Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic measuring less than 5mm in diameter. But they are colossal peril.
According to United Nations Environmental Program, 51 trillion microplastic particles are already in our oceans. Smaller animals are more likely to engulf these particles. Because larger fish feed on animals, these particles could accumulate in them. The scourge of microplastics is working their way up the food chain and our plates. In short, this is microplastic pollution.
Microplastics Effects on Human Beings
In humans, microplastics have been linked to cancer infertility, hormonal imbalance, and birth defects. The news of whales and other majestic marine life dying, due to their consumption of plastic is becoming more and more frequent. More than half a million hermit crabs have been killed after becoming trapped in plastic debris. It prompt concern that the deaths could be part of a global species decline.
According to Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association, approximately 55 billion plastic bags are used each year in the country. Today, we are in dire need to cut short our demand for plastic bags and plastic products.
Let us take an example of our border-sharing country India. India is making roads using waste plastic which is proving more durable than ordinary roads made of coal tar and concrete.
India has 33,700 km of plastic roads. 1 km of road uses the equivalent of 1million plastic bags and saves around 1 tonne of asphalt and costs 8% less than the conventional road.
Source: “World Economic Forum“.
Solution Strategy for Microplastic contamination
Government should take serious steps to curb plastic spread through strict implementation of effective policies, the building of plastic roads, and promotion of biodegradable plastic from packing material to shopping bags. Hence, It is our responsibility to stop the use of plastic bags.
Therefore, the adoption of the 3R strategy of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle is important in this regard. Serious steps are required to save humanity from the upcoming disaster. Which may prove even more fatal than any deadly contagion.
Author: Ayesha Mehmood
Club: RAC Multan Change Makers
RID#3272 South
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