pollution have gained momentum, with various initiatives and actions taking place at international, national, and local levels. Here are some key global efforts to address plastic pollution:

• United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA): The UNEA has highlighted the issue of plastic pollution and called for action to address it. In 2019, the UNEA adopted a resolution on marine litter and microplastics, urging countries to take measures to reduce plastic waste.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP has launched several initiatives to combat plastic pollution, including the Clean Seas campaign, which aims to reduce marine litter and raise awareness about the issue.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: This global alliance of organizations, businesses , and individuals is working to reduce plastic pollution through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
• Ocean Cleanup Projects: Several organizations and initiatives are working on technologies and projects to remove plastic waste from the oceans, such as the Ocean Cleanup project and various beach cleanup efforts.
• International Agreements: Global agreements like the Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention, and Rotterdam Convention tackle the cross-border transport of hazardous waste, including plastic waste, with the goal of minimizing its impact on human health and the environment.
• Plastic Bag Bans: Numerous countries and regions have enforced prohibitions or limitations on single-use plastic bags to diminish plastic waste and promote the adoption of reusable alternatives.
• Circular Economy Initiatives: Initiatives aimed at advancing a circular economy, characterized by more efficient resource utilization and waste reduction, can aid in curtailing plastic pollution by ensuring that plastics are reused, recycled, or composted rather than being discarded as waste.
• Industry Initiatives: Many companies and industries are taking steps to reduce their use of plastic and promote recycling and reuse of plastics in their products and packaging.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Public education and awareness initiatives are vital in mitigating plastic pollution by motivating individuals to decrease their reliance on single-use plastics and embrace more sustainable behaviors.
• Research and Innovation: Continued research and innovation are essential for developing new technologies, materials, and solutions to address plastic pollution and promote a more sustainable approach to plastic use.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution

Tackling plastic pollution necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses reducing plastic production and consumption, enhancing waste management systems, advocating for recycling and reuse, and fostering innovation in materials and technologies. Here are some key solutions to plastic pollution:

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Encourage individuals and businesses to reduce the use of single-use plastics such as bags, straws, and bottles by opting for reusable alternatives.
• Improve Recycling Infrastructure: Invest in and expand recycling facilities and programs to ensure more plastics are recycled rather than ending up in landfills or the environment.
• Promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Hold producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and disposal, to incentivize the development of more sustainable packaging and products.
• Ban or Restrict Problematic Plastics: To reduce their environmental impact, implement bans or restrictions on certain types of single-use plastics, such as microbeads, styrofoam, and plastic bags.
• Encourage Innovation: Support research and development of alternative materials to plastics and innovative technologies for recycling and upcycling plastic waste.
• Clean-up Initiatives: Support and participate in clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste from the environment, especially in rivers, oceans, and coastal areas.
• Education and Awareness: Increase awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices among individuals, businesses, and communities.
• Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing policies and regulations at all levels to reduce plastic pollution, including single-use plastic bans and mandatory recycling, is crucial.
• Invest in Sustainable Alternatives: Support developing and adopting sustainable alternatives to plastics, such as compostable materials and biodegradable plastics.
• Behavioral Change: To reduce plastic pollution, encourage changes in consumer behavior, such as choosing products with less packaging and properly disposing of plastic waste.

Various stakeholders must coordinate their efforts and overcome several obstacles to address plastic pollution. Here are some of the key challenges in combatting plastic pollution:

