polythene and the environment essay 100 words

The Harmful Effects of Polythene on the Environment and Animal Life - A Wake-Up Call for Responsible Disposal

Polythene which became very popular within about 25 years has now become the world's biggest problem. We all know that it is harmful not only to human life but to animal life and the environment as well.

Polythene became very popular because it made our daily tasks very easy. It was used for carrying things, wrapping, decorating, as coverings and even in making artificial ornamental items.  It came in various colors, shapes and sizes as bags, squares, sheets and rolls of polythene.

However, the common polythene bags and lunch sheets became the biggest problem in Sri Lanka. As students we are also guilty of using them for anything and everything. We did not know how to dispose them properly and carelessly threw away in drains, waterways, on roadways, in parks, in forests, on beaches and so on. So now we have to face the effects. The danger is that polythene is not bio - degradable. That means it does not rot easily. If it is buried it can harm the soil. Burning it causes air pollution. The worst effect is that animals, birds and fish have died after eating thrown away polythene.

Now most people and even children are aware of the dangerous and use other materials like clothes and paper which are bio - degradable. So, all of us must to be responsible in everything we do because this is our beloved country.

Nitrogen Oxide; Sources, Ways of Generation, Effects and Solutions

Nitrogen is the gaseous compound mostly found (72%) in our atmosphere. Nitrogen gas is useful for the existence of all living beings in our ecosystem. Nitrogen oxides are compounds that consist of both Nitrogen and Oxygen. Even your domestic appliances like heaters, and gas stoves can emit nitrogen oxides in

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Types of Biodiversity, Importance, and Threats

Total biodiversity is immense on the earth. Biodiversity means the different biological varieties and the variability of life on Earth. This means the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up our natural world. Different life forms of biodiversity collectively form ecosystems including plants, animals, insects, fungi,

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Home > Books > Polyethylene - New Developments and Applications

Degradation Pathways and Ecological Consequences of Use of Polythene

Submitted: 11 August 2023 Reviewed: 30 September 2023 Published: 06 January 2024

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1003241

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Polyethylene - New Developments and Applications

Arpit Sand and Jaya Tuteja

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Due to its adaptability and affordability, polyethylene, a synthetic polymer that is often utilized, has made a substantial contribution to modern civilization. However, due to its widespread usage, there is concern about its environmental persistence and potential ecological effects. This article seeks to present a thorough explanation of the mechanisms involved in polyethylene degradation, the environmental repercussions of its buildup, and proposed remediation techniques to lessen those effects. The study examines the fundamental processes of several degradation routes, such as biological degradation etc.. Efforts to address the ecological consequences of polythene use include reducing plastic waste management, developing biodegradation products.

• degradation
• microbial enzymes
• plastic pollution
• environmental impact

Author Information

Gurjeet singh *.

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, IES College of Technology, Bhopal, M.P., India

Neeraj Agarwal

*Address all correspondence to: [email protected]

1. Introduction

The five most common petroleum-based polymers used to make single-use plastic products are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and low density polyethylene (LDPE). The most prevalent petroleum-polymer on earth, LDPE, is responsible for up to 64% of single-use plastics that are discarded shortly after use, causing a massive and fast buildup in the environment [ 1 , 2 ]. The negative impacts of basically “non-biodegradable” LDPE rubbish buildup in landfills and seas are growing despite recycling and energy recovery measures. Micro-plastics may now be found everywhere on the planet, including in the arctic snow, according to mounting evidence [ 3 ]. Finding an environmentally appropriate disposal method is thus required [ 4 ]. Contrary to biological waste that is dumped, polyethylene (PE) and other petroleum-based polymers are particularly resistant to natural biodegradation processes. The scientific literature has several studies on the biodegradation of synthetic polymers, including PE in particular. Thirteen evaluations of the microbes involved in the physical and microbial biodegradation processes have been published since 2008.

Although microbial breakdown of PE has been observed in various studies, significant degradation of PE wastes at usable sizes has not yet been achieved. We have been limited in our ability to develop a biochemically based knowledge of the mechanisms and processes involved in PE degradation due to the lack of a concrete definition of polyethylene biodegradation that may lead to testable hypotheses. Early investigations on microbial biodegradation attempted to demonstrate how microbial activity may change the tensile strength, water absorption, and crystallinity of plastics [ 5 ].

Pirt (1980) [ 6 ] conducted the first investigation of the microbial biodegradation of polymers. Ten years later, 0.2% less PE weight was present, according to Albertsson and Karlsson [ 1 ]. Otake et al. [ 7 ] found that PE polymers exhibited surface alterations after being buried in soil for 10 to 32 years. It was discovered that LDPE thin film deterioration was relatively high. Despite the fact that parts of the PE films with considerable deterioration were characterized by whitening with tiny holes, the overall rate of degradation was still fairly low even after years of contact with soil microorganisms.

Some researchers have investigated the aerobic biodegradation of treated polyethylene and/or polyethylene modified by the addition of additives (“addivitated”) PE in simulated soil burial and mature compost [ 3 , 8 ], as well as in natural aquatic environments under laboratory conditions [ 9 , 10 ]. Living microbial consortia are present in several kinds of soil [ 11 ]. Others looked at the microorganisms that cause LDPE to biodegrade in soil [ 12 ]. The biodegradability of thermally and photochemically damaged addiviated LDPE films by microorganisms adsorbed on the surface of PE films buried in agricultural soil was assessed in a research by Abrusci et al. [ 13 ] whiteness with tiny holes that defines it.

Typically, as part of microbial degradation test investigations, microorganisms from diverse sources are isolated to ascertain the optimal microbial power to degrade polymeric PE chains. Researchers have isolated potential microorganisms from a range of soil types, including garden soil, forest soil, waste soil, mangrove soil, and soil covered in agricultural PE films for soil mulching [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Alternative sources for the isolation of high potential microorganisms that deteriorate PE included landfills, solid waste dumps, and plastic garbage (municipal solid soil) [ 4 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], water [ 2 ], waste water or sewage sludge, oil-contaminated soil, and even waxworm larvae [ 23 ].

Numerous bacteria from a small number of text were found to be present in these trials; however, not all of them were involved in the breakdown of PE ( Table 1 ). Following the bacteria’s initial isolation, the capacity of each isolate to use treated and/or untreated polyethylene was examined in isolated shake-flask cultures throughout a range of time periods. The majority of these bacteria were identified using the sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA genes following PCR amplification. The third phase was estimating biodegradation using PE-degrading bacteria on polyethylene particles or films using various approaches.

Bacteria employed in research on the biodegradation of polyethylene (PE).

Comparisons of the various biodegradation results are not significant due to the large diversity of PE materials employed and the vast range of growth conditions. This emphasizes the requirement for standardized approaches and procedures to comprehensively investigate the biodegradation of synthetic polymers. We need to identify the differences between degradation and deterioration as well as what the biodegradation process entails in order to resolve any difficulties brought up by stories of attempts at microbial biodegradation of PE that failed. The conditions that promote the microbial destruction of PE are discussed in the sections that follow, along with how these factors led to reports of incorrect PE biodegradation percentages. Then, we provide an appropriate explanation of the biodegradation process that will make it possible to interpret the findings of biodegradation in an accurate manner.

2. Biological degradation of PE

There are four steps to the whole biodegradation process: biodeterioration, biofragmentation, bioassimilation, and mineralization. However, access sites in the PE structure are necessary for microorganisms to start fragmenting before they can start attacking PE. As a result, before the presence of microorganisms, oxidation of PE polymers happens by abiotic processes such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure combined with heat and/or environmental chemicals. It is well known that thermal aging frequently occurs in conjunction with PE oxidation, particularly UV-induced PE oxidation. The mechanisms of polymer change have also been well shown. According to earlier studies, when PE is exposed to UV radiation or oxidizing agents, carbonyl groups are produced in the alkane chains. These carbonyl groups are then further hydrolyzed by microorganisms, which catabolize the shorter PE chain reaction products (fragmentation). In this method, the polymer chain initially absorbs UV light, which causes radical production. At some point, oxygen is taken in, hydroperoxides are created, and carbonyl groups are created ( Figure 1 ). The carbonyl groups proceed through Norrish Type I and/or Type II degradation with additional UV exposure. Additionally, pro-oxidants or contaminants might start photo-oxidation. Additionally, UV-degradation might start at spots where minute amounts of ketone or hydroperoxide groups were added during fabrication or production.

Degradation pathways of polyethylene containing pro-oxidant additives.

Infrared spectroscopy (IR) measurements of the degree of carbonyl group adsorption can be used to monitor the oxidative degradation of polyolefins. The concentration levels of carbonyl compounds determined by ATR-FTIR were often represented as a carbonyl index (C.I.), which is defined as the ratio of carbonyl and methylene absorbances. The ratio of the methylene absorption band at 1435 cm1 (the CH2 scissoring peak) to the carbonyl peak at 1714 cm1 taken as an internal thickness band (CI = A1714/A1435). Even after storage in an abiotic environment, photo-oxidation and increased stress both accelerate the production of carbonyl groups.

