More and more plastic waste is polluting the world’s cities, countryside and oceans. What problems does this cause? What measures could be taken to solve them?

In

this

day and age,

plastic

is ubiquitous. Everything we use, from packaging to clothing, appliances, toys and much more, is now made from

plastic

. Sadly

this

material has many harmful effects on the environment and our health. Fortunately, there are several things we can do, as individuals and as communities, to stem the tide of

plastic

pollution. For a start, the harm caused by

plastic

waste is undeniable.

Plastic

litter chokes the environment everywhere: in the forests, the waterways and the ocean. Go for a walk in any park or beach, and you will see

plastic

bags

and bottles lying in the bushes or the sand. These

plastic

items are known to kill wildlife by asphyxiating them or blocking their digestive systems. As time goes by,

this

plastic

waste slowly degrades into microplastics, which are so small that they can enter the bloodstream. Microplastics have been found in our soil, drinking water and even in the blood of newborn babies.

This

pollution can negatively affect vegetation growth and have long-term health effects on animals and humans. To solve

this

problem, we must

first

reduce the amount of

plastic

we consume.

For example

, single-use

plastic

bags

, among the most common polluting items, have been banned in Australia.

In addition

, Australian supermarkets now charge 20c for recycled, reusable carry

bags

, so people are encouraged to use fewer

bags

and reuse them more.

Also

, we can promote recycling by making it very convenient for people,

for example

, curbside recycling bins. Most importantly, businesses must be encouraged to reduce and recycle via tax incentives and grants for

plastic

reduction initiatives. In conclusion, the

plastic

problem is undoubtedly solvable if we all do our part and make an effort to reduce

plastic

consumption.

However

, governments, businesses and communities must work together to promote a

plastic

-free society.