Plastic: A Boon And A Bane

Getting Rid of Plastic Pollution

M Junaid Jazib
HoD Environmental Sciences
GDC Thannamandi

The miraculous material called plastic was invented by Alexander Parkes in 1862. The
material which was named by public as Parkesine was an organic material derived from
cellulose and once heated it could be moulded in any desired shape. And then started
coming modified and more and more sophisticated and stylish versions one after the
other (celluloid in 1869 invented by Hyatt, rayon in 1891 by Bernigaut, bakelite in
1907by Baekeland, cellophane in1913 by Brandenberger, PVC and polyethylene in 1933,
nylon in 1939, teflon in, Silly Putty in1949, Velcro in1957 etc.) The invention of this
great material proved a blessing in many a ways and like any other scientific invention
played its role in influencing and shaping human life. Though initially employed to
certain limited uses, it progressively grew to be used for a wide range of purposes and in
a vast array of utilities, and, with the availability of its novel versions and innovative
modifications, it occupied such an essential and indispensable place in our day to day life
that due to the comforts and services it has offered and our eventual dependence on it we
can’t afford quitting it. Plastic, now ruling the entire kingdom of commodities, is a
ubiquitous thing on the earth. Almost every commodity of daily use ranging from paper
pin to planes today exists either in combination or exclusively made of plastic. In fact
extreme versatility and ability to be tailored to meet specific technical needs makes
plastic much popular and virtually suitable for innumerable uses. Lighter weight, reduced
fuel consumption during transportation, relative low cost of production, extreme
durability, flexibility and strength, resistance to chemicals, water and impact, excellent
thermal and electrical insulating properties, user friendliness, washability, hygienic for
food packaging, etc. are its unmatched attributes which establish it preferred over many
other materials. Known as ‘the material of a thousand uses’ plastic stood perfect for the
modern world. Cheapness and ease of manufacture made plastic equipments much more
popular. Be it households or offices, industries or labs, educational institutions or
religious centers, gardens or playing fields everywhere we make use of innumerable
plastic products with incomparable ease, comfort and simplicity. It has effectively
replaced wood, metal, glass, cloth, stone, clay, leather, paper, etc. and is widely and
wildly used as furniture, packing material, ornamentals, writing material, dresses, etc.
Plastic furniture, fabrics, cases, kitchen appliances, etc. are not only lighter to carry,
easier to acquire and cheaper to afford but are equally or more attractive than their
metallic/other counterparts. Electronic and automobile industries are no less grateful to
the invention of plastic. It is extensively employed for plumbing and electric fittings
inside the houses. Packaging represents the largest single sector of plastic use in the
world today. Plastic has replaced the traditional materials as packing and carry bags
because of cost and convenience. Be it a car, radio, computer, toy, wearable, wrapping
materials, houses or doors, nothing can be visualized without plastic in today’s world. It
accompany us everywhere while sitting, walking, working, traveling, driving, studying,
playing, etc. in the form of one product or another..
 Plastic has, perhaps, impacted more lives than any other invention as it has
assumed the shape of a very special type of luxury affordable to and used by rich and
poor alike. In addition to its other benefits it can help a great deal in decelerating the ever
increasing pressure on natural resources.
No doubt this great invention has tremendously benefitted us and the modern
society is indebted to it in a countless ways. But we too have reciprocated in an extra-
benevolent manner by developing an obligatory and inseparable association with it and
allowing it to dominate our lives. We have got addicted to it. Be it beneficial or
detrimental to our health we use plastics indiscriminately. We prefer a plastic pot over a
metallic one, wear polyester lovingly than fabric, and adorn our kitchen and bedrooms
with synthetic products. Needed or not we carry a plastic bottle to the nearby park and
leave it lying over there along with some poly bags and other disposables. We are so
mesmerized by the plastic that in the present scenario escaping the use of plastic appears
to be too whimsical and unnecessary. It seems that plastic has enslaved us not only in our
material needs but has also impacted our thoughts and intellect.
Apart from the huge benefits and extensive utility of plastic it has impacting us
negatively in a drastic manner, and, a stage has arrived when in spite of its great service
to mankind (and our indebtedness to it) we are bound to rethink about our alliance and