3. Biodeterioration of PE

Some microbes can start the oxidation process on their own, via the process of “hydroperoxidation,” in addition to the abiotic degradation of PE materials. “Biodeterioration” is the word used to describe this. However, it is currently unclear whether PE that has been oxidized in this way can eventually be broken down by microbes [ 9 ]. Different pro-oxidation additives (prodegradants) have been added to the structure of polyethylene products to make them “oxo-degradable” in various investigations of the microbial breakdown of PE. “Addiviated” polymers are PE polymers that include additives that make them oxo-degradable. Materials used to make addiviated PE polymers oxo-degradable include polyunsaturated compounds, transition metals like iron, cobalt, manganese, and calcium, totally degradable plastic additives (TDPA) with different commercial names [ 7 , 30 , 31 , 40 ], natural polymers (e.g., starch, cellulose, or chitosan), food grade dyes, or synthetic polymers containing ester, hydroxyl or ether groups [ 33 , 35 , 40 ] that are prone to hydrolytic cleavage by microorganisms. Abiotic factors like sunlight, heat, or both, as well as the addition of oxidizing chemical agents like nitric acid are used in some comparative studies of the microbial degradation of PE to start the degradation of raw and addiviated PE polymers and make the plastic more susceptible to microbial degradation. Following this, the impacts of various treatments on PE structure and microbial degradation were examined and compared to samples that had not been processed. The development of oxidized oligomers and alteration of the polymer are caused by a change in the fundamental structure of PE during the degrading process. The PE becomes brittle and vulnerable to additional oxidation by enzymes released by the microorganisms as a result of deterioration caused by physical, biological, or chemical factors. While PE’s molecular structure is changing at this point, the polymer is not fragmenting or losing structure. An increase in entry locations for enzymes released by microbes and a decline in the polymer’s mechanical or other physical qualities are two main characteristics of the degradation phase overall.

4. Experiments on microbial degradation of PE: contributing factors

The outcome and findings of PE biodegradation tests are significantly influenced by a variety of parameters in the microbial breakdown of PE polymers. Unfortunately, while planning and designing the trials that were described in the literature, these considerations were frequently ignored. As a result, the information provided in these papers about PE biodegradation has been inconsistent and inconclusive. Following is a description of these elements.

4.1 Polyethylene shape and structure

The ability of the microorganisms’ secreted enzymes to reach the PE carbon chain is crucial for microbial breakdown. All PE materials have a simple linear carbon chain microstructure that is joined by hydrogen bonds. But polyethylene polymers can have a variety of densities and three-dimensional (3-D) structures ( Figure 2 ), including low molecular weight polyethylene (LMWPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), depending on the manufacturing processes used.

Polyethylene structure.

PE often has a semi-crystalline structure as well. LDPE crystallinity ranges from 45–65%, depending on the type of processing. Short branches (10–30 CH3 groups per 1000 C-atoms) made comprised of one or more co-monomers like 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene are typically found in amorphous regions of LDPE. The LDPE chains near the surface are made more accessible by the branching system’s prevention of the PE molecules from stacking closely together, and the tertiary carbon atoms at the branch sites are left more vulnerable to assault. Additionally, amorphous areas are more likely to contain contaminants.

So that it is feasible to determine how much polymer is present, it is crucial that the structure and percentage of amorphous and crystalline areas in the polymer be recorded.

4.2 Modification of polyethylene

PE often has a semi-crystalline structure as well. LDPE crystallinity ranges from 45–65%, depending on the type of processing. Short branches (10–30 CH3 groups per 1000 C-atoms) made comprised of one or more co-monomers like 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene are typically found in amorphous regions of LDPE. The LDPE chains near the surface are made more accessible by the branching system’s prevention of the PE molecules from stacking closely together, and the tertiary carbon atoms at the branch sites are left more vulnerable to assault. Additionally, amorphous areas are more likely to contain contaminants. So that it is feasible to determine how much polymer is present, it is crucial that the structure and percentage of amorphous and crystalline areas in the polymer be recorded.

But the primary goal of LDPE modification is to cause the polyethylene structure to deteriorate, allowing more access to the enzymes released by microorganisms during the biodegradation stage. Treatments alter the structure of PE, and as a result, investigations using various forms of PE with varying Mw, Mn, and/or molecular distributions have produced varying biodegradation outcomes. To effectively quantify microbial degradation and ascertain the only impact of microorganisms’ activities, these changes in the biodegradation process need to be identified and documented.

4.3 Partial biodegradation versus complete degradation

The consumption and mineralization of whole, unaltered polymers, including the polymer’s backbone, might be considered complete biodegradation of PE polymers. Microbes that can totally breakdown and mineralize virgin polyethylene have not yet been discovered, according to Yoon et al. Even so, it’s possible to classify the numerous cases of PE biodegradation in the literature as incomplete biodegradation. As previously mentioned, PE polymers are composed of a complex of linear carbon chains held together by van-der-Waals interactions, accessible short side-chains with tertiary carbon that contain amorphous sections, terminal methyl-groups at the ends of chains, short branches, and small oxidative products, as well as numerous linear and branched n-alkane side-chains. Because the side-chains of PE mimic linear n-alkanes, they may serve as the first site of contact for bacterial enzymes that cause the polymers to partially degrade. Without fragmenting the polymer’s backbone, low molar mass molecules and/or amorphous segments are removed from its surface. In contrast to the fragmentation of the backbone or pure PE polymers, weight loss during the early stages of PE degradation may be explained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of these readily accessible side chains. It is insufficient to conclude that polyethylene has completely degraded by looking at the development of microbes on agar plates containing the material. This has been one of the main issues with biodegradation experiments since it is necessary to establish complete biodegradation.

4.4 Other carbon sources’ influence on biodegradation

There are various carbon sources that, in biodegradation tests, are frequently absorbed by bacteria during the initial phases of microbial breakdown and may interfere with the only carbon supply of PE. Establishing a growth curve for the bacteria under research using PE as the carbon source is advised as a solution to the issue. Changes in the development curve might signify the use of various carbon sources with varying degrees of accessibility to microbes [ 18 ]. Impurities that are integrated into PE chains or that adhere to the PE surface may include substances that bacteria can use as a source of carbon. Consumption of these contaminants can compete with or obstruct the use of PE as a carbon source. Incubating non-PE degrading bacteria, such as E. coli , along with the contaminated PE samples is one strategy to mitigate this issue. The contaminants would be consumed by the E. coli without changing the structure of the PE. After a certain amount of time, the pure PE may be removed, cleaned, and cultured with various microbes to see how well they degrade PE.

Generally speaking, two distinct groups of researchers have carried out experiments for the microbial breakdown of PE. Environmentalists in general are the groups of researchers who have studied the degradation of bulk PE materials of various types (LMWPE, LLDPE, LDPE, or HDPE) in natural settings such as soil, compost, or aquatic systems with mixed, undefined populations of microorganisms, without paying attention to microbial type. Any change seen is referred to as “biodegradation” whether it relates to appearance, weight loss, or mechanical qualities of the PE. The mechanisms influencing changes in the PE are unclear, and this strategy is mostly based on “trial and error.” The distinction between deterioration and partial degradation is misunderstood by the authors of these works. On the other hand, these tests have the benefit of being carried out in the real world under actual environmental circumstances, and the outcomes accurately represent the deterioration of PE. The final conversion of PE to CO2 and biomass (mineralization via genuine biodegradation), is a topic of interest to microbiologists who have also studied PE breakdown. The biodegradation tests are carried out with specific species of microorganisms isolated using specialized medium from collections. In general, the tests’ many components are clearly specified, and the authors are aware of how biodegradation works. The use of molecular biology and genomic sciences has started to pinpoint the precise genes and gene products involved in the breakdown of polyethylene in this regard. PE biodegradation is a complicated process that is impacted by a wide range of variables. Before being subjected to microbial treatment, a PE polymer chain may be exposed to various manufacturing, treatment, and sample preparation operations. The biodegradation process is complicated and uncertain since it involves a vast variety of bacteria with diverse behaviors and released chemicals. However, studies of polyethylene biodegradation experiments may be conducted from both chemical and microbiological perspectives.

5. Conclusion

The four steps of PE’s biodegradation process are biodeterioration, biofragmentation, bioassimilation, and mineralization. Complete biodegradation of PE necessitates a decrease in the polymer’s molar mass and molecular mass number as a result of fragmentation into smaller molecules that are then metabolized by microorganisms. However, the majority of investigations on the purported biodegradation of PE by microorganisms show biodeterioration and just a small number report biofragmentation. Furthermore, there is not enough proof to support bioassimilation and mineralization. Understanding the molecular processes of polyethylene biodegradation may be improved by investigating the genes and gene products that oxidize the alkane chains of polyethylene.

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Hazards of Polythene Bags essay | 150,250,500 word essay on harmful effects of plastic bags

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Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 150 words:

Polythene bags, also known as plastic bags, are a common sight in our daily lives. They are used for a variety of purposes, including carrying groceries, storing items, and disposing of waste. While they may seem convenient, polythene bags can pose serious hazards to both the environment and human health.

One of the main dangers of polythene bags is that they are not biodegradable. This means that they do not break down naturally in the environment, leading to a build-up of plastic waste. When plastic waste accumulates in landfills or the oceans, it can hurt wildlife and the ecosystem. Additionally, plastic bags can litter streets, parks, and other public areas, creating an unsightly and potentially dangerous problem.

Another hazard of polythene bags is that they can release toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water. These chemicals can be harmful to human health and may cause a range of negative effects such as respiratory problems, cancer, and birth defects.

To reduce the hazards of polythene bags, it is important to minimize their use and properly dispose of them when they are no longer needed. Instead of using plastic bags, consider using reusable bags made from materials such as cloth or paper. By taking these steps, we can help protect the environment and our health.

Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 250 words:

Polythene bags, also known as plastic bags, are a common sight in our daily lives. They are cheap, lightweight, and convenient to use. However, their widespread use has also led to significant environmental and health hazards.

One of the main issues with polythene bags is that they are not biodegradable. When they are discarded, they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment as they break down. This contributes to pollution and can have harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans.

In addition to environmental concerns, polythene bags also pose health risks. When heated, they can release toxic fumes that can be harmful to humans and animals. They can also leach chemicals into food and drink, which can be ingested by people and animals.

