The world is facing a plastics crisis that affects not only the environment but also human health and the economy. Worldwide, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute and up to 5 billion plastic bags are used each year.
Half of all plastic produced is designed to be thrown away after a single use. Plastics, particularly microplastics, are ubiquitous in our natural environment and become part of the Earth’s fossil record, that is, a sign of the current geological era: the Anthropocene.
“This problem is getting worse and if we don’t act, the damage will continue to increase,” Francisco Alarcón, a specialist at the international organization Nicky Maker, which promotes sustainability, art and strategic development, told El Sol de México.
Regarding the plastic explosion, he said that from the 1950s to the 1970s of the last century, the production and waste of plastics were relatively controllable due to limited production.
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But it was between the decades of 1970 and 1990 that the generation of plastic waste more than tripled and a similar increase was reflected in its production.
The amount of plastic waste generated in the decade 2000-2010 increased more in this period than in the previous 40 years.
Currently, around 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced per year, he said.
“Plastic is often invisible in our lives, but its footprint is undeniable,” he said.
Our modern lifestyle and need to fit into society have blinded us to the magnitude of the plastic problem.Francisco Alarcón
Regarding the impacts caused by plastic, Francisco Alarcón said that it is used in a variety of single-use products. And approximately 36 percent of all plastics are used in packaging. Food and beverage containers are included.
From the coffee lid in the morning, to the wrapping of fried foods, to the detergent bottles, to the yogurt containers, plastic is present in every activity of our daily routine.
However, around 85 percent of these single-use packaging end up in landfills or as unregulated waste.
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Likewise, he said that according to reports, approximately one thousand rivers transport 80 percent of the world’s annual emissions of river plastic to the oceans. This ranges between 0.8 and 2.7 million tons per year. Even small urban rivers contribute to this problem.
Reducing our dependence on single-use plastic products is a crucial first step, said Francisco Alarcón.
Therefore, the recommendation is instead of using plastic bags when shopping at the pantry or the market, carry a reusable bag; prefer reusable products. So instead of buying single-use water bottles, invest in a reusable container.
In the same way, you can opt for reusable kitchen utensils instead of disposable products.
Recycling should be encouraged; reduce the purchase of packaged products and buy them in bulk when possible and use your own bag.
Promote awareness among family and friends about plastic issues and its impact on the environment and support sustainable policies: laws and regulations that promote the reduction of single-use plastic products and the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
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And optimistic, Francisco Alarcón said: “The sustainable future begins with us. Together we can make a difference in the fight against the tide of plastic, the Nicky Marker organization is committed to raising awareness about plastic problems and promoting sustainable solutions.”
2024-01-01 19:58:35
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