• Complexity of the Issue: Plastic pollution is a multifaceted problem with diverse sources, pathways, and impacts, making it challenging to address comprehensively.
• Global Nature: Plastic pollution transcends national borders and requires coordinated action at the international level, making it difficult to implement unified policies and regulations.
• Limited Recycling Infrastructure: Inadequate recycling infrastructure and low recycling rates in many regions hinder efforts to manage and recycle plastic waste effectively.
• Lack of Alternatives: While alternatives to plastics exist, such as biodegradable or compostable materials, they may only sometimes be readily available or economically viable, limiting their adoption.
• Consumer Behavior: Changing consumer behavior and reducing reliance on single-use plastics require significant education, awareness-raising, and incentivization efforts.
• Economic Factors: The production and use of plastics are deeply entrenched in global economies, and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives may face resistance from industries and businesses.
• Plastic Production: The continued growth of plastic production, driven by demand from various industries, poses a challenge to reducing plastic pollution.
• Policy Implementation: Enacting and enforcing policies and regulations to address plastic pollution may face political and logistical challenges, including opposition from stakeholders and the need for enforcement capacity.
• International Cooperation: Achieving meaningful progress in combating plastic pollution requires cooperation and collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders, which can be challenging to achieve.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for addressing plastic pollution includes challenges, opportunities, and potential advancements. Here are some key aspects of the future outlook for combating plastic pollution:

• Increased Awareness and Action: There is growing global awareness about the severity of plastic pollution and its impacts on the environment and human health. This heightened awareness drives increased action at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to international agreements.
• Policy and Regulatory Changes: Governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to reduce plastic pollution, including bans on single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility schemes, and incentives for recycling and waste reduction.
• Technological Innovations: Technological advances, such as new materials, recycling technologies, and waste management systems, hold promise for more effectively addressing plastic pollution. Innovations such as biodegradable plastics, chemical recycling, and ocean cleanup technologies have the potential to reduce plastic waste significantly.
• Shift Towards Circular Economy: There is a growing recognition of the need to move away from a linear economy, which involves consuming products and disposing of them, towards a circular economy that focuses on using resources more efficiently and reducing waste. This shift towards a circular economy model can help reduce plastic pollution by promoting reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency.
• Consumer Behavior Change: Changing consumer attitudes and behaviors toward plastics, including reducing consumption, opting for reusable alternatives, and properly disposing of plastic waste, will be crucial for effectively addressing plastic pollution.
• Industry Action: Businesses and industries increasingly recognize the importance of addressing plastic pollution and are taking steps to reduce their plastic footprint. These initiatives include redesigning packaging, investing in recycling infrastructure, and incorporating recycled materials into products.
• International Collaboration: Addressing plastic pollution requires coordinated action at the global level, involving collaboration among governments, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders. International agreements and partnerships, such as the Basel Convention and the Global Plastic Action Partnership, play a crucial role in driving collective action.
• Research and Education: Continued research on the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, alongside public education and awareness initiatives, will be vital for shaping policy decisions, fostering innovation, and garnering public support for action.

Addressing plastic pollution is imperative for safeguarding the environment, wildlife, and human health. While the challenges are significant, there is growing momentum and action at global, national, and local levels to tackle this issue. By implementing a combination of strategies, including reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management systems, promoting recycling and innovation, and fostering behavior change, we can make meaningful progress in reducing plastic pollution. It will require cooperation and commitment from governments, industries, communities, and individuals to transition towards a more sustainable, plastic-free future. Together, we can strive towards a cleaner, healthier planet for both present and future generations.

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Plastic Pollution Essay

When you go to a supermarket or a grocery store, the chances are high that you get a plastic cover to carry your bought goods. But have you ever thought about how these plastics pollute our environment despite their convenience of use? Plastic pollution has become one of the greatest concerns that we face today, which emphasises the need to bring forth effective ways to reduce its use and pollution.

The following plastic pollution essay in English is created for students to speak freely on the topic. It gives an idea of the impact of plastic and how we can minimise our dependency on it. You can write your own essay on plastic pollution with the given guidelines.

Plastic Pollution and Daily Life

Going shopping with parents at the supermarket is a merry occasion for children. The wide variety of colours and packages fill their senses, and they tend to get lost in the different shapes and sizes of the packets. Though most of the items that attract them come packed in plastic covers, they are least aware of their harmful effect on the environment.

Plastics take millions of years to decompose, and if we buy plastic bags from the shop, we will be piling up plastic waste, which will pollute our environment. Cloth bags are a better alternative to plastic bags as they are biodegradable.

That is why we must restrict the usage of plastic though it is used a lot as part of our daily activities. I realised that people rely on plastics because they are cheaper and easily available. But can other negative effects of plastics be overlooked with this single advantage? Plastics cannot be burned away or broken down, and this calls for serious problems in the environment, including land, air, water and food pollution.

