On 18th September 2019, Nagaland’s policy on the restricted use of plastic went into actual effect. Cloth or paper bags and boxes, and concepts such as Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) have become the new alternative for shoppers and sellers. The initiative is geared at addressing environmental and ecological concerns worldwide. While the many harmful effects of plastics are widely known, Hanyo also writes about how plastic has transformed industries in the modern age, highlighting the importance of its smart usage.
The ‘Plastic’ Age?
Humans have been using naturally sourced plastics for longer than we can imagine. Plastics are chains of like molecules linked together called polymers. About three and half millennia ago, the Olmecs of Mexico played ball game with naturally occurring polymer – rubber. In the mid 19th century, Parkesine, an early form of plastic was developed using cellulose from plant cells. The first fully synthetic plastic- Bakelite was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland using fossil fuels. His work was key to the hordes of present-day synthetic plastics. The World War also did much in popularizing plastic as it was used in military vehicles, armor, parachutes, radars and more.
Plastic has transformed many industries from toys to films, electronics to housing, and safety gear to automobiles. Plastics also play an often unseen – but tremendously positive role – in sustainability. It has helped to reduce the weight of cars, significantly improving its fuel efficiency. The lightweight and strength of plastics have also reduced the weight of packaging, hence, reducing the cost of transport. Its usefulness has saved countless lives in the health sector. The growth of clean energy from solar panels and wind turbines has been enhanced. Plastic packaging greatly extends the shelf life of food items allowing it to remain fresh as it moves from farm to table and around the world.
Synthetic plastics have the advantage of being durable. This advantage though could arguably be mankind’s greatest pain in the rear, as nearly all plastic ever created still exists in some form or another. Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental concerns today. The convenience plastic offers have led to a surge in its production and consumption worldwide. The present on-the-go lifestyle demands the use of products that are cheap and easily disposable, single-use plastic meets these criteria. With the increasing population beginning to embrace this throw away culture, our ability to manage plastic waste has been overwhelming.
Most plastics are not biodegradable. Instead, they slowly break down into smaller fragments known as microplastics. Studies suggest that plastic bags and containers made of styrofoam can take up to thousands of years to decompose, contaminating soil and water. The only way to permanently eliminate plastic is destruction through thermal treatment such as combustion or pyrolysis. This near-permanent persistence of plastic waste is a growing concern. Much of the plastic produced is designed to be thrown away after being used once. Some of the common single-use plastics found in the environment are plastic drinking bottles, straws, plastic grocery bags, junk food wrappers, etc.
The natural beauty of the Himalayas has been littered with plastic trash. This has prompted officials to ban single-use plastic in the Mount Everest region in an effort to reduce the increasing amount of plastic waste left behind by adventure-seeking climbers and tourists. Researchers have found plastic debris in all major ocean basins. And with an increasing amount of such waste piling up in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, it has become a scourge to the planet. The versatility of plastics has made it so ubiquitous that it has been suggested as a geological indicator of the Anthropocene era.
Plastics are capable of causing a variety of problems when littered in the environment. Plastics block waterways and amplify natural disasters like floods. They clog drains and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes increasing the chances of transmission of vector-borne diseases such as malaria. Images of hapless marine animals like turtle and seals entangled in disposed fishnet or plastics rings have sparked public concerns against these common items. As a result of widespread pollution, plastics have been ingested by wildlife including birds, fishes, turtles, dolphins mistaking it for food. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), evidences show that toxic chemicals used in the production of plastics are entering the human food chain. Carcinogenic chemicals used in the manufacture of styrofoam-like styrene and benzene, are known to be highly toxic if ingested, damaging the nervous systems, lungs and reproductive organs. There are indications that microplastics can damage the gastrointestinal tract by promoting inflammatory reactions or absorbing toxic substances. Disposing of plastic waste by burning it in open-air pits releases harmful gases like furan and dioxin. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that these are likely to be a cancer-causing substance to humans.
On the bright side, many governments around the world are coming together to fight the menace of single-use plastic. In 2018, The World Environment Day was held under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, urging governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to come together, raise awareness and explore sustainable alternatives to reduce the production and excessive use of single-use plastics. In this regard, the ban on single-use plastics by the Government of Nagaland is highly commendable. Nevertheless to tackle the problem governments need to improve waste management practices, introduce financial incentives for recycling and impose levies so as to change the habits of consumers. Rome offers free metro travel for plastic recyclers while in England customers are charged 5 pence (about 5 rupees) for plastic bags in supermarkets. Newspapers reported that overall sales of single-use bags by big supermarkets have fallen 90% since the 5p charge was introduced. Strong policies that push for a more circular model of design and production of plastics are needed so that the product does not end up in landfills but is used and reused at their highest economic potential for as long as possible.
Plastic is a miracle material that has made the modern age possible and the industry is poised for further growth. But the onus lies on us to use it smartly, to refuse, to reduce, to reuse and to recycle, lest we be remembered only for the plastic waste we leave behind.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Dr. Pfokrelo Kapesa, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren and Kvulo Lorin.
For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org