“Wildlife suffers on land as well as at sea”
The Crisis
For land-based species, plastic contamination is a big threat. When plastic garbage is not properly disposed of, it may find its way into natural areas where it may harm wildlife. Plastic debris may entangle animals or cause them to consume it, which can harm or kill them. Ecosystems may be negatively impacted by plastic pollution over time. Smaller fragments of broken-down plastic debris may release dangerous chemicals that animals may consume and move up the food chain.
National Geographic Cover “Some animals now live in a world of plastics—like these hyenas scavenging at a landfill in Harar, Ethiopia. They listen for garbage trucks and find much of their food in trash”
The plastic catastrophe is a complicated and diverse issue with far-reaching environmental, societal, and economic consequences. Recycling alone is not the solution, I discovered. While recycling is an important part of decreasing plastic waste, it is not a comprehensive solution. Most plastic garbage is not recyclable, and the recycling process may be energy-intensive and often results in downcycling, in which the plastic is converted into lower-quality goods that cannot be recycled again. To properly address the plastic challenge, we must cut our plastic usage and manufacturing. Also Plastic output is likely to rise because of the industries. This rise will intensify the plastic catastrophe and put further strain on the environment and human health. Ultimately, the plastic problem is a complicated and critical issue that necessitates a diverse strategy. To minimize plastic trash and safeguard the environment for future generations, governments, corporations, and individuals will need to work together and take action.
The film “The Story of Things” focuses on the negative social and environmental effects of the “take-make-dispose” production and consumption cycle common in contemporary societies. One of the main points of the film is that the current model of production and consumption is unsustainable and leads to social injustice, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. The movie makes the case that we need to switch to a more circular and sustainable system of production and consumption that puts an emphasis on lowering waste, recycling and reusing materials, and using renewable energy sources. shedding light on the role that corporations and governments play in upholding the current model of production and consumption as well as the significance of public participation and action in facilitating the shift to a more sustainable one.
What’s the solution?
We must cut back on our usage of plastic and appropriately get rid of any waste plastic if we want to solve this situation. This may be accomplished by taking steps like recycling plastic items, utilizing reusable bags and containers, and properly disposing of any plastic debris. Individuals may also fund groups that fight plastic pollution and support legislation that supports sustainable behavior. By taking steps to lessen plastic pollution, we may contribute to preserving our natural environments for future generations as well as the health and wellbeing of land species.
Image credits: John Cancalosi/ National Geographic
“The photographer freed this stork from a plastic bag at a landfill in Spain. One bag can kill more than once: Carcasses decay, but plastic lasts and can choke or trap again”
One of the best methods to deal with the plastic problem is to decrease the use of single-use plastics. Examples of these include drinking straws, plastic bags, and dining utensils. By switching to more sustainable options like reusable bags and metal straws, the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the oceans may be significantly reduced. Increasing waste management initiatives Another strategy for dealing with the plastic problem is to improve waste management programs. In order to do this, recycling programs must be implemented, the number of trash cans in public areas must be increased, and people must be instructed on how to properly dispose of their waste.
We can prevent plastic garbage from poisoning our rivers by better trash management. The creation of biodegradable polymers is another tactic for addressing the problem of plastic pollution. Since these polymers are made to degrade more quickly than regular plastics, they have less of an adverse effect on the environment. Remember that biodegradable plastics aren’t a perfect answer since, if disposed of inappropriately, they can still cause pollution. Customers may also influence businesses by pressuring them to use less plastic and encourage them to embrace eco-friendly products. The documentary highlights several grassroots programs including Plastic Free July and Zero Waste Home. People are motivated by these campaigns to reduce their usage of plastic and demand change. Since the situation is getting worse and people feel like we aren’t doing enough, I do believe that I now have a better understanding of how to enhance what I’m doing to help minimize the problem, but there’s only so much we can do.
Sources The Plastic Problem: Wildlife Everyone Is Applauding This National Geographic Cover But The Real Shock Lies Inside The Pages Erica Cirino. 2021. Thicker Than Water