Plastic: A Global Problem

Research

The twentieth century that has been booming with economic evolution however lately a side effect of this evolution has been the growing problem pollution of plastic.

Plastic has been a useful resource since the end of world war two, massive large-scale production of plastic gave rise to medical devices, laboratory equipment, lighter cars and everyday consumables such as plastic bags and water bottles, that today a world without plastic seems unimaginable.

However, today the production and disposal of plastic overwhelm the earth’s resources particularly oceans where the majority of consumed plastic is being deposited.Plastic pollution has become one of the top environmental concerns. As plastic is made of fossil fuels ittakes hundreds of years to get degraded. Making anyone wonder is there a suitable way forward?

Unbelievable facts about plastic

• Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.

• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.

• Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.

• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.