Plastic bottles have a huge impact on health and environment
The use of plastic bottles has a huge impact on our environment and health. A recent study found that Bangladesh uses 3.15 to 3.84 billion plastic bottles each year, with only 21.4% being recycled. The rest, 78.6%, contributes to plastic pollution.
Plastic bottles can remain in the environment for up to 450 years, potentially releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our food chain. This issue is now a major health and environmental crisis.
A study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESD) found that 83.6% of people in the country use plastic bottles daily.
Only 18.4% of urban residents and 5.5% of rural residents are aware of the health risks of plastic. Most people throw away plastic bottles after using them once, which causes serious damage to the environment.
Plastic pollution, especially from single-use bottles, is a worrying challenge for our environment and public health, say experts.
Researchers warn that chemicals like bisphenol A and microplastics from plastic bottles are contaminating our food chain, threatening human health and biodiversity.
Reducing the use of plastic bottles, increasing the use of recyclable materials, and adopting environmentally friendly alternatives are very important. To reduce plastic waste and enhance recycling, both the government and the public must increase awareness.
There is a call for eco-friendly and affordable alternatives to plastic bottles, promoting reusable bottles and implementing strict policies to reduce plastic production and use. Only then will it be possible to address this growing risk to the environment and health.
