The unsustainable toll of plastic consumption

By Robert Mutasi 

Plastic pollution is no longer merely an environmental issue but a critical emergency that harms nature, human health, and the earth's climate.

We have become too addicted to single-use plastics that it is convenient to utilize at the cost of the environment.

This has grave consequences. We need revolutionary, not evolutionary, solutions to this problem.

It is not sustainable to manufacture plastic. Plastic comes from fossil fuels, and the manufacturing process of plastic releases a tremendous amount of gases which are poisonous to the environment.

The extracting and refining processes of the material spew toxic chemicals into water and air and also cause climate change.

Even though individuals have become more environmentally conscious, the production of plastic has not decreased because businesses prioritize profitability ahead of sustainability.

This cycle of production and consumption cannot persist in its current form and must be remedied immediately.

Plastic waste, once created, persists for a very long time. 

Plastics have negative effects to our marine animals lives and our daily ones. 

When plastics are broken down into tiny fragments called microplastics, they are a problem.

Microplastics can find their way into the food human beings eat and could be unhealthful.

Current research has discovered that there are bits of plastic, or microplastics, in water, in seafood, and even in the air.

This has raised concern about what they may be doing to us in the long run.

The issue isn't only about how we're destroying the environment, but it points to underlying societal problems.

How we shop promotes the use-once-then-throw-away mentality rather than buying something to have.

Brands continue to produce plastic packaging by the mountains, yet there are limited environment-friendly choices for customers.

Governments are aware that something is amiss but fail to issue effective legislation on this front since companies lobby them and they fear losing profits.

The lack of a concerted effort to manage plastic waste is what perpetuates this problem. We need to transform the manner in which we use plastic.

Recycling is encouraged in general, though it is not enough because most plastic waste is not recycled.

New products should be the first to use biodegradable products, reusable products, and waste-reducing systems.

Governments need to have tighter controls to ban harmful plastics and encourage sustainable consumption.

Companies should be held responsible for their contribution to the environment, and consumers should change their consumption and use of products.

Plastic waste should be combated by all, from individuals to communities and governments.

We cannot merely examine cutting down on our own use of plastic; we need to examine systemic radical change so that we eliminate the use of plastic in an unsustainable manner once and forever.