To mitigate these hazards, it is important to reduce our reliance on polythene bags and switch to more sustainable alternatives. This can include using reusable bags made from natural materials, such as cotton or jute, or opting for paper bags. Governments and businesses can also implement policies to reduce the use of polythene bags and encourage the use of more environmentally friendly options.

Overall, while polythene bags may be convenient in the short term, their negative impacts on the environment and our health make it important to reduce their use and find more sustainable alternatives.

Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 500 words:

Polyethylene, commonly known as polythene, is a type of plastic that is widely used to make a variety of products, including bags. While these bags are convenient and inexpensive, they can also pose significant environmental and health hazards.

One of the main concerns with polythene bags is their impact on the environment. When they are disposed of improperly, they can end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. In the meantime, they can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating the environment and potentially affecting the health of humans and wildlife.

Additionally, polythene bags can contribute to litter, which is a major problem in many cities and towns around the world. Litter not only looks unsightly, but it can also harm wildlife, as animals may ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic bags.

Another hazard associated with polythene bags is their potential to contribute to climate change. The production of plastic, including polythene, requires the use of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when burned. These gases contribute to global warming, which is causing a range of negative impacts, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and changes in weather patterns.

Polythene bags can also pose a threat to human health. Many plastic bags, including those made of polythene, contain chemicals called phthalates, which can leach out of the plastic and into the food or other items that are stored in them. Phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive and developmental issues, asthma, and cancer.

In conclusion, while polythene bags are convenient and inexpensive, they can also pose significant environmental and health hazards. These hazards include contributing to litter, climate change, and potential harm to human health. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to minimize our reliance on plastic bags, such as using reusable bags or properly disposing of plastic bags to reduce their negative impacts on the environment and our health.

Essay on harmful effects of plastic bags in 300 words:

Plastic bags have become an integral part of our daily lives. They are cheap, lightweight, and convenient for carrying groceries, clothing, and other items. However, the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment and human health cannot be ignored.

One of the major issues with plastic bags is their non-biodegradability. They take hundreds of years to break down, and during this process, they release toxic chemicals into the soil and water bodies. These chemicals can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans, and they can also contaminate the food chain.

Plastic bags are also a major source of litter. They can be found on streets, parks, and beaches, and they can be harmful to wildlife. For example, birds and marine animals can mistake plastic bags for food, which can lead to malnutrition or death. Plastic bags can also entangle and suffocate animals, causing them to die a slow and painful death.

In addition to the environmental impacts, plastic bags can also have negative effects on human health. The production of plastic bags requires the use of fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Plastic bags can also leach chemicals into the food they contain, which can be harmful when ingested.

Despite the harmful effects of plastic bags, they are still widely used due to their convenience and low cost. However, there are alternatives to plastic bags that can be used to reduce their impact on the environment. These alternatives include reusable bags made of cloth or other sustainable materials, paper bags, and biodegradable plastic bags. By using these alternatives, we can reduce our reliance on plastic bags and protect the environment and human health.

In conclusion, plastic bags have numerous harmful effects on the environment and human health. They are non-biodegradable, contribute to litter, and contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce their impact, we can use alternatives such as reusable bags, paper bags, and biodegradable plastic bags. By making these small changes, we can protect the environment and ensure a healthier future for all.

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, challenges of reducing polythene and plastic in sri lanka: a case study of attanagalla secretariat division.

Socially Responsible Plastic

ISBN : 978-1-80455-987-1 , eISBN : 978-1-80455-986-4

Publication date: 28 March 2023

Low density polyethylene, commonly known as polythene, was first synthesised by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in England in 1933. Due to its extensive usage as a packaging material, along with other uses, it has now begun to pose a serious threat to the entire ecosystem. This material, which was used to make a variety of consumer goods, is commonly used for packaging a wide range of products including foodstuffs. It has been estimated that approximately 20 billion polythene bags are used in Sri Lanka. Because polythene and plastics take a long time to decompose (20–100 years), these materials have been contributing heavily to the pollution of the environment. Unfortunately, much of the discarded polyethene ends up in garbage dumps, thereby posing a great threat not only to humans but also to animals. This study aimed to investigate the use of polythene in supermarkets in the Attanagalla division, the management of household polythene waste, and the search for alternatives to replace polythene and plastics. Data were collected by interviewing 40 consumers and getting their feedback on the use of polythene bags in which the goods were supplied to them. Observations were also made in the field. It was noted that some consumers liked to use polythene bags while many others disliked them. More than 95% of the supermarket products were packed in polythene and plastic containers and packs. It was observed that there were shortcomings in the production of reusable bags, and because of that disposable polythene bags had to be used, causing the supermarkets to incur huge costs. On average, more than five polythene bags were used per customer to pack his purchases per shop visit. This costs between Rs. 25 and Rs. 30. There seemed to be no alternative to polythene and plastic, due to the lack of suppliers for more environmentally friendly packaging materials. Therefore, it is suggested to establish a system that will supply more eco-friendly bags and educate the public on the use of environmentally friendly alternatives.

• Low density polyethylene
• Non-biodegradable waste
• Plastic waste
• Polythene bag

Hemakumara, G.P.T.S. and Madhusankha, T.G.S. (2023), "Challenges of Reducing Polythene and Plastic in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of Attanagalla Secretariat Division", Crowther, D. and Quoquab, F. (Ed.) Socially Responsible Plastic ( Developments in Corporate Governance and Responsibility, Vol. 19 ), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2043-052320230000019004

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Solutions to Plastic Pollution Essay: Tips and Ideas on How to Beat Plastic Pollution

Published by team sy on september 15, 2023.

Solutions to Plastic Pollution Essay:  On 5 June 2023, World Environment Day will shed light on addressing plastic pollution as part of its campaign, #BeatPlasticPollution. The global community is grappling with an overwhelming influx of plastic materials, posing a significant challenge to our environment. Plastic pollution is a serious environmental problem that affects millions of people and animals around the world. It also contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and human health issues. But what are some solutions to plastic pollution? How can we reduce our plastic consumption and waste? What are some ways to prevent plastic pollution from reaching our oceans, landfills, and ecosystems? In this article, we will explore some of the most effective and innovative solutions to plastic pollution, and how you can implement them in your daily life. Whether you are a consumer, a business owner, a policy maker, or an activist, you will find some useful tips and ideas on how to tackle this global challenge.

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Table of Contents

Solutions to Plastic Pollution Essay: 200 Words

Plastic pollution has become a global environmental crisis, with devastating effects on ecosystems and human health. To combat this issue, it is crucial to implement effective solutions that address the entire lifecycle of plastic. This essay explores some key strategies to tackle plastic pollution.

Reduce and Reuse:

The first step in mitigating plastic pollution is to minimize its production and consumption. Governments, industries, and individuals should promote the use of alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable bags, bottles, and packaging. Encouraging the adoption of a circular economy model will lead to reduced waste generation and resource conservation.

Improving recycling infrastructure and increasing awareness about proper recycling practices is essential. Governments should invest in advanced recycling technologies, while individuals and communities should be educated about sorting and recycling their plastic waste correctly. Promoting the use of recycled plastics in manufacturing processes will also help create a market for recycled materials.

Plastic Waste Management:

Efficient waste management systems are vital to prevent plastic from entering water bodies and ecosystems. Governments should invest in waste collection and treatment facilities, particularly in areas lacking proper infrastructure. Implementing strict regulations and penalties for illegal dumping and littering will discourage irresponsible disposal practices.

Innovation and Research:

Encouraging research and innovation in developing sustainable materials and packaging solutions is crucial. Governments, academia, and industries should collaborate to support research and development of biodegradable and compostable plastics. Investing in technology to capture and remove plastic waste from oceans and rivers can also make a significant impact.

Public Awareness and Education:

Raising public awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution is essential to drive behavioral change. Educational campaigns, community initiatives, and media outreach can help inform individuals about the environmental impact of plastic and motivate them to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, governments, industries, and researchers. By reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling practices, enhancing waste management systems, fostering innovation, and raising public awareness, we can combat this global crisis and protect our planet for future generations. It is crucial that we take action now to create a cleaner and healthier environment.

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Solutions to Plastic Pollution Essay: 300 Words

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, endangering ecosystems and human well-being. To address this crisis, it is crucial to implement comprehensive and innovative solutions. This essay explores key strategies to effectively combat plastic pollution and foster a sustainable future.

Legislation and Policy:

Governments play a vital role in combating plastic pollution by enacting stringent legislation and policies. They should impose bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, promote extended producer responsibility, and incentivize the use of sustainable alternatives. Additionally, implementing plastic import controls and promoting international cooperation can help prevent the transfer of plastic waste to developing countries.

Circular Economy Approach:

Transitioning to a circular economy model is crucial for reducing plastic pollution. This approach focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Governments and industries should encourage product design for durability, recyclability, and repairability. Furthermore, promoting the use of recycled plastics in manufacturing processes and developing efficient recycling infrastructure will contribute to a circular economy.

Innovative Technologies:

Investing in research and development of innovative technologies is essential to address plastic pollution effectively. Governments and private sectors should support the development of bioplastics derived from renewable sources, as well as advanced recycling technologies that can process complex plastic waste. Furthermore, exploring alternative materials and packaging solutions can help reduce plastic usage.

Education and Awareness:

Creating awareness and promoting education about the impacts of plastic pollution is crucial for long-term change. Educational campaigns, school programs, and community initiatives can inform individuals about sustainable practices and the importance of reducing plastic consumption. Encouraging responsible waste management and proper recycling practices through public awareness campaigns can significantly reduce plastic pollution.

Industry Collaboration and Responsibility:

Industries have a vital role to play in combating plastic pollution. Collaboration among manufacturers, retailers, and packaging industries is necessary to drive sustainable production and supply chain practices. Encouraging industry responsibility through certifications, labeling, and rewards for sustainable practices will promote the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives and reduce plastic waste generation.

Plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach that combines legislative measures, circular economy principles, innovative technologies, education, and industry collaboration. By implementing these strategies, we can create a sustainable future with reduced plastic pollution. It is imperative that governments, industries, communities, and individuals come together to address this global crisis and safeguard our planet for generations to come.

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Solutions to Plastic Pollution Essay: 500 Words

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to our planet’s ecosystems and human health. To combat this crisis, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive and holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of plastic production, consumption, and waste management. This essay examines a range of solutions aimed at mitigating plastic pollution and fostering a sustainable future.

Sustainable Product Design:

One of the primary solutions lies in reimagining product design to minimize plastic usage. Manufacturers should prioritize the development of sustainable packaging alternatives that are biodegradable, compostable, or made from recycled materials. By promoting eco-friendly product design, we can reduce the demand for single-use plastics and encourage the adoption of more sustainable options.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

Governments should enforce Extended Producer Responsibility policies, holding manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their proper disposal. This would incentivize companies to invest in recycling infrastructure, establish take-back programs, and design products for recyclability. EPR programs can help shift the burden of plastic waste management from taxpayers to producers, creating a more sustainable and circular economy.

Plastic Waste Management and Recycling:

Efficient waste management systems are crucial for preventing plastic pollution. Governments should invest in robust recycling infrastructure, including collection, sorting, and processing facilities. Furthermore, promoting the use of recycled plastics in manufacturing industries can help create a market for recycled materials and reduce the reliance on virgin plastic. Developing innovative recycling technologies capable of handling a broader range of plastics will also contribute to effective waste management.

Consumer Behavior and Awareness:

Empowering individuals through education and awareness campaigns is key to combating plastic pollution. By increasing public understanding of the environmental impact of plastic, encouraging responsible consumption habits, and promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, individuals can play an active role in reducing plastic waste. Governments, NGOs, and businesses should collaborate to conduct widespread awareness campaigns and provide resources for individuals to make informed choices.

Plastic Bans and Regulations:

Implementing targeted bans and regulations on single-use plastics can significantly reduce plastic pollution. Governments can prohibit or limit the use of plastic bags, straws, cutlery, and other non-essential plastic items. These measures encourage the adoption of reusable alternatives and stimulate innovation in sustainable packaging solutions. Additionally, governments should regulate the disposal of plastic waste, imposing strict penalties for littering and illegal dumping.

International Cooperation:

Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires international collaboration. Governments should work together to develop and implement global agreements to address the transboundary movement of plastic waste. Sharing best practices, technology transfer, and capacity building among countries can facilitate the adoption of effective plastic waste management strategies worldwide.

Tackling plastic pollution necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses sustainable product design, extended producer responsibility, efficient waste management, consumer education, regulatory measures, and international cooperation. By implementing these solutions, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution, preserve our ecosystems, and secure a sustainable future. It is essential for governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to unite in their efforts to combat plastic pollution and safeguard our planet for future generations.

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THESIS THE HARMFUL EFFECT OF POLYTHENE & PLASTIC BAGS TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND A REQUISITE FOR BIO-PLASTICS. CASE STUDY LAGOS STATE. SUBMITTED BY

Plastics have been around for more than 100 years and without a doubt, they have been extremely useful, however when you see them blowing around in the streets causing entanglement in animals, clogging up of drainages causing flooding, posing dangers to animals, such as turtles, birds that ingest them or are strangled by them, especially in marine environments where plastic bags resemble jellyfish then you will realized the need to strongly enlighten the masses on the threat posed by plastic bags pollution and the need to adopt a natural polymers in the production of plastic bags as against the use of organic polymers currently being use.

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This work is designed to study experimentally, the mechanical behaviour of various waste plastic materials in Ghana. The materials studied were low density polyethene (LDPE), high density polyethene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The extrusion process was used to recycle the waste plastic into pellets and injection moulding method used to prepare the pellets into the test specimen. Tensile and bend tests were performed and the results were used to determine the properties of the materials under study. The force and deflection/extension plots obtained, obeyed Hooke's law. From the results, it was observed that, the percentage elongation of the used sachet water plastic (PET) and the black plastic (HDPE) fall within the range of the virgin material whilst the used white plastic (LDPE) falls outside the range. However, the young's moduli and the ultimate strengths of the used plastic materials, differ from those of the virgin materials. The percentage ration of the used and the virgin were then computed to determine their use in engineering field. It was established that, for the ultimate strength, the percentage ratio for HDPE, PET and LDPE were 68.27%, 65.62% and 64.58% respectively. The corresponding moduli of elasticity of the materials as a percentage of the virgin materials were obtained as 48.20% for HDPE , 8.45% for PET and 49.10% for LDPE. The Ultimate tensile strength ranges from the literature, compared with that of some selected plastics commonly used in Ghana: HDPE, PET and LDPE were 68.2694%, 44.922% and 64.576% respectively. Also, the corresponding modulus of elasticity of the materials as a percentage of the virgin materials was obtained as 69.499% for HDPE, 6.684% for PET and 48.68% for LDPE. It was further observed that the percentage elongations of all the materials were within the range as the original material. Hence it can be concluded that HDPE would be a good material to be used for engineering application, for example, as a composite matrix for the construction of wind turbine blade.

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Plastic disposal is one of the greatest problems facing the environment today, as vast amounts of synthetic plastic remain non degradable. A number of microorganisms have the ability to degrade different types of plastic under suitable conditions, but due to the hardness of these polymers and their non-solubility in water, biological decomposition is a slow process. Natural plastics are made from plant and animal sources, or produced by a range of microorganisms, must be introduced. Some bacterial strains can produce and store bioplastics using carbon sources under suitable fermentation conditions. Such biomaterials are called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or biological polyester. They are safe, have no toxic by-products and can be degraded easily by microorganisms.

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Polythene and Environment Essay in English In 300 Words For Students | TheReadingStuff

Essay on polythene and environment in english in 300 words .

Here is the essay on polythene bags or plastic bags and their bad effect on the environment in 300 words for students.  

Polythene and Environment Essay  

All aspects of life in this world are interdependent. If we try to disturb its balance, the whole system is being affected. Likewise, Nature also has a basic system, which is supporting life forms, especially humans. 

Nature has maintained a balance. If there are high mountains, there are plains also. If there are extremely wet regions, there are deserts also. But today's human being is neglecting this balance of nature and running after artificial things. The rapid increase in the industrialization of India has created environmental problems. In India, plastic and polythene are the two most commonly used products, which are manufactured in factories. 

They are used for wrapping food items, vegetables, clothes, jewelry, shoes, household items, and in many more ways. An average family throws out nearly four to five plastic bags every day in the dustbin or on the road. These polythene bags, if thrown in drainage systems, choke them. If they are eaten by some animal, it may cause even their death also. If these polythene bags are recycled, this process creates harmful hydrogen cyanide gas, which creates lungs diseases. 

In the early seventies, there were only two or three polythene bag factories, but by the mid of 1990s, this number has increased. over 500 factories in Delhi alone. The plastic items are used as they are very cheap, they can protect contents from rain much better than paper or cloth bag. But the ill effects of polythene bags are very serious. 

They are non-biodegradable and cause lots of pollution. In India a ban on thin plastic bags would adversely affect over 200,000 plastic bag manufacturing units, putting nearly a million jobs on the line. It is the duty of politicians or the Government to be serious about a particular environmental solution. 

The biodegradable option may prove to be just the answer since the bags could be produced without the environmental danger that results from non-degradable plastic bags. It is the duty of our Government to make biodegradable plastic cheaper to manufacture by chemical activities and make dirty plastic more expensive by hiking up the excise duties on the non-degradable polythene. 

Now share your own views on polythene bags in the comment section below and also share this article with your friends and family.

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Effects of Plastic on Environment Essay 150 Words for Students

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Effects of Plastic on Environment: Short Essay for Class 1, 2, 3, 4

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Essay on Plastic Bag in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Essay on Plastic Bags: Plastic Bags are used for various purposes. The most common use of these bags is to carry grocery items. These are easily available in the market and thus used extensively. However, disposing these bags is a big issue as these are non-biodegradable. They have become a major cause of land pollution. Plastic bags are harming our environment more than anything else. The use of these bags must be banned in order to save the environment from their harmful effects.

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Long and Short Essay on Plastic Bag in English

Here are essays on Plastic Bag of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams/school assignments. You can go with any Plastic Bag essay which you like the best for you:

Essay on Plastic Bag | Why Plastic Bags Should be Banned Essay | Why Plastic Bags are Harmful for Health

Short Essay on Plastic Bags – Essay 1 (200 words)

Plastic bags are commonly seen in the market. These bags are available in various sizes and come handy while shopping. These are light and inexpensive. This is the reason why these are being used extensively. However, it is important to understand that as convenient as these are to carry and use these are equally harmful for the environment.

Unlike the cloth and paper bags, the plastic bags are non-biodegradable. It is a challenge to dispose them off. Used plastic bags stay in the environment for years and contribute to land and water pollution. This is the reason why many countries have banned the use of these bags. These countries have replaced plastic bags with paper bags or reusable cloth bags.

The government of India has also banned the use of plastic bags in many states however the same has never been implemented properly. We must understand that these have been banned for our good. Every individual must take it has his responsibility to stop the use of these bags to make our environment cleaner.

The use of plastic bags must be banned throughout the world in order to make earth a better place to live. The task should not be very difficult as these can easily be replaced by bags made of other materials.

Essay on How Plastic Bag is Harmful to Health and Environment – Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

Plastic bags are preferred over other kinds of bags as these are economical, light and easy to carry. Though these are widely popular we cannot overlook the harmful effects of these bags on the environment as well as the health hazards they cause.