Plastic remains on the surface of water and earth, and its toxic components are released into these bodies, affecting every single living creature and plant. While plastic gets swallowed by aquatic life as they mistake it for food, it also provides a perfect ground for disease-spreading insects, thus harming the health of individuals as well.

Moral of the Essay

The short essay on plastic pollution talks about how much damage it may cause in everyone’s lives. We continue to heap loads of plastic waste and burn them without being bothered about its harmful effect on the environment. But it is high time that we come forward and take the necessary steps to prevent plastic pollution. By replacing plastic bags with cloth or paper bags and reusing and recycling plastic, we would be doing a favour to the environment. In this way, we can control plastic pollution to a great degree.

Access more essays, poems, stories, worksheets, puzzles, etc., on BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plastic pollution real.

Yes, plastic pollution is growing day by day, and it affects our environment harmfully.

Why is there a rise in plastic pollution?

People tend to use plastic more, and its easy availability and affordability make it a go-to alternative for carrying things around. As more and more people start using plastic, there is an increase in the number of plastic waste. These wastes accumulate on water and land surfaces without decomposing, thus leading to plastic pollution.

How can we reduce plastic pollution?

We can reduce plastic pollution by simply following the 4 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

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Everything you need to know about plastic pollution

This year’s World Environment Day – the fiftieth iteration of the annual celebration of the planet – is focusing on the plastic pollution crisis. The reason? Humanity produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, two-thirds of which are short-lived products that soon become waste, filling the ocean and, often, working their way into the human food chain.

“Many people aren’t aware that a material that is embedded in our daily life can have significant impacts not just on wildlife, but on the climate and on human health,” says Llorenç Milà i Canals, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Life Cycle Initiative.

Read our explainer to find out more about the plastic pollution crisis:

Why is plastic pollution such a problem?

Affordable, durable and flexible, plastic pervades modern life, appearing in everything from packaging to clothes to beauty products. But it is thrown away on a massive scale: every year, more than 280 million tonnes of short-lived plastic products become waste.

Overall,  46 per cent of plastic waste is landfilled , while 22 per cent is mismanaged and becomes litter. Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade. This pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil and poisons groundwater, and can cause serious health impacts .

Is pollution the only problem with plastic?

No, it also contributes to the climate crisis. The production of plastic is one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes in the world. The material is made from fossil fuels such as crude oil, which are transformed via heat and other additives into a polymer. In 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – 3.4 per cent of the global total.

Where is all this plastic coming from? The packaging sector is the largest generator of single-use plastic waste ­in the world. Approximately 36 per cent of all plastics produced are used in packaging. This includes single-use plastic food and beverage containers, 85 per cent of which end up in landfills or as mismanaged waste.

Farming is another area where plastic is ubiquitous: it is used in everything from seed coatings to mulch film. The fishing industry is another significant source. Recent research suggests more than 100 million pounds of plastic enters the oceans from industrial fishing gear alone. The fashion industry is another major plastic user. About 60 per cent of material made into clothing is plastic , including polyester, acrylic and nylon.

I have heard people talk about microplastics. What are those?

They are tiny shards of plastic measuring up to 5mm in length. They come from everything from tires to beauty products, which contain microbeads, tiny particles used as exfoliants. Another key source is synthetic fabrics. Every time clothing is washed, the pieces shed tiny plastic fibres called microfibres – a form of microplastics. Laundry alone causes around 500,000 tonnes of plastic microfibres to be released into the ocean every year –the equivalent of almost 3 billion polyester shirts.

What is being done about plastic pollution? In 2022, UN Member States agreed on a resolution to end plastic pollution. An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, with the aim of having it finalized by the end of 2024. Critically, the talks have focused on measures considering the entire life cycle of plastics, from extraction and product design to production to waste management, enabling opportunities to design out waste before it is created as part of a thriving circular economy.

What more needs to be done? While this progress is good news, current commitments by governments and industry are not enough. To effectively tackle the plastic pollution crisis, systemic change is needed. This means, moving away from the current linear plastic economy, which centres on producing, using and discarding the material, to a circular plastic economy , where the plastic that is produced is kept in the economy at its highest value for as long as possible.

