Addressing the alarming plastic waste crisis

By Akshat Talwar

As of 2015, National Geographic reported that more than 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste were generated globally. Among this staggering amount, only around 9 percent was recycled, 12 percent was incinerated, and a significant 79 percent accumulated in landfills or ended up in the environment. The research highlighted that the misuse of plastic is particularly prevalent among today’s youth, specifically those aged 11 to 23.

We often question why rivers and mountains are not like what we see in Disney movies. Unfortunately, the issue usually ends there, with people failing to explore it further.

In our present time, individuals lead hectic lives, prioritising personal comfort over their responsibility towards nature. Plastic, being easily accessible and affordable, has become extensively used in our daily routines. Shopping bags, straws, mineral water bottles, styrofoam, plastic take-out containers, and more contribute to the pervasive presence of single-use plastic. However, this convenience comes at a great cost to both humans and wildlife. Plastic is not biodegradable and takes nearly a thousand years to decompose. Consequently, a significant portion of plastic waste finds its way into landfills, water bodies, and the environment. Its presence contaminates the soil, hindering aeration by blocking the pores. Furthermore, burning plastic releases toxic gases into the air, leading to severe health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute lower respiratory infections. These detrimental impacts on ecosystems and ecology highlights the urgent need to address this issue, as it poses a threat to all living beings.

Now, it is crucial to redirect our community towards a more sustainable path. Besides adopting standard measures such as using cloth bags and urging suppliers to reduce plastic packaging, raising awareness becomes a fundamental catalyst for a lasting change.

Let us embrace the watchwords “Say no to plastic” and begin by analysing the waste generated around our homes, schools, and workplaces. We should strive to incorporate sustainable practices from our traditions and ancestral knowledge, such as employing banana leaf packaging or creating homemade cleaners. Exploring alternatives like sugar scrubs and lip gloss for personal care, or producing homemade food items like cookies, jams, granola bars, and soy milk, can significantly reduce our dependence on single-use plastic. Reusable baby items like cloth diapers and wipes also present eco-friendly choices. Through initiatives like Do-it-yourself (DIY) workshops, young people can educate others about innovative alternatives to replace single-use plastic. By promoting awareness and encouraging the use of reusable items such as pens, ink cartridges, water bottles, safety razors, and baby bottles, we can collectively reduce our reliance on plastic products.

Even making a small effort to minimise waste and reduce disposables within our homes and surroundings can make a significant impact. With 1.8 billion youths worldwide, the potential for positive change is immense. Today’s young generation possesses the power to make a difference through the effective use of social media platforms. A single post on Instagram or a tweet on Twitter has the potential to reach far and wide, making it a game-changer in driving meaningful change.

With five R’s—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink—we can combat plastic pollution and eradicate this pressing issue. Let us always remember that our home extends far beyond the four walls we reside in. It is our collective responsibility to keep it clean, thriving, and healthy.