It’s Perfectly Called Plastic Planet: How Did Plastic Overwhelm Our Lives, and Is There Hope?

According to a UN article [1], humans consume plastics equivalent to the size of a credit card per week!

After reading this, you may be wondering: How is that even possible?

Plastics have become an integral part of our lives, found in virtually every aspect of modern living. From packaging that preserves our food to furniture like tables and chairs, their versatility knows no bounds. Remarkably, plastics have even woven their way into our clothing through synthetic fibers like polyester, which dominate the textile industry for their durability and affordability. This widespread usage underscores both the convenience and the challenges posed by our reliance on plastics.

The Compounds of Plastics

To stabilize plastics and make them smoother and more accessible, many chemical additives are added.

One example of toxic chemical additives used in plastics is phthalates. These are often added to plastics like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to make them more flexible and durable. However, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the hormonal systems of humans and animals. Prolonged exposure to high levels of phthalates has been linked to reproductive health issues, developmental problems in children, and even certain cancers.

How Much Plastic Do Humans Produce?

Since 1950, we’ve produced more than 9 billion tons of plastics—enough to cover the Earth more than once!
Every passing day, 10 tons of plastic are produced per second. This equates to 350 million tons of plastic waste per year.

Plastics cover an area of 3.4 million square kilometers, roughly six times the size of France. Charles Moore, an American oceanographer, is credited with discovering this phenomenon in 1997 during a sailing expedition. He coined the term to raise awareness of the scale and impact of marine plastic pollution.

The concept is metaphorical, as the « continent » is not a solid landmass but a vast concentration of microplastics and debris, forming a « plastic soup. » Scientists estimate that these gyres contain millions of tons of waste, including over 1.8 trillion plastic pieces in the Pacific Garbage Patch alone [2].

There are even problems with recycling. We only recycle 9% of plastics, while approximately 19% is incinerated, generating carbon gas—a greenhouse gas that causes global warming. Almost half ends up in sanitary landfills. The remaining portion is either disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits, or leaked into the environment. Recycling is also limited by the number of times plastics can be recycled and is sometimes toxic because it requires more additives [3].

So What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, formed as larger plastics break down due to exposure to sunlight, salt, and other environmental factors. These particles are pervasive in the natural world, from the oceans to the air we breathe. Neglected plastics in the environment degrade into microplastics that penetrate marine life, plants, and even water sources, creating a vicious cycle of contamination.

For example, in the Mediterranean Sea, over 52% of fish populations are threatened, partly due to the ingestion of microplastics, which disrupt marine ecosystems. These plastics have entered the human food chain, with studies showing their presence in seafood and agricultural products. Cases like the deaths of whales found with large quantities of plastic in their stomachs further highlight the devastating impact on marine species.

Microplastics exacerbate the issue by attracting harmful substances like heavy metals and fuel residues, which bind to their surfaces, making them even more toxic. This pollution increases the risk of famine by disrupting ecosystems and has been linked to dangerous diseases, including those related to the immune and endocrine systems. The danger is magnified in marine environments, where plastics act as carriers for pollutants, amplifying their impact on biodiversity and human health [4].

Why Won’t Humans Stop Using Plastics?

In a world driven by profit, the widespread reliance on plastics persists because they offer a cost-effective solution with minimal investment. Industrial stakeholders have little incentive to switch to eco-friendly packaging, as sustainable alternatives are often more expensive and lack the durability of plastics. Additionally, the global infrastructure for recycling and waste management is underdeveloped, further entrenching the use of cheap, single-use plastics. Consumer habits and convenience also play a role, as plastics make modern life easier, while economic systems prioritize short-term gains over long-term environmental health.

Is There Any Hope?

Bacteria That Eat Plastics [5]

The article from Science discusses the groundbreaking discovery of a bacterium capable of consuming plastics. This bacterium has the potential to offer a solution to plastic pollution by breaking down plastic waste into simpler compounds. This innovative biological approach could significantly contribute to reducing the environmental impact of plastics and addressing the global plastic waste crisis.

The problem with this bacterium is that it consumes only one type of plastic: poly(ethylene terephthalate), and the process takes a long time. Scientists have proposed using its enzymes directly as a solution.

Plastic Biodegradables [6]

An example of a biodegradable plastic developed from a natural source is polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics. It breaks down into water and carbon dioxide under composting conditions, reducing environmental impact.

What Is Your Role as a Normal Citizen?

As a normal citizen, you play a crucial role in combating plastic pollution by raising awareness and educating others about the environmental impacts of plastics. Participate in or support community protests against the use of plastics and advocate for policies that limit single-use plastics. Engage in local initiatives like waste sorting and recycling, and strive to reduce personal plastic consumption by avoiding plastic bags and opting for reusable alternatives whenever possible. By taking these actions, you contribute to a collective effort to minimize plastic waste and protect the environment.

Conclusions

Through this article, the goal is to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution by promoting alternatives like biodegradable plastics and encouraging responsible waste management practices among individuals. By fostering awareness and reducing plastic usage, we aim to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

References :
[1] https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/fr/2023/08/01/explainer-whatis-plastic-pollution/
[2] Graphique: Gestion des déchets : le monde croule sous le plastique |
Statista
[3] Seulement 9% du plastique mondial est recyclé, s’alarme l’OCDE
[4]La biodiversité s’est effondrée en Méditerranée ces 30 dernières années
[5]A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate) |
Science
[6]Poly(lactic acid)—Mass production, processing, industrial applications, and
end of life – ScienceDirect

Written By: Oumayma Ayadi