How can countries make that a reality?

Countries need to encourage innovation and provide incentives to businesses that do away with unnecessary plastics. Taxes are needed to deter the production or use of single-use plastic products, while tax breaks, subsidies and other fiscal incentives need to be introduced to encourage alternatives, such as reusable products. Waste management infrastructure must also be improved. Governments can also engage in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee process to forge a legally binding instrument that tackles plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

What can the average person do about plastic pollution? While the plastic pollution crisis needs systemic reform, individual choices do make a difference. Such as shifting behaviour to avoid single-use plastic products whenever possible. If plastic products are unavoidable, they should be reused or repurposed until they can no longer be used – at which point they should be recycled or disposed of properly. Bring bags to the grocery store, and if possible, striving to purchase locally sourced and seasonal food options that require less plastic packaging and transport.

Should I lobby governments and businesses to address plastic pollution?

Yes. One of the most important actions individuals can take is to ensure their voice is heard by talking to their local representatives about the importance of the issue, and supporting businesses that are striving to reduce single-use plastic products in their supply chains. Individuals can also show their support for them on social media. If people see a company using unnecessary plastic (such as single-use plastics covering fruit at a grocery store) they can contact them and ask them to do better.

For more information on how you can help tackle the plastic pollution crisis, download the Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide .

About World Environment Day World Environment Day on 5 June is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by UNEP and held annually since 1973, the event has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet. This year, World Environment Day will focus on solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.

• Chemicals & pollution action
• Plastic pollution
• Marine Litter

Further Resources

• UNEP’s work on chemicals and waste
• Pollution and the Circular Economy
• Beat Plastic Pollution
• Financing Circularity: Demystifying Finance for the Circular Economy
• Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution
• Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide

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Essay on Plastic Pollution | Plastic Pollution Essay for Students and Children in English

February 23, 2023 by Prasanna

Essay on Plastic Pollution: For a long time now, plastic pollution in the environment has been a topic of great concern. Plastic is a toxic material, and it pollutes the water bodies – lakes, rivers, ponds etc.

In whichever way we can, we should try to appease the effects of plastic pollution on the environment. The topic of plastic pollution is common for students who have to write compositions on this particular topic.

Long and Short Essays on Plastic Pollution for Students and Children in English

Essay on Plastic Pollution is an essential topic for students in school. Long and short essays come for their assignments and examinations.

Long Essay on Plastic Pollution in English 500 Words

Plastic Pollution essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Plastic is a very convenient and useful material in our day-to-day life and daily chores. It is used widely by people all across the globe owing to its versatile uses. However, it does have a lot of cons. One of the worst disadvantages of plastic is that it contains toxic substances. It causes pollution in nature; it is also responsible for deaths of birds and marine animals.

Plastic has found its use in every sector of the economy – beginning from supermarkets to households. It is user-friendly and is in use for almost any purpose. It is because it is cheap and serves a lot of applications. It also has the edge over alternatives such as cloth or paper due to its re-usability. It is very appropriate for use; it can also be moulded into shapes as per one’s requirements.

On the one hand, these are the pros of plastic. On the other hand, plastic is a non-biodegradable material; that is, it cannot be dissolved or burnt out; it can only be dumped – this means that it remains on the surface of the earth forever; it is not destructible. Owing to this non-biodegradable property of plastic, it is one of the most dangerous pollutants in nature.

Plastic pollution is spreading through the environment like wildfire. It has many adverse effects upon the lives of human beings, animals and plants alike. We need to collectively fight it and try to be as careful as possible.

Every year, across the world, tons of plastic and plastic materials are dumped into rivers, lakes and ocean waters. Plastic is undissolvable. It does not dissolve in the water; it either keeps afloat or settles down on the surface. This way, the water gets polluted to a great extent.

