The Problem With Plastics
Wherever you look - in your home, office, school, on the street - you’ll find it. From The moment we wake up, to the moment we go to sleep, we live our lives surrounded by plastics.
According to recent studies, there has been more plastic produced in the last decade than in the entire XX century.
As an example of this : back in the early 1970's, only a portion of the toys available were fully made of plastic. Other materials, such as rubber, wood, fabric and tin were used very creatively, with some addition of plastic parts here and there. Nowadays, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single toy that’s not made out entirely of plastic. Even paper goods, such as paperbacks and cardboard packaging, are nowadays covered in resins and plastics.
This plastics invasion has been so slow and so convenient for our lives that we have accepted it without realizing the dangers that pose for the environment and, in consequence, for the life of our planet. But, what is plastic, exactly?
What is Plastic?
Although most modern plastics are synthetic, derived from petrochemicals, organic polymers are found in nature in corn, cotton, wood, etc. Some plastics are made from these, or from a combination between synthetic and organic polymers.
The pre-history of our modern plastics can be traced back to early civilizations, who already used the juice extracted from the rubber plant to chew (as today’s chewing gum) and to craft balls and other shock-resistant items. Treated cattle horns were also used for transparent, durable items such as cups, candle holders, belt buckles, etc.
The advent of the Industrial Revolution saw an increase in chemical experimentation and the creation of new materials. Parkesine (nitrocellulose) patented in 1856 in England, is considered to be the first ever man-made plastic.
However, the first fully-synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was invented in 1907 by the Belgian-American scientist Leo Bakeland. He coined the term ‘plastics’ for his new material, due to its inherent malleable quality.
Bakelite was used to make telephones, radios, billiard balls, dice, hair combs, buttons, jewelry and many other items.
The following years saw an explosion in the development of new synthetic materials: PVC in the late 1920's, Polystyrene in the1930's, Polyethylene in 1933, Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET) in 1941, and Polypropylene in 1954, among others.
Since it’s launch into the mainstream market in the late 1920's, plastics were touted as the material of the future, and the booming post-war industry only reinforced this concept. In order to be modern, one had to incorporate plastics into every aspect of one’s life.
Back then, people only saw the benefits of this wonderful new material, and who could have blamed them? Plastic is relatively cheap to produce, which in turn lowers the prices of the objects made with it. Plastic is malleable and can take any shape you desire.
The following years saw an explosion in the development of new synthetic materials: PVC in the late 1920's, Polystyrene in the1930's, Polyethylene in 1933, Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET) in 1941, and Polypropylene in 1954, among others.
Plastic is Fantastic!
Since it’s launch into the mainstream market in the late 1920's, plastics were touted as the material of the future, and the booming post-war industry only reinforced this concept. In order to be modern, one had to incorporate plastics into every aspect of one’s life.
Back then, people only saw the benefits of this wonderful new material, and who could have blamed them? Plastic is relatively cheap to produce, which in turn lowers the prices of the objects made with it. Plastic is malleable and can take any shape you desire.
Plastic is waterproof and durable, which makes it convenient for rain gear and garden furniture.
Plastic film protects and allows you to see what’s underneath.
Plastic film protects and allows you to see what’s underneath.
Plastic keeps germs at bay due to its inorganic nature, which prevents the proliferation of bacteria. For this same reason, plastic lining keeps foods fresh for longer.
Plastic is light and does not break easily, which is perfect for fragile items such as bottles, cups, jugs and glasses.
Plastic is printable, and comes in a vast array of colours so attractive that they’re sure to please even the pickiest shopper.
Plastic is printable, and comes in a vast array of colours so attractive that they’re sure to please even the pickiest shopper.
To crown it all, some items, such as straws, mixers and shopping bags became free and disposable, which liberated us from cleaning chores and added comfort to our lives. What was not to like? Plastics were great!
The benefits of this material were too great to ignore, and we adopted it in its many variations in an infinity of uses. Here’s a short list of some of the most common types of plastics that we can find on everyday items:
Polyepoxide (epoxy) - used in glues such as Krazy-Glue.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) - used in frying pans, waffle-makers, etc.
Polymethyl Metacrylate (Acrylic) - used in a large array of items, from paintings to household items.
Melamine Formaldehyde (Formica) - used in coverings, dinnerware, laminate flooring, etc.
Silicone - used in kitchen items, lubricants, earplugs, as glue, in surgeries, etc.
Elastomers - used in tyres, car interiors, office furniture, shavers, toothbrushes, baby toys, etc.
Polyamides (nylons) - used in fabrics and clothing items.
Polyester - used in fabrics and clothing items.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - used in pipes, home insulation, etc.
Polystyrene - used in cups, food trays and containers, packing peanuts, etc.
Polypropylene - used in yogurt cups, bottle caps, drinking straws, etc.
Polyurethanes - Used in rain boots, wheels, chairs, shoe soles, wall varnish, etc.