Plastic Bags Ruin the Environment

Plastic bags contain synthetic polymer – a substance that causes harm to the environment as it is non-biodegradable. It is hard to dispose of plastic bags due to this nature of plastic. The waste plastic bags lead to pollution. Since these are extremely light they are easily blown by the wind and scatter far and wide. They do not only pollute our towns and cities but even enter the oceans and become a threat for the marine life.

Plastic Bags are Hazardous for Health

Plastic bags cause health problems in human beings as well as animals. Waste food and vegetable and fruit peels are usually thrown away in plastic bags. Animals and birds often gulp pieces of plastic while having food. This causes various diseases and illnesses in them. Gulping plastic bags can even choke their throat and suffocate them to death.

Likewise, the marine creatures also tend to mistake the plastic pieces for food and eat them. This toxic substance causes various health problems in them. People who have sea food can get infected if they have fishes, lobsters or other marine creatures suffering from illness.

Besides, the pollution caused due to plastic bags is a cause of various illnesses.

Thus, plastic bags are ruining our beautiful environment and have become a threat to our health. It is high time we must stop the use of plastic bags. We must think about the bigger scenario rather than convenience of a few seconds. It is not that difficult to keep a cloth bag with us as we head to the market. This will go a long way in keeping our environment clean.

Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic Bags – Essay 3 (400 words)

Plastic bags are one of the most widely used bags when it comes to carrying grocery items. However, these are one of the worst types of bags to use as these cause a major harm to the environment. These light bags get torn into small pieces over the time but do not get disposed off because they are non-biodegradable. They remain in the environment for years and years and add to land, air and water pollution.

Harmful Effects of Plastic Bags on Plants

Trees and plants are an integral part of our environment. They are a source of the life-giving oxygen and one of the main reasons life is possible on our planet. Unfortunately, we human beings are ruining these beautiful creations of God. Among other things, it is the plastic bags that are causing immense harm to the flora.

Today, plastic bags have become a major cause of land pollution. The toxic chemicals produced by plastic contaminate the soil. This is hampering the growth of the plants. Since these are light and are carried by wind to different places, the agricultural land is also getting affected by them. They are deteriorating the soil quality making it less fertile. They damage the seeds sown in the ground and interfere with the growth of plants.

Harmful Effects of Plastic Bags on Animals and Humans

As the environment gets deteriorated and the growth of agricultural crops and other trees and plants gets hindered, life of animals and human beings is likely to get worse. The pollution caused due to plastic bags impacts the human beings and animals directly as well as indirectly.

Animals open eat plastic bags lying in the garbage. These bags can cause severe damage to their digestive tract and cause various illnesses. Birds, fishes and various marine creatures also eat the plastic content that floats in the air and water and incur various diseases. Humans who consume these creatures having illnesses are likely to incur serious illness.

Besides, animals and marine creatures even tend to gulp plastic bags as it is and are often suffocated to death. Large number of innocent animals die each year because of plastic bags.

Plastic bags are causing immense harm to our environment. The use of these bags must be banned by the government and as responsible citizens we must stop using these bags. In fact, the government should put a ban on the manufacturing of these bags so that these are not circulated in the market.

Essay on Say No to Plastic Bags – Essay 4 (500 words)

Plastic bags are a convenient way to carry our goods. These have become an integral part of our modern day life. We use these almost every day and are often miffed when the shopkeepers tell us these are banned and that we need to either get our own bag or purchase a cloth bag from them to carry our goods. What we fail to understand is that the government has put a ban on these bags for our good.

Why Say NO to Plastic Bags?

Here is why we must say NO to plastic bags and switch to eco-friendly alternatives:

• Major Cause of Land Pollution

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable. These are not good for use mainly because they create a lot of waste. These use and throw bags are a challenge when it comes to disposing them off. They break into tiny pieces and remain in the environment for thousands of years and add to land pollution.

• Adds to Water Pollution

Plastic bags are extremely light. People litter these bags carelessly. These are easily blown by the wind and enter the water bodies. Besides, most of our packaged food comes in plastic packing. People who go for picnics and camping carry such food and throw the waste plastic bags in the seas and rivers thereby adding to the water pollution.

• Effect on Plant Growth

The chemicals present in plastic bags contaminate the soil. They make the soil infertile and hinder the growth of plants. These are thus interfering with agriculture which is the major occupation of our country.

• Serious Illness in Animals

Animals are unable to distinguish between food and packing. They often gulp the whole thing from the garbage bins. Plastic bags get stuck in the digestive system of the animals. They even get stuck in the throat when gulped as it is and chokes them. Besides, tiny pieces of plastic that they eat from the garbage along with their food also gets accumulated in their body and eventually leads to serious illness in them.

• Responsible for Climate Change

Plastic bags are mostly made of polypropylene which is produced from petroleum and natural gas. These are both non-renewable fossil fuels and their extraction creates greenhouse gases that are the leading cause of global warming.

How to Say NO to Plastic Bags?

Although plastic bags have become an integral part of our everyday life saying no to these should not be as difficult as it seems. The government has put a ban on the use of plastic bags in many states of India but people continue to use these as these are still available in the market.

The government must take strict measures to ensure these are not used. Besides, each one of us should take it as a responsibility to stop using these. Ban on plastic bags can only be successfully implemented if each one of us stops using these sincerely.

The harmful impact of using plastic bags has been stressed upon time and again. We are all aware about the harm they are causing to our environment. We must stop their use to make our environment safer to live.

Essay on Ban on Plastic bags to Save Environment – Essay 5 (600 words)

Plastic is a man-made substance. Unlike natural substances, it is difficult to dispose of plastic as it is non-biodegradable. Plastic bags are used extensively throughout the world and produce a large amount of waste. It is a waste that remains on earth for thousands of years and causes land, water and air pollution. This gives way to serious illnesses and degrades the overall environment.

Plastic Bags should be banned completely because it is a Threat to the Environment

Plastic bags when thrown after use prove to be a major threat to the environment. They pollute the soil and effect the growth of flora. They lead to infertile soil. Both wild plants as well as agricultural crops are affected by this. When the trees and plants suffer then the entire environment is impacted negatively.

Birds and animals mistake plastic for food and eat it. This causes serious illness in them. Large number of animals and marine creatures die each year because of consuming plastic bags. Plastic bags contribute majorly in land and water pollution. These are degrading our environment by the day.

Besides, petroleum is used in the production of plastic. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource and is required for various other purposes as well. Several things that we cannot imagine our lives without run on petroleum. So, we must save this resource for their production rather than wasting it on producing plastic which is ruining our environment.

Ban on Plastic to Save Environment

• Government Must Take Strict Measures

Plastic bags have been banned in many countries around the world. The government of India has also banned the use of plastic bags in many states. However, the same has not been implemented properly. These are still used extensively throughout the market. It is essential for the government to take strict measures to ensure that the usage of these bags is stopped. Here are some suggestions to ensure strict and smooth implementation of ban on plastic bags:

• The production of plastic bags must be stopped.
• The shopkeepers must be fined for circulating plastic bags. Those seen carrying plastic bags must also be fined.
• Plastic bags already available in the market must be made chargeable.
• People Must Act Mature

It is high time that the people of our country should understand that plastic bags have been banned for our own good. These have been banned so as to make the environment cleaners and healthier to live. They must thus act maturely and contribute their bit by saying no to plastic bags.

• Alternatives to Plastic Bags

We have grown used to using plastic bags but is it that difficult to replace these and stop their use? The answer is No! There are many alternatives to the plastic bags.

Plastic bags are mainly used by shoppers to carry grocery items and other goods. It is a good idea to carry a jute bag or a cloth bag whenever we head to the market. Big shopping bags made of clothes are available in the market. We can buy one and reuse it several times. These bags are much better than the plastic bags as they have more capacity. We can keep a good number of things in a big cloth bag. It is much better than holding several small plastic bags. Cloth bags are easier to carry and are also quite firm.

You can also use paper bags instead of plastic bags. Many stores have started providing paper bags as an alternative to the plastic bags.

We humans have caused immense harm to our planet earth. We have degraded the environment and are continuing to do so every day. A switch from plastic bag to cloth bag can be our little effort to reduce pollution and save our environment.

Related Information:

• Essay on Environment
• Why Plastic Bags should be Banned
• Why Plastic Bags are Harmful for Health
• Speech on Plastic Pollution
• Speech on Beat Plastic Pollution

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Environmental Pollution Essay

Pollution is the presence and inclusion of unwanted items in the environment. The state of the environment is altered when it has become contaminated with potentially dangerous compounds as a result of human activity. Water, air, and land are dangerously affected by the pollution. Here are a few sample essays on environmental pollution:

100 Words Essay on Environmental Pollution

200 words essay on environmental pollution, 500 words essay on environmental pollution.

When it comes to protecting the environment, awareness is the key. As more and more people become aware of the causes, types, and impacts of environmental pollution, they are more likely to take steps to prevent it. Air pollution is created as a result of burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Water pollution results from industrial activities, such as the dumping of chemicals into rivers and lakes, as well as from agricultural runoff. Land pollution is caused by the misuse of land and improper disposal of waste. The causes of environmental pollution are numerous and varied. Some of the main culprits are industrial activities, burning of fossil fuels, use of pesticides, and deforestation.

Awareness and taking necessary resolving steps is essential when it comes to protecting the environment from the impacts of environmental pollution. By teaching people the importance of taking steps to prevent environmental pollution, we can ensure a brighter future for our planet. We must understand the causes of environmental pollution, the types of pollution, the impact it has on the environment, and how we can prevent it.

Causes | Environmental pollution is the contamination of the environment through the emissions of pollutants including harmful gases, chemicals, and particulate matter. It is caused by human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial pollution. These activities have caused global warming, acid rain, and water and air pollution, leading to global environmental degradation.