Just like in water bodies, a million tonnes of plastic is dumped on land as well. Plastic has many harmful and toxic effects. We tend to discard the wasted and used plastic materials in pits, landfills etc. The soil gets contaminated, in turn; the fertility is affected to a great extent. Furthermore, the plastic dumped acts as the breeding and gathering ground for various disease-carrying insects. The health of the people around gets affected.

Plastic pollution also has its due impacts upon underwater marine wildlife and plantlife. The plastic dumped in the water does not dissolve. They can be mistaken as food materials by fishes and other aquatic animals; eating up the plastic causes intoxication and prolonged choking.

These are the ways how plastic throws a harmful impact on the environment and its atmospheres. These were only a few ways, but the adverse effects of plastic and the pollution caused by it is felt in every sector. To minimise the damage done, we should be careful in our practices and uses of plastic. There is no way in which the destruction which has Hence We should learn to be more attentive and alert in future for the sake of saving the world and nature.

Short Essay on Plastic Pollution in English 150 Words

Plastic Pollution essay is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

At the very core of it, plastic pollution is the dumping and accumulation of plastic and other plastic-based materials on land, and in water bodies – like rivers, lakes, ponds and ocean. Vinyl is a synthetic polymer, which is composed of various organic and inorganic compounds; its diverse composition makes it non-biodegradable. It cannot be broken down into smaller compounds and disposed of forever. It persists and lingers on the earth’s surface, even after it is dumped. For this reason, the impact created by plastic pollution is widespread. Since it is not capable of being reduced, it is dangerous. For this reason, we should control our usage of plastic and similar plastic materials or products.

10 Lines on Essay on Plastic pollution in English

• Plastic is a non-biodegradable synthetic material which is toxic.
• Widely dumped plastic is consumed as food materials by animals, such as cows.
• This consumption of the disposed of plastic leads to various health problems.
• Plastic contains toxins; when it is burning, the fumes that are released are harmful, if inhaled.
• Marine animals consume the plastic which settles on ocean surfaces.
• Consumption of plastic by marine animals caused their death, ingestion and other breathing problems.
• Plastic plays its due role on soil and land pollution.
• The plastic pollution also gives way to water contamination, groundwater and surface water pollution.
• Plastic causes intoxication within the human body.
• We should facilitate the curbing of plastic dumping and plastic pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay on Plastic Pollution

Question 1. Does plastic contribute to pollution?

Answer: Yes. Plastic contributes massively to environmental pollution. Plastic pollution leads to pollution of air, water and pollution of land.

Question 2. Should Plastic Pollution be diminished?

Answer: Yes. We need to diminish plastic pollution in nature. Plastic is a widely used product; the infection caused by it is also widespread. We should be more alert. We need to be more careful while using and dumping plastic and plastic products.

Question 3. How can plastic pollution need to be reduced?

Answer: Plastic pollution needs to be reduced right away. Synthetic chemicals cause a lot of damage. In place of using plastic, other alternatives (such as cloth bags, paper bags, other biodegradable materials) should be used. We should be cautious while disposing of and dumping plastic.

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Plastic Pollution Essay

Plastic is a synthetic polymer that can be molded into any shape and form when softened, making it easy to manufacture. Due to this property, plastic has replaced other products like wood, paper etc. Plastic has become a widely used substance. Although easy to manufacture, less expensive plastics aren’t easy to discard. Plastics are non-biodegradable, thus resulting in the accumulation of plastic, leading to plastic pollution. Here are a few sample essays on ‘plastic pollution’.

100 Words Essay On Plastic Pollution

Plastic products like bags, spoons, toys etc., are abundantly available in the market. These are easy and cheap to manufacture and, thus, are widely used. Plastics do not dissolve in water and land. It has an adverse effect when burnt. These stay on the face of the earth for years together, accumulating and increasing daily, leading to plastic pollution. Plastic harms the climate. It hurts marine life in the ocean when dumped in the water, impuring the water by releasing toxins. Plastic disposed of in soil doesn’t degrade, leading to garbage accumulation and the breeding of insects.

Tiny plastic particles mix with gasses in the air leading to smog formation. When ingested by animals from the land, these plastic particles can also result in serious illness in them. Adhering to measures will lead to prevention. People must be encouraged to use alternatives to plastics—implementation of plastic recycling.

