Pollution of the planet with plastic

Pollution of the planet with plastic

BY ALINA KUKHNOVETS

Plastic pollution is a global problem that affects our natural world and its biodiversity. It impacts our environment, health, food security, and economies. An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean each year. Often stemming from poor waste management, plastic pollution is a major environmental issue because most plastics do not biodegrade and instead break down into microplastics. Microplastics are estimated to persist in the environment for centuries, or even longer.

many people don't understand how important it is to recycle plastic and not throw it anywhere. Currently, approximately 40 percent of the planet is polluted. It is very important to think about this problem and solve it, because plastic pollution has many consequences that you may not even be aware of.

Plastic is widely used in the production of packaging, household goods, clothing, electronics, construction materials, vehicles, and many other areas. Its advantages, such as lightweightness, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, make it an integral part of our lives. However, the excessive and often inefficient use of plastic products leads to their accumulation in the environment.

The main reason for the increase in plastic waste is improper disposal and the lack of effective recycling systems. Many plastic products, such as bottles, bags, packaging, disposable tableware and packaging materials, are often discarded as waste and end up in the environment. As a result, landfills are overloaded and some of the waste ends up in rivers, seas and oceans.

Plastic pollution causes enormous damage to ecosystems and living organisms. The main consequences are as follows:

• Threats to marine life: Millions of marine animals, such as fish, sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and seabirds, mistake plastic for food, leading to starvation, internal injuries, stomach blockages, and even death. Plastic debris often gets stuck in the ribs or legs of animals, causing injuries and disabilities.

• Microplastics are a new threat: over time, large plastic objects break down into millimeter-sized particles called microplastics. These particles can enter water, soil, and air, enter food chains, accumulate in organisms, and pose a risk to human and animal health. Microplastics have been found in fish, marine crustaceans, bees, and even in drinking water.

• Land and water pollution: Plastic pollution affects the structure and fertility of soil. In water bodies, plastic can interfere with the normal development of aquatic organisms and disrupt the