Facts Vs Myths: Your 101 Guide to Plastics

Author: NaturTrust Time: 27-09-2021 04:33:13

The reality of plastic is far more grave than what one could imagine. After all, how consequential could a single use plastic bottle or grocery bag be? For far too long, we as humans have conveniently overlooked the adverse effects of plastic pollution, despite constant warning signs and numerous reports indicating the devastating environmental cost of plastic pollution. 

This behavioral pattern suggests that there may be a deep need to differentiate between the myths and facts associated with plastic for any real consequences of plastic pollution to be taken rather seriously. 

Is Plastic really taking over the planet?

It has been found that we produce about 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, which only accounts for plastic that has been disposed of, making the total measure of plastic being produced each year significantly larger.” 

Is all plastic biodegradable?

A myth resulting from false advertisement and performative branding, the assumed biodegradable ability of plastic seems to lure many businesses and individuals into using plastics and its dubious alternatives carelessly. In reality traditional plastics never break down completely, instead resulting in the formation of micro plastics which can be found inevitably in sea creatures and even human placenta today. Paralelly, a scrupulous ‘faux plastic’ industry is also booming as businesses scurry to minimise their carbon footprint. In reality, only a small percentage of green plastic is made ethically and has the ability to completely decompose into natural elements like water, carbon and biomass. 

What makes biodegradable plastic eco-friendly? 

Not only do microplastics physically pollute our environment, they also have the ability to release toxins in the human body or in the atmosphere at higher temperatures. Not only does ethically made biodegradable plastic solve this problem, it also saves us the cost of identifying and maintaining more landfills. Biodegradable plastics ensure that all plastic waste is effectively decomposed, preventing it from polluting oceans and endangering aquatic organisms which are crucial for a balanced ecosystem. 

Which plastic is both financially and environmentally sustainable? 

The financial and environmental feasibility of plastic alternatives has long been misconstrued by myths. In reality, the cost of producing green plastics is almost the same ( if not lower than) as producing traditional plastic products. Rather, plastic production comprises high transportation and storage costs for raw materials and waste management is equally excruciating for any company’s budget that decides to manufacture traditional poly based products.  

On the other hand, green plastic helps save cost of sourcing raw materials and waste management since most of its components are natural and recyclable. 

Plastics vs Biodegradable Plastics – Which is the future? 

Brand studies have recorded a growing preference of socially responsible businesses among Gen Z and Millennial customers. With rightfully growing scrutiny towards usage of traditional plastic, biodegradable alternatives certainly are the future of packaging as the world’s plastic pollution crisis can no longer be overlooked.

Education and awareness about the adverse effects of plastic has escalated the need to embrace biodegradable options, made ethically. A thoughtful approach towards packaging is certainly the answer to restoring the health of our planet.

 

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