200 Words Essay On Plastic Pollution

Plastics are easy to manufacture, cheaper than other substances and can be molded into any shape and form. These advantages have made plastic widely used and a popular substance. Easily found in our daily life, from toothbrushes to tiffin containers. Plastic can dissolve neither in water nor in the ground. Thus, leading to its accumulation which causes plastic pollution. With the increase in usage, pollution is peaking every day.

Harmful Effects | Polymers in plastics have hazardous effects on the environment impacting humanity, aquatic life, ocean, land and wildlife. This plastic doesn't dissolve in water and stays inside water bodies for a long time, resulting in the release of chemicals into the water affecting the quality of water and threatening the life of marine life in those water bodies. Similarly, plastic dumped in landfills, soil reduces soil fertility leading to poor crop quality. Additionally, this dumped waste becomes a breeding ground for insects, resulting in increased diseases among people and animals.

Prevention | To prevent these harmful effects of plastic, we need to take practical steps like reusing plastic products before discarding them or choosing biodegradable alternatives to plastics like cloth and paper. Recycling used plastics is the best way to control the harmful effects. The government should encourage people to stick to alternative plastics and start programs for recycling the existing waste. Finally, we need to create and spread awareness about plastic effects and how to overcome them among more and more people. These steps collectively can reduce plastic pollution.

500 Words Essay On Plastic Pollution

The evolution of Science and technology has revolutionized several fields leading to discoveries that have significantly impacted human life. One such discovery was plastic. Plastics, as we know them today, are a byproduct of crude oil, a subset of polymers. Plastics are known for their ability to mold in any form or shape, are lightweight, flexible, cheaper to manufacture, and sustainable.

These advantages have resulted in the unique and innovative applications of plastics in sectors ranging from healthcare, medicine, automotive, construction, aerospace and everything in between. Plastics are everywhere in our daily life, from the toothbrush we use in the morning to the switch of the light we turn off at night..

Although plastic has many advantages, successfully used in every field, it has one major disadvantage. Its nature of non-biodegradability. Any substance that cannot be naturally broken down is non-Biodegradable material. These substances cannot be decomposed, thus becoming a source of pollution, ultimately threatening the environment. Accumulation of plastic leads to plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has become one of the major global concerns.

Impact of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has multiple adverse effects on the climate, like ocean pollution, land pollution, food pollution, and groundwater pollution.

Every day tons of plastic dumped in water bodies don't dissolve in water, releasing toxic chemicals into the water and downgrading their purity. These items are sometimes mistaken as food by marine life, and consuming them leads to severe illness in marine life. Research shows that the death of aquatic creatures due to plastic consumption increases yearly. Plastic nets used in commercial fishing sometimes break and become submerged in the water, releasing toxic chemicals and contaminating the fish.

Human beings dispose of tons of plastics in landfills and soil, thus, polluting the land. These plastics do not dissolve in mud, eventually releasing chemicals into the soil and affecting soil quality. They also leak into the ground resulting in groundwater contamination. These plastic-filled landfills become a source of disease-causing insects and mosquitoes.

Polluting material comes in all dimensions and is present in the air. These particles form particulate matter leading to ozone and smog, which are significant causes of Air Pollution.

Finally, plastics lead to food flow disruption, i.e. contamination of tiny species due to plastic ingestion, which poses a threat to larger animals which consume them, leading to myriads of problems.

Steps To Curb Its Effects

If not handled carefully, plastic pollution can have catastrophic effects on us. We must take practical and immediate steps to control it.

One of the main steps is the implementation of the 4Rs.

Refuse | Avoid single-use plastics. Choose alternatives like cloth or paper bags.

Reuse | Reuse plastic as long as possible before discarding it.

Reduce | Limit or reduce the use of plastics.

Recycle | Recycling plastic products into other valuable products.

Apart from following the above steps, we must educate the masses about plastics and create awareness among them and also implement an effective waste disposal system. Preventing plastic pollution is every human's responsibility. The combined effort and careful measurements by everyone can vastly reduce plastic pollution to a large extent.

