The use of plastic products is increasing at an alarming rate
Plastic has changed our lifestyle to a large extent, and has changed the world as well. From toothbrushes in the morning to most of what is used throughout the day, plastic is used.
Plastic is not biodegradable. Plastic bottles last for about 450 years in nature. Recently, the use of plastic products in the country has been increasing at an alarming rate.
About 23 kg of plastic is used per capita in Dhaka every year. Although the use of plastic makes many tasks of life easier, it is harmful to the environment.
Most of the various types of plastic products used are ‘single-use’, which are used once. Plastic decomposes in nature due to sunlight, water, and air, breaking down into small particles called microplastics.
A study published in October 2024 showed that the level of bromine is highest in black plastic. Black plastic increases the amount of polybrominated diphenyl ether in the body. This substance is responsible for various types of cancer. As a result, the risk of cancer can increase by up to 300 percent.
Nowadays, online food delivery uses black plastic boxes, some of which contain harmful chemicals. The use of plastic in food products is responsible for stomach diseases, liver problems, and even cancer in many cases. It has a greater impact on the stomach, kidneys, and heart.
A recent study found that 3.15 to 3.84 billion plastic bottles are used each year in the country. Only 21.4 percent are recycled, leaving 78.6 percent to pollute the environment.
The world’s soil, rivers, and oceans are covered in plastic waste; microplastics are also floating in the air. Excessive use of plastic has put the environment on the verge of disaster. It is becoming difficult to maintain the natural and natural balance of the environment, including soil pollution.
Plastic harms soil quality and reduces land fertility. As a result, food grain production is not as expected.
Moreover, plastic waste gets stuck in the soil and prevents the movement of water and natural nutrients. This prevents the normal growth of microorganisms in the soil, reduces soil fertility, and reduces crop yields.
Every day, about 14 million polythene bags are thrown away in Dhaka city, ending up in rivers. In this way, 18 billion pounds of plastic waste goes into the ocean every year. If this continues, there will be more plastic in the ocean than aquatic animals by 2050.
Plastic turns into tiny particles, which enter our food chain through fish. It has had a huge impact not only on aquatic animals, but also on seabirds. Plastic has also been found in the stomachs of seabirds. Because they cannot distinguish between fish floating in the sea and plastic bags.
Everyone must come forward to save the world. When Leo Baekeland discovered synthetic plastic in 1907, he certainly did not think that his discovery would become such a major crisis for civilization.