dependence on it. The presence and prevalence of this miraculous material has turned
into a curse posing serious environmental problems due to its improper disposal and non-
biodegradability. The molecular bonds that make plastic so durable make it equally
resistant to natural processes of degradation and it may persist as such in the environment
for hundreds or even thousands of years. Thrown away plastic products pollute earth,
water and air giving birth to serious health hazards. Burning of plastic materials alone or
along with other solid wastes releases a host of poisonous chemicals including dioxin, the
most toxic substance known, into the air. Toxic fumes and thick smoke released upon
burning causes respiratory diseases and even lung cancer when inhaled. Decomposition
attempt through landfills is also dangerous and it simply amounts to preserving the
poison as it doesn’t undergo any bacterial breakdown. Apart form toxic seepage from the
landfill, resulting in the contamination of precious water sources, the waste mass impedes
the flow of ground water as well and obstructs the movement of plant roots, thereby
badly affecting the soil’s biological balance. If truth be told plastic starts playing the
villain right from the stage of its production. The major chemicals involved in the making
of plastic are highly toxic and pose serious threat to living beings especially those
associated with the processes of production. Some of the constituents of plastic such as
benzene and vinyl chloride are recognized by WHO to cause cancer, while many others
are gases and liquid hydrocarbons that vitiate earth and air. The noxious chemicals like
ethylene oxide, benzene and xylenes emitted during the production of plastic can cause
an array of maladies ranging from birth defects to cancer and from nervous system
damage to kidney failure and immunity related problems. And, many of these toxic
substances are emitted during recycling of plastic, too. Plastisizers like adiphates and
phalates are often added to brittle plastics like PVC to make them pliable enough for use
in food packaging, children's toys, tubing, shower curtains and other items. Traces of
these chemicals can leach out of the plastic when it comes into contact with food. Some
compounds leaching from polystyrene food containers have been found to interfere with
hormone functions and are suspected human carcinogens. Moreover, while the finished
plastic may be non-toxic, the monomers used in its manufacture may be toxic; and small
amounts of those chemical may remain trapped in the finished products. Since the 1950s,
more than one billion tons of plastic has been discarded which may persist for hundreds
or even thousands of years.
Use of plastic as material may or may not be bad but the irresponsive way in
which we put it to indiscriminate use is undeniably hazardous and harmful. It
detrimentally impacts our health and ecosystem. Owing to our throw-away-culture today
one finds himself in a world filled with discarded plastics everywhere around. Millions of
tons of wasted plastic from industries and households is entering and damaging terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems every day. The planet is drowning in plastic garbage. The
condition has resulted not only due to its unnecessary and avoidable uses but also due to
its indecent and offensive dumping which reflect our anti environment and unhygienic
attitude. We are habitual of using poly bags unrestrictedly and disposing them of
carelessly and unscientifically. Plastic bottles find their way after being emptied of their
contents into streets, roads, fields, grounds or elsewhere in the open surroundings. Every
time we use and throw a plastic product we contribute our share to a deadly pollution the
far-reaching and irreversible consequences of which will be borne by the generations to
come. We need to rethink and reorient our approach. Its indiscriminate uses need to be
discouraged and strictly avoided. Our throw away culture requires an urgent and
immediate reform. Superfluous and excessive consumptions, wasteful and ostentatious
uses and lavish handling of things require an abrupt curb at individual and societal levels.
Legislative measures require to be escorted by formulation of feasible strategies by the
implementing agencies. Masses’ awareness and involvement is vital to get rid of plastic
peril. Recent drive against polythene is really heartening and needs to be expanded and
extended effectively. Judicious and sensible use of plastic will significantly contribute
towards the abatement of the problem. Every aware and educated person has to play his
part in the noble cause.
In fact saying goodbye to plastic at once and for good is too far from achievability
under prevailing state of affairs. The only way out to avert a lethal and lasting menace of
plastic pollution is to cut down the use of plastic and thereby forcing a reduction in its
production as well.