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Essay on Plastic Pollution for Students in English [500+ Words]

August 29, 2021 by Sandeep

Plastic Pollution Essay: On average, around 8 million metric tons of plastic garbage and waste are collected in the oceans every year. The economically low plastics prices have increased their usage rate, but this material is highly non-biodegradable, causing substantial environmental damage. It largely affects human lives, wildlife, and marine animals. It pollutes land and water resources. Many governments have strictly implemented the plastic ban in their nations. Below we have provided an essay on plastic pollution suitable for school students of classes 1 to 12.

Essay on Plastic Pollution 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Plastic Pollution Essay in English, suitable for classes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. This detailed essay of 150-500 words is greatly helpful for all school students to perform well in essay writing competitions.

Plastic pollution is a collection of plastic waste like plastic bottles, bags, etc., that adversely affects the environment. Nowadays, plastic is everywhere, and the amount of plastic we generate daily by using it for our comfort is enhancing rapidly. No one realizes how harmful it is. It is essential to understand how plastic harms nature, human beings, and other creatures on earth. We use plastic in various ways. It is used in building polythene bags, utensils, and many other things. Slowly it gets contaminated and leads to hazardous effects.

Causes of Plastic Pollution

Plastics cannot be decomposed because of its properties. It is cheap and has endless uses. As a result, it is contaminated in the environment. Plastic is everywhere, milk cartons, water bottles, food wrappers, and many products are made up of plastics. Every time these items are thrown away, and they create harmful effects on the environment. As plastic is not expensive, it is one of the most easily available and overused items. When disposed of, it does not get decompose easily and pollutes our environment.

When small organisms eat plastic, they become poisoned. This poisons large animals who eat these tiny animals for food. With each step further along the food chain, this problem increases. Plastic is also present in the fish that many people eat every day. Many people eat fish, so fishing is an important activity in many parts of the worlds. Fishing is done by using finishing nets, and they spend a long time in the water, leaking toxins, sometimes they are left to remain wherever they fall.

This kills and harms aquatic living beings. Plastic carried by water flows to the sea and oceans, thus creating water pollution. It is impossible to break down plastics. Burning plastic is toxic, which releases toxic gases and harms the atmosphere. It is a fact that 40% of plastic is used only once. Several items, such as bags, bottles, and food packaging, are used only once and are left behind as litter. It is one of the biggest causes of plastic pollution.

Harmful Effects of Plastics

Plastic is harmful to plants, animals, and people. Improper disposal of plastics causes several problems. Some of them are:

• Throwing of plastics in open space creates unhealthy conditions, as it develops insects and mosquitoes that cause harmful diseases.
• Plastics stays in the soil for years and affects soil fertility and its quality.
• Plastic leftovers enter the drainage system and block the drains, which cause water-logging.
• The plastic manufacturing industry throws waste directly into the water bodies, thus affecting water.
• Burning of plastic leads to the release of poisonous chemicals. Thus leading to air pollution.
• Natural disasters such as floods are also one of the causes of plastic pollution.
• Plastic contains some chemicals that can affect the growth of crops by making it difficult for the process of photosynthesis to take place in agricultural fields.

Steps taken by Indian Government to decrease Plastic Pollution

The Government has announced several rules to stop the use of single-use plastics to reduce plastic pollution. These rules are applied in all states. Several rules announced by the government are-

• The Government has banned the use of carry bags made up of plastics and has suggested using bags made up of clothes or recycled plastic.
• The Government has banned all single-use plastics and the import of solid plastic waste. All states were prohibited from manufacturing single-use plastic products.
• The plastic of minimal diameter that is not soluble in water is banned.
• The Government has decided to use plastic waste for the construction of roads. It was stated that roads constructed using discarded waste plastics are durable against extreme weather conditions.
• In many states, garbage cafe is opened, where food to the poor is provided free in exchange for plastic waste. The ‘Meal for Plastic’ initiative has gained success and is rolled out in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the state government’s Aahar Scheme.

Related Essays

• Air Pollution Essay
• Water Pollution Essay
• Essay on Pollution Crisis in Urban Areas

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

Plastic Pollution In The Ocean

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

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