Types | There are different types of environmental pollution. The most common type is air pollution, which is caused by burning of fuels and other industrial activities. Water pollution is another common type of pollution which is caused by sewage and industrial waste. Soil pollution is caused by overuse of pesticides and other chemicals. Noise pollution is caused by traffic, construction activities, and industrial noise. Light pollution is caused by the emission of artificial light.

Impact | The impact of environmental pollution is far-reaching and devastating. Air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, while water pollution can contaminate drinking water and cause health issues. Land pollution causes reduction in soil fertility and even destruction of natural habitats for animals. In addition, it can lead to the destruction of ecosystems, which in turn leads to a decrease in biodiversity.

Environmental pollution has serious impacts on both humans and the environment. It affects air quality, water quality, soil fertility, and public health. Poor air quality affects the respiratory system, leading to respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis. Water pollution can lead to the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Soil pollution can reduce crop yields, leading to food insecurity.

Types of Environmental Pollution

Air | Air pollution is the introduction of dangerous compounds into the atmosphere, which has a negative influence on the environment and humanity. Air pollution simply makes the air impure or contaminated. It happens when noxious gases, scents, dust, or fumes are discharged into the air in concentrations that endanger human and animal comfort or health or even kill plant life.

Water | The act of contaminating water bodies, such as rivers, oceans, lakes, streams, aquifers, and groundwater, is known as water pollution. It happens when foreign, dangerous substances—such as chemicals, garbage, or polluted materials are released into bodies of water, either directly or indirectly.

Land | When the quality of the earth's land surfaces in terms of use, landscape, and capacity to support life forms is compromised or destroyed, this is referred to as land pollution. It is frequently brought on by human activity and the misuse of land resources, both directly and indirectly.

Soil | Chemical pollutants can pollute soil or cause it to degrade through activities like mining, clearing vegetation, or topsoil erosion. Typically, it occurs when human activities bring harmful chemicals, substances, or items into the soil.

Noise | Noise pollution is an unpleasant sound or a sound that causes excruciating ear pain. Noise pollution is described as unpleasant and unwanted sound levels that cause significant distress to all living beings. It is measured in decibels (dB).

Factors Responsible For Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution has a variety of causes. One of the most prominent is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas by power plants, factories and automobiles. This produces large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global climate change. Other sources of environmental pollution include agricultural practices, such as over-fertilization and the use of pesticides, and industrial processes, such as mining, manufacturing and waste disposal.

What Can We Do

To prevent environmental pollution, we must reduce the emissions of various pollutants. We can do this by switching to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. We should reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and use more efficient transportation methods. We should also reduce the emissions of harmful industrial chemicals and practise sustainable agriculture. Additionally, we should increase public awareness of environmental pollution and its impacts, and promote eco-friendly lifestyles.

By understanding the causes and effects of environmental pollution, we can work towards preventing it and ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Awarness and knowledge is essential in this regard, as it helps us to become more conscious and informed citizens. It helps us understand the importance of protecting and preserving the environment and make us more responsible citizens.

The world is facing an ever-growing threat from pollution, which if left unchecked will have catastrophic consequences. Education and taking conscious action plan can play a key role in helping to reduce environmental pollution.

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Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

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Product manager.

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Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

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A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

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Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Polythene & Plastic: Use It Wisely

By Dinuka Jayasinghe –

Dinuka Jayasinghe

Polythene is being dumped hazardously in socially and environmentally sensitive places like road sides, marshy lands, low lying areas, public places, forest and wild life areas, causing numerous negative environmental impacts such as ground and surface water pollution, air pollution and even deaths (recent Meethotamulla disaster).

Waste collection and disposal play an extremely important role in a country’s cleanliness and sustainability drive, with people’s health and the conservation of resources being the responsibility of every Government.

Plastic is some kind of a superhero when it comes to making our life easier. So much of the objects in our lives are built with plastic, so it’s no surprise that the stuff gets everywhere. We don’t even care about how it will impact the environment though. Single-serve beverages and snacks in plastic packaging are an easy grab-and-go option when you’re on the go. We all know the story when we look around. And how about plastic shopping bags so you don’t have to remember to bring another bag every time you head to the store? Buy it free and throw it on the go. Approximately 20 million shopping bags and 15 million lunch sheets used in Sri Lanka daily. Wherever you dump those polythene will stay as it is for more than 1000 years and killing you slowly. But who cares?

Do we care about our Environment?

It is very sad to say right after the Dalada Perahara it became apparent that there were about 200 tons of garbage near Dalada Maligawa premises. Also it was reported that more than a million plastic bottles were collected from Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) area which were discarded by pilgrims who had travelled to Sri Pada for past few months. If we can’t protect the sacred places from garbage, how are we going to protect the other places? Even BMICH premises found to be filled with so many garbage after the recently held book fair. Is that the mentality of our so called readers?

These kinds of stupid behaviours have to be changed immediately if we want to move forward as a country.

The Government and us

The Government had planned to reduce polythene usage without even introducing an alternative. Hope the Government had conducted a feasible study before implementing this strategy. Almost everyone complaining the Government and do nothing. My opinion is banning polythene is not necessary if we have the right discipline to use it.

Sometime back, we had 3R Policy which is Reduce , Reuse and Recycle but now all developed countries promote Zero Waste. This means all waste should be treated as resources for another production process. But unfortunately we promote No Reduce , No Reuse and No Recycle .

It is sad to say dumping garbage at public areas is a ritual of many Sri Lankans. I still wonder what these authorities and so called environmental societies were doing all the time to keep this country clean. Putting an environmental quote on a diary or spending millions on an advertisement does nothing to this country.

Sri Lanka spend only 0.16% of the GDP on Research and Development (R&D) of the country which is a very low amount compared to some of the developed and developing countries. So it is not practicable to wait till the Government to come up with a greater solution other than banning. What if we could request from all the universities (both Government and Private) to conduct a Combined Research and come up with a greater solution for this waste crisis. That is how developed countries do.

The other negative point I see is we all wait till the last moment. We wait until the Government comes to us and do something. Lack of Right Discipline and Self-Awareness made Sri Lanka a developing country over decades.

Developed Countries vs. us

Countries like Japan has more serious discipline in waste management. Japanese are more responsible for their household’s waste. Dropping trash in public is a Social taboo in Japan. Japan has 44 waste separation categories. Waste categorizing is much complicated when comparing to other countries. But self-awareness made it so easy to them. That led Japan to an incredibly clean and eco-friendly country in the world without any prohibitions.

Inventing and investing more on Renewables and Going Green has become the world’s trend these days. Developed countries make more jobs from sustainability development. Some countries have autonomous vehicles to collect garbage. While other countries automating the system, our garbage collectors use to shout or hoot when collecting garbage. They don’t even use a speaker for calling. Isn’t it very primitive?

Are we going to stay as a 3 rd World Country for the rest of our lives?

If you think recycling is an impossible and undesirable task, just remember there is a 7 year old boy in USA who has earned $20,000 in just 2 years only by recycling plastic bottles. Wayne Huizenga, well-known American businessman and entrepreneur became a billionaire staring with garbage collection.

Impact of Polythene / Plastic to living beings

It is recorded that Sri Lanka is ranked 5 th in the world with regard to disposing garbage in the sea. This is a very serious issue even if we don’t see the impact. It is found that over 1 million of marine animals die from plastic every year. According to a research done on countries around the world that dump plastic and polythene waste into marine environment by International Business Times, over 13 million tons of non-recyclable wastes is dumped annually in to the sea, 80% of the waste was observed to be polythene and plastic from 20 countries including Sri Lanka.

We can’t just let go how these plastics and polythene kills our Coral Reefs. One of the main environmental issues in our country though. But unfortunately no one cares about it until next Tsunami hits Sri Lanka.

The impact and effectiveness of so calledSea Protection Laws need to be changed or not?

Researchers from Ghent University in Belgium found that fish prefer to eat plastic over food. More than 50 species of fish are more likely to eat plastic debris over their natural food. Further the researches predicted that every seafood lover could be eating up to 11,000 micro plastic particles each year.   But they are yet to find the impact on our health, but for sure if the plastic levels increase so as the risk. As per the World Economic Forum, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050.

It is a surprise to know that  plastic is also showing up in our own drinking water . Researchers from  Orb Media  tested samples of tap water from around the globe and found that almost every sample contaminated with Micro plastics. As per the study, an average of 80% of global tap water contaminated with plastic fibers. Scientists are yet to find the impact of these plastic fibers to the human body. But they confirmed micro fibers can easily absorb toxins than other substances and release it to the body once ingested. So the disaster is very real even we haven’t heard it before.

Super Market Scenario

One of the main reasons to increase Polythene usage is from our country’s Super Market channel. For sake of gaining greater customer satisfaction those super market executives separate each and every item with polythene bag. If someone buys 10 items, would carry 10 polythene bags. This has to be changed immediately.

Super markets have introduced thicker polythene (20 micron) bags for carriages considering those would be reused by customers. But unfortunately it has doubled the resin import and haven’t seen any reduction in waste. As per my knowledge people only feel the difference (the gesture) of new polythene bag instead of its use. It is a surprise even super market executives have no knowledge on newly introduced High Density polythene bags.

Simple ways to reduce polythene usage at Super Market level

• Educate customers on recycling and reusing by Expertise at the outlet itself (like they promote goods)
• Make a discipline ‘Carrying Your Own Bag’
• Discounting (as a percentage of final bill value) on bills when customers use their own Non-Polythene (cloth) bags
• Encourage customers to use re-usable cloth grocery bags and decline plastic bags
• Encourage to buying in bulk
• Encourage customers to buy reusable, rechargeable items
• Reduce issuing no. of polythene bags for item separation.
• Reduce polythene/plastic food packaging
• Increase beverages bottles in glass so can be reused
• Educate and encourage people to reduce eating processed foods (good for health as well as the environment since packaging comes only polythene)
• Educate and encourage people to make squeezed fresh juice or eat fruits than buying juices in bottles 
• Encourage customers to return reusable containers (plastic bottles, ice-cream cups, etc…)

We need to use these type of Strategies until Going Green becomes a discipline in every citizen.