Polycarbonates - used in CDs, eyeglasses, etc.
The problem came when all this mass consumption of plastic began to accumulate at a faster rate than it could biodegrade and be reabsorbed into the ecosystem.
Video : TV Commercial - Pepsi Irrompible (0:30")
Polyepoxide (epoxy) - used in glues such as Krazy-Glue.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) - used in frying pans, waffle-makers, etc.
Polymethyl Metacrylate (Acrylic) - used in a large array of items, from paintings to household items.
Melamine Formaldehyde (Formica) - used in coverings, dinnerware, laminate flooring, etc.
Silicone - used in kitchen items, lubricants, earplugs, as glue, in surgeries, etc.
Elastomers - used in tyres, car interiors, office furniture, shavers, toothbrushes, baby toys, etc.
Polyamides (nylons) - used in fabrics and clothing items.
Polyester - used in fabrics and clothing items.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - used in pipes, home insulation, etc.
Polystyrene - used in cups, food trays and containers, packing peanuts, etc.
Polypropylene - used in yogurt cups, bottle caps, drinking straws, etc.
Polyurethanes - Used in rain boots, wheels, chairs, shoe soles, wall varnish, etc.
Polycarbonates - used in CDs, eyeglasses, etc.
The problem came when all this mass consumption of plastic began to accumulate at a faster rate than it could biodegrade and be reabsorbed into the ecosystem.
And even then, plastic always leaves toxic traces in the environment.
According to an article published by the Chicago Tribune, since the 1950's we have produced 9.1 billion tons of plastic, and 5.5 billion tons of these still remain in our environment in one way or another, since only 9% of plastics are effectively recycled.
Most of the plastics we use and discard are never recycled, ending up in landfills, rivers and oceans, where it’s eaten up by animals that mistake it for food.
But not only sea fauna swallow plastic. Cattle in rural areas also ingest plastic bags and other plastic items disposed carelessly and carried by the wind.
Years it takes each item to biodegrade
The Dream Becomes a Nightmare
The problem of excessive plastic waste was first spotted back in the 1970's but it’s been only in recent years when governments have decided to take active measures on it, as the backlash of its proliferation has reached unescapable levels of pollution and socio-economic damage.
Picture: Caroline Power
According to an article published by the Chicago Tribune, since the 1950's we have produced 9.1 billion tons of plastic, and 5.5 billion tons of these still remain in our environment in one way or another, since only 9% of plastics are effectively recycled.
Most of the plastics we use and discard are never recycled, ending up in landfills, rivers and oceans, where it’s eaten up by animals that mistake it for food.
Picture: Chris Jordan
But not only sea fauna swallow plastic. Cattle in rural areas also ingest plastic bags and other plastic items disposed carelessly and carried by the wind.
Just as it happens with marine creatures, these die of malnutrition, their stomachs cluttered with a collection of undigested plastics.
According to a study, around 20 cows die every day out of plastic ingestion. For the population that depends on these animals, this amounts to famine and the loss of their livelihood.
Plastic debris in sea may absorb lethal chemicals already present in the water, such as DDT, PCB and PAH, passing this chemical cocktail to any animal that may ingest it, or that may eat the animal. Moreover, when decomposing, plastics dissolve into harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A and PS oligomer, thus polluting the water and the land where it falls.
But there’s an even bigger threat in plastic particles so small that can evade all filters and even pollute the water we think safe to drink: microplastics and nanoplastics.
Daily activities, such as washing and driving, contribute to this pollution. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, microplastics make up for up to 30% of the plastic pollution in the oceans, most of which come from vehicle tyres and microfibers lost from synthetic fabrics during laundry.
According to researchers, over 10% of the microplastics in the oceans come from the painting used in sea ships, houses and on roadways due to abrasion. Unseen to the naked eye, these tiny particles float into the air and eventually reach the waters, or simply get into it by direct contact.
Another source of microplastics is found in the little beads commonly used in facial scrubs and other cosmetic and health products. Just as with the synthetic fibres released during the washing process, these microplastics evade water treatments, and not only reaches the oceans but also goes back into the tap water system.
According to a 2017 study by OrbMedia, at this point there’s not a single country in the entire world whose tap water is not already polluted by micro and nanoplastics. Which means that, currently there’s hardly a human being without plastic in their organism in the form of nano particles.
Plenty!
Scientists have spotted that mainly 10 rivers in the planets are responsible for carrying plastics into the oceans: the Yangtze, the Indus, Yellow River, Hai River, the Nile, the Ganges, Pearl River, Amur River, the Niger, and the Mekong. All of them flow into the Oceans and, following the natural oceanic gyres, spread their contents well beyond their constraints.
The common point of these rivers is that they cross largely populated areas without appropriate waste collection or water treatment.
Picture: Simon Maina (AFP/Getty)
Plastic debris in sea may absorb lethal chemicals already present in the water, such as DDT, PCB and PAH, passing this chemical cocktail to any animal that may ingest it