Plastic waste is a threat to our environment.
The consequences of household waste microplastics on ecosystems and human health are becoming clear. In this short article, I outline a few key environmental implications of microplastics. I hope it will shed light on the role of plalking in the broader effort to combat plastic pollution.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics result from the fragmentation of larger plastic items. Tiny particles are now everywhere in nature. They are in soil, water, and even the air we breathe. Microplastics are pieces of plastic that are less than 5 mm in diameter. Some are small enough to float in the air. Common sources of microplastics are:
- Synthetic textiles
- Household plastic waste
- Glitter
- Cigarette butts
- Exterior siding and paint
- Laundry and dishwasher pods
- Wet wipes
- Tea Bags
- Vehicle tires
Source: https://plasticactioncentre.ca/directory/how-plastics-breakdown-into-microplastics/
Rivers and streams transport the plastic from urban areas to larger bodies of water. This pollution harms aquatic organisms, disrupts food chains, and degrades water quality.
Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. The plastic becomes microplastics instead of completely disintegrating. Today, our oceans hold around 50 to 75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics. These plastic fragments break into tiny pieces or stay floating, creating garbage patches.
Source: https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/
Plastics and microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals. This makes them potential carriers of pollutants into ecosystems and food chains. They accumulate in the bodies of various organisms including humans.
Sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic debris for food. This can lead to ingestion and entanglement. Plastics can block digestive tracts, cause internal injuries, and even result in death.
Plalking helps remove plastic waste from the ecosystem before it gets into the water.
We need a lifestyle change
Plalking is not limited to its environmental impact alone. It has the power to inspire and mobilize communities. When people see others picking up trash, they realize there is a problem. When people are aware, it can inspire them to join in and take action too.
It can also be a catalyst for broader lifestyle changes. When you plalk, you see the problem of plastic waste and it changes your consumption habits. This shift may lead to reduced reliance on single-use plastics. It serves as a gateway to embracing a more conscious and sustainable way of living.
Plalking alone won’t solve the problem
All said, plalking is only one part of a bigger plan, and it can’t solve everything. The bigger strategy in my view encompasses the following:
- Reducing plastic production and consumption
- Innovating in waste management
- Regulating single-use plastics
- Educating people about the problem
We can move closer to a more sustainable and plastic-free future by working on these tasks. With time and commitment, we can reduce the harmful impacts of plastic pollution.
Hopefully.
We do need to work on it.