The UN Special Rapporteur & The Government’s Duty

The sinhala alt-right & the tamil question , latest comments.

Rajash / October 19, 2017

polythene and plastic use it wisely; you mean Dayan and Rajiv or MY3 and Ranil or MarRa and GanasRa or Yellow Robes and Politicians devastating damage to the Country as polythene and plastic to the environment

Dinuka / October 19, 2017

Yes there are so many dying damages in the country than polythene. These are the real time issues. Let them decide what they want. Karma will do the rest. Do you think from an article you could stop corruption. No one in this world could change that thing.

You haven’t seen the big picture yet. When these environmental issues start to reply us we won’t be able to stand by our own.

One thing there is nothing called yellow robes. Mind your language first and try to at least respect other religions.

Mihiri Amath / October 19, 2017

Racism does not have to come up and it has nothing to do with religion. Useful article if people actually took some time up to not only read this, but also to put it into practice! Great work Dinuka ayya! Some true wording!

Jim softy / October 19, 2017

There is no wise use of plastics. The only way it maek people understand and value being environmental friendly a fashion and a responsibility. Make them they are responsible to keep their environment safe for them as well as for their children.

max / October 19, 2017

Brilliant piece of writing Dinuka Jayasinghe. We are a most undiscipline and irresponsible nation when it comes to conserving the environment. How many sili sili bags with full of garbage, every day on roadsides? How many empty sili sili bags flying all around every day? How many empty plastic bottles floating on the waters and lying on roadsides? Even if the govt double the no. of garbage collectors, they wont be able to clean the city unless we dont adapt a systematic way of garbage elimination. I noticed recently, in the ‘diyawanna oya’ of the parliament road, there were hundreds of unattended empty plastic bottles! Let alone, pilgrim sites, book fairs, temples, kovils, mosques, churches, even the environmentally preserved nature reserves are not spared by our fellow Sri Lankans.

In a way, the garbage issue has made Sri Lanka united. Or, we have common in one subject. Polluting the environment. Irrespective of the race, religion, cast or creed, or educated or uneducated, all of us are a one bunch of nasties that do not give a shit about a systematic garbage dumping.

Thanks again Dinuka, for high lighting the issue.

We can’t change anything unless we change our attitude and discipline. If Ethiopia could make a difference why can’t we do this.

Please don’t rely everything on the government.

Thank you max for the appreciation

Personally I do not rely on govt or any other institute for that matter. In a personal note, I am an almost zero user of polythene/plastic. What I wanted to communicate was any govt. alone cannot do this. Public cooperation is utmost important. As you rightly said, it has to be a change of attitudes and discipline in personal level.

Jimsofty / October 19, 2017

I do not know whether you wrtoe in your article. Something clled “hefty fines” comes when the attitude nd discipline are not there. A way to provide sustainable – employment. —-

Kapila / October 19, 2017

What you said is very true but problem is changing the attitude of the people. All we care about ourselves and don’t care what can happen in future. What we can do is changing myself, avoid polythene/plastic as much as possible.

Ajmal Hussain / October 19, 2017

For typical sri lankans i dont think this would be so useful

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Write an essay in about 150-200 words on the following: Hazards of the Use of Polythene Bags.

The day starts with the morning milk supply which arrives in a trendy plastic cover. fruits, vegetables, oil, cloth, shoes, pens, tools etc. are all wrapped by the polythene covers. if we look around, they are everywhere. due to its light weight, high strength, good flexibility, performance, low economic cost plastics have gained wide-spread acceptance. polythene bags are the agents of air pollution, cancer, and skin diseases. it is used like a slow poison in daily life. in the process of recycling poly bags, the producers use a large number of hazardous chemicals which are injurious to our health. calcutta medical college hospital says that taking tea in poly cup can be the cause of ulcer. experts say, polythene bags and other plastic materials, if burnt below 7000 degree celsius, create poisonous gas which can cause cancer and skin diseases. the polythene wrapped fish, vegetables and meat are infected by anaerobic bacteria which is responsible for skin disease and cancer. plastic bags choke drainage system and water supply channels. the blocked drainages lead to dangerous diseases like filariasis, dengue and malaria. plastics pollute rivers, canals and lakes as also other water-resources. the environmentalists feel that poly bags are a serious threat to the environment and also release toxic gases in to the atmosphere. it is a simple issue which can be solved easily, but if neglected can lead to serious consequences. so, we must follow precautions and initiate measures to save our environment as well as our life..

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The “Epic Row” Over a New Epoch

By Elizabeth Kolbert

A few months into the third millennium, a group called the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (I.G.B.P.) held a meeting in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Among the researchers in attendance was Paul Crutzen, an atmospheric chemist best known for his research on ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons. For this work, Crutzen, a Dutchman living in Germany, had received a Nobel Prize, in 1995. In his Nobel lecture, he noted that, given humanity’s heedlessness, it had got off lightly. Millions of pounds of CFCs had been released into the air before anyone had considered the possible consequences. As a result of the chemicals’ behavior in the stratosphere, a “hole” had opened up in the ozone layer over Antarctica. But, if CFCs had turned out to behave just slightly differently, the hole would have stretched from pole to pole before scientists had even had the tools to measure it.

“I can only conclude that mankind has been extremely lucky,” Crutzen said.

At the I.G.B.P. meeting in Cuernavaca, Crutzen found himself growing agitated. His colleagues kept referring to the Holocene, the geological epoch that began at the close of the last ice age, about twelve thousand years ago. At the dawn of the Holocene, the global population was maybe four million—barely enough to fill a city like Sydney or St. Petersburg. By the time of the meeting in Mexico, there were more than six billion people on the planet, and human activity was fundamentally altering such basic Earth processes as the carbon cycle.

“Stop using the word ‘Holocene,’ ” Crutzen blurted out. “We’re not in the Holocene any more. We’re in the . . . ” He paused, searching for the right word. “We’re in the Anthropocene!” During the next coffee break, Crutzen’s neologism was the main topic of conversation. Someone suggested that he copyright the term.

As it turned out, the Anthropocene wasn’t Crutzen’s to claim. Eugene Stoermer, a biologist at the University of Michigan, had coined the word back in the nineteen-eighties, out of much the same frustration. Crutzen got in touch with Stoermer, and the two wrote an essay for the I.G.B.P. newsletter, laying out their case for a new age. Human activities, the pair argued, were altering the planet faster and more dramatically than the geological forces that had shaped it for most of its history.

“It seems to us more than appropriate to emphasize the central role of mankind” by using “the term ‘anthropocene’ for the current geological epoch,” the pair wrote. Not many people read the I.G.B.P. newsletter, so in 2002 Crutzen refashioned the essay for the journal Nature . He listed some of the ways that humans were altering the planet: chopping down rain forests, messing with the climate, and manufacturing novel chemicals, such as CFCs. Once again, Crutzen stressed how fortunate humanity had been so far. Had the ozone layer sustained more damage, large parts of the world could have been rendered uninhabitable. “More by luck than by wisdom, this catastrophic situation did not develop,” he observed.

Many researchers found Crutzen and Stoermer’s term useful. Soon the word “Anthropocene” began popping up in scientific papers. This, in turn, piqued the interest of stratigraphers—the subset of geologists who maintain the planet’s official timetable, the International Chronostratigraphic Chart. Had the Earth really entered a new epoch, in the stratigraphic sense of the term? And, if so, when? The International Commission on Stratigraphy (I.C.S.) set up the Anthropocene Working Group (A.W.G.) to look into the matter. It was still working away last month, when, in a vote that one group member described to me as “Putinesque,” a subcommittee of the I.C.S. decided against adding the Anthropocene to the timetable. The vote might have marked the end of the story, were it not that it was probably just the beginning. As another geologist put it to me, “Voting down the Anthropocene is a bit like trying to vote down plate tectonics. It’s real, it’s there, and we are going to have to deal with it.”

Stratigraphers are used to thinking in vast stretches of time. The International Chronostratigraphic Chart starts with the Hadean eon, which began with the birth of the planet, 4.5 billion years ago. The Hadean lasted five hundred million years and was succeeded by the Archean eon, which went on (and on and on) for 1.5 billion years. The Permian period spanned nearly fifty million years, the Cretaceous period eighty million. Within these periods there were many sub-periods—technically known as epochs—which also lasted a long time. The Cisuralian epoch of the Permian, for example, stretched over twenty-six million years.

But, the closer the chart gets to the present, the narrower the divisions become. The second most recent geological period, the Neogene, lasted just twenty million years. The current period, the Quaternary, began with the start of the ice ages, a mere 2.58 million years ago. The Quaternary is further divided into two epochs—the Pleistocene, which spanned 2.57 million years, and the Holocene, which, for now, is still ongoing.

To mark the boundaries between the various epochs and periods, the I.C.S. relies on what are formally called “global boundary stratotype sections and points” and informally known as “golden spikes.” For the most part, golden spikes are layers of rock that contain evidence of some notable shift in Earth’s history—a reversal of the planet’s magnetic poles, say, or the disappearance of a fossilized species. The golden spike for the start of the Triassic period, for example, is a layer of rock found in Meishan, China, and the shift it records is a mass extinction that killed off something like ninety per cent of all species on Earth. (The Chinese have set up a park in Meishan, where visitors can view the two-hundred-and-fifty-million-year-old rock layer in an exposed cliffside.) With golden spikes, again, the closer you get to the present, the more the present intrudes. In the case of the Holocene, the golden spike is a layer in an ice core from Greenland that’s stored in a freezer in Copenhagen. The layer consists of the compressed remains of snow that fell eleven thousand seven hundred years ago, which corresponds to the end of a cold snap known as the Younger Dryas.

