THE growing global population and the undisciplined disposal of waste, especially plastic, have been gradually destroying the natural environment. Now, the world’s population is suffering the consequences of this irresponsible behaviour.
Plastic products have been useful to human society since their introduction in the world’s history of science. Most objects in the world decompose easily without causing long-term harm. However, plastic products can last for over 100 years before breaking down. Therefore, people around the world must adopt systematic practices for using, reusing, and recycling plastics to benefit society without causing harm. Everyone, indeed, needs to consider the genuine purpose of introducing plastic products, which was set a plan to be comfortable for people.
The press release issued by the United Nations stated that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled. An estimated 11 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually. That is approximately the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers altogether.
Microplastics – tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter – find their way into food, water and air. It is estimated that each person on the planet consumes more than 50,000 plastic particles per year, and many more if inhalation is considered. Microplastics are very dangerous for aquatic animals, especially fish. People who eat the meals of fish which unexpectedly eaten microplastics may face dangers gradually due to the circulation of these particles in the veins and other inner body organs.
Moreover, discarded or burnt single-use plastic harms human health and biodiversity and pollutes every ecosystem from mountain tops to the ocean floor. With available science and solutions to tackle the problem, governments, companies and other stakeholders must scale up and speed up actions to solve this crisis.
The World Environment Day 2025 theme is “Ending Plastic Pollution”. This year’s event will be hosted by the Republic of Korea. The theme focuses on addressing the issue of plastic pollution and driving action to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink the use of plastics. Everyone, regardless of country or nationality, is responsible for minimizing the problems caused by plastic waste, not only in the oceans but also on land and in the atmosphere, to avoid endangering people worldwide. If people around the world want to protect themselves, they must take disciplined and systematic action to dispose of plastic waste properly.