With the exception of the Holocene, the start dates for geological ages have been determined millions of years after the fact. This means that whatever signal is being used to set them has withstood the test of time. The rocks of the Anthropocene, of course, do not yet exist. When the Anthropocene Working Group was formed, in 2009, its first task was to decide whether human impacts on the planet would still be discernible millions of years from now.

After several years of study, the group decided that the answer was yes. The carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels will leave a permanent signature in the rocks of the future, as will the fallout from nuclear testing. Novel ecosystems that people have created by moving plants and animals around the world will produce novel fossil assemblages. Meanwhile, traces of some of the trillions of tons of stuff humans have generated, from transistors to tanker ships, will be preserved, meaning that a whole new class of fossils will appear in the record—so-called technofossils. Before aluminum smelting was invented, in the nineteenth century, aluminum existed on Earth only in combination with other elements. Future geologists will thus be able to distinguish the current epoch via the remains of beer cans—the Bud Light layer.

These and other “distinctive attributes of the recent geological record support the formalization of the Anthropocene as a stratigraphic entity,” members of the A.W.G. noted in a paper that appeared in Science in 2016.

When Crutzen and Stoermer initially proposed the Anthropocene, they suggested that it had begun with the first stirrings of the Industrial Revolution, in the late eighteenth century. The A.W.G. considered this possibility, but ultimately rejected it. In the decades following the Second World War, resource consumption skyrocketed—a development that’s become known as the Great Acceleration. The fantastic growth in the production of new materials such as aluminum and plastic, the group decided, made a date closer to 1950 a more logical starting point for the new epoch.

Last summer, under pressure from the International Commission on Stratigraphy to finish its work, the A.W.G. announced its proposal for a golden spike. It chose a marker similar to the one used for the base of the Holocene, although, in this case, the core came not from an ice sheet but from a lake bottom.

Crawford Lake, which is about thirty miles southwest of Toronto, is what’s known as meromictic, which means that its top and bottom waters don’t mix. As a result of this and other unusual qualities, everything that falls into the lake, from pollen grains to radioactive particles, gets preserved in layers of sediment that can be very precisely dated. The idea was to designate the base of the Anthropocene as the layer of Crawford Lake sediment laid down in 1952—and, more specifically, as the 1952 layer preserved in one particular core kept in a freezer in Quebec. (The United States conducted the first H-bomb tests in 1952, and the fallout from these clearly shows up in the lake bed as a spike in plutonium.) The working group announced its choice of the Crawford Lake core while stratigraphers from around the world were gathered for a conference in Lille, France. But, in a sign of things to come, the group was barred from making the announcement at the conference hall and had to rent a room in a nearby hotel.

In the roughly two and a half centuries since the field of geology was founded, debates over dividing time have often turned nasty. In the eighteen-thirties, for example, several of Britain’s most prominent geologists traded insults in a dispute over rocks from what’s now known as the Devonian period, some four hundred million years ago. One of the parties to the controversy, Henry De la Beche, was a talented artist, and he lampooned his critics in a cartoon that pictured them facing a man with a large nose.

“This, gentlemen, is my nose,” the man says.

“My dear fellow!” the critics respond. “Your account of yourself generally may be very well, but as we have classed you, before we saw you, among men without noses, you cannot possibly have a nose.”

More recently, a fight over whether the Quaternary period should be absorbed into the Neogene caused a rift in the geological community that took many years—and almost as many votes—to resolve. (At one point, the International Union of Geological Sciences [I.U.G.S.], the parent organization of the International Commission on Stratigraphy, withheld funding from the I.C.S. over its handling of the dispute.) The Quaternary managed to survive, but many geologists who work on the Neogene viewed the decision as wrongheaded, and, after the final vote was taken, in 2009, petitioned to have it overturned.

“You come to the Neogene-Quaternary boundary, and there is nothing there,” one stratigrapher complained to Nature .

Even given this history, the fight over the Anthropocene has been a bitter one. On one side are those geologists who argue, à la Stoermer and Crutzen, that human activity has so altered the planet that it no longer makes sense to say we live in the Holocene. The most outspoken members of this camp tend—perhaps not surprisingly—to be members of the Anthropocene Working Group.

“To suddenly have these changes and still call it the Holocene, it becomes a little bit like the way some oceanographers talk about coral reefs,” Jan Zalasiewicz, a British geologist who led the Anthropocene Working Group for many years, told me. “It’s become a kind of zombie epoch. It’s formally still here, but the conditions that characterized it no longer exist.”

In the other camp are those who argue that the Anthropocene, pretty much by definition, lies outside the purview of stratigraphy.

“The stratigraphic record is the past,” Stanley Finney, a geologist at California State University who’s also the secretary-general of the International Union of Geological Sciences, wrote with Lucy Edwards, a stratigrapher with the U.S. Geological Survey. The Anthropocene, by contrast, “is the present and future.”

“It’s something we would need to look back on to understand whether this boundary has a function,” Philip Gibbard, a professor emeritus at the University of Cambridge who’s now the secretary-general of the I.C.S., told me. “Those who propose the boundary would say, Well, the Anthropocene is going to continue on into the future. But I’m afraid we don’t deal with the future as geologists. We only deal with what's preserved in the rock record.”

The simmering conflict came to a boil this past winter. As with many such disputes, this one morphed from a substantive argument into a procedural one. The members of the A.W.G. felt that they’d been railroaded by the I.C.S. into submitting a formal proposal before they were ready to. They also complained that, in the run-up to the vote, Anthropocene proponents, including Zalasiewicz, had been sidelined. (At the time, Zalasiewicz was the chairman of the voting subcommittee—the I.C.S.’s Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy [S.Q.S.]—and the vote was held over his objections.)

“It was like a palace coup, basically,” Colin Waters, the chairman of the A.W.G. at the time, told me.

The final tally—twelve against declaring a new epoch, four in favor, and two abstentions—was released to the Times before most members of the A.W.G. had learned of it. Zalasiewicz—who, along with one of the other subcommittee members, had refused to cast a ballot—questioned the legitimacy of the tally on several grounds, including the fact that he, the chair, had not called it. His objections were quickly brushed aside by the I.C.S.’s governing board.

“ Quest to declare Anthropocene an epoch descends into epic row ,” a headline in the Guardian read.

“I can assure you that the claims that have been made by certain members of the Anthropocene Working Group are rubbish,” Gibbard, who, in addition to serving on the I.C.S. executive board, is a member of the Quaternary subcommission, told me. “They’re just sore losers. The trouble is that the Anthropocene Working Group had developed into nothing more than a—what can I say?—kind of a cult.”

In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that I am an Anthropocene partisan. This is not to say I have any particular knowledge of stratigraphy (though, with Zalasiewicz, I once visited the golden spike for the base of the Silurian period, a layer of rock in a cliffside in Scotland). It’s that I find the Anthropocene a helpful neologism—indeed, a necessary one. It’s a succinct way of communicating a messy and profoundly consequential reality. Human activity has become the major driver of change on Earth. And many of the ways in which we’re transforming the planet—by driving once-widespread species extinct or spreading microplastics around the globe—are irreversible across timescales both human and geological.

The term’s utility is, presumably, the reason that it was so widely adopted following Crutzen’s outburst. And its wide adoption, in turn, helps to explain why the recent I.C.S. debate became so charged.

Most laypeople don’t much care about, say, the start date of the Pleistocene. (It was recently moved back almost eight hundred thousand years.) Such abstruse questions seem far removed from present-day concerns. But the debate about the Anthropocene is about the present. It’s where stratigraphy meets the news cycle. Long before the I.C.S. had a chance to rule on it, the Anthropocene had become the subject of movies, books, and art exhibitions. The work of the A.W.G., meanwhile, was generously covered in the press. When the working group announced its decision to plant a golden spike in Crawford Lake, outlets from the Hindustan Times to Deutsche Welle ran stories on the choice.

Many geologists born before the proposed Anthropocene start date seem to have begrudged the would-be time period all this attention. “The Anthropocene epoch was pushed through the media from the beginning—a publicity drive,” Finney, the I.U.G.S. secretary-general, observed to Science dismissively.

The future of the Anthropocene as an official stratigraphic unit is, at this point, unclear. The A.W.G. dissolved after the vote, but, as several members of the group pointed out to me, the leadership of the I.C.S. is due to turn over this summer, after the quadrennial International Geological Congress, set to take place in South Korea. Kim Cohen, a Dutch geologist who, at fifty, is one of the younger members of the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy and who cast a “yes” vote for the new epoch, told me that he expects to see the Anthropocene added to the geological timescale within his life.

“I think many of my fellow S.Q.S. members will not see it,” he added by way of clarification.

But the Anthropocene’s future as an informal time period is assured. It’s too apt—and too important—a term to be abandoned. As Paul Crutzen pointed out in 2002, barring a “meteorite impact, a world war or a pandemic,” humans “will remain a major environmental force for many millennia.” Science recently summed up the situation this way: “ The Anthropocene is dead. Long live the Anthropocene .”

Crutzen died in 2021, so it’s impossible to know what he would have said about the recent I.C.S. vote. I imagine, though, that he would have responded to it much as he did to a question I posed to him back in 2010. What was important about the Anthropocene, he told me at that time, was not whether it was included in geology texts, but whether it prompted people to think more carefully about the consequences of their collective actions.

“What I hope,” he said, “is that the term ‘Anthropocene’ will be a warning to the world.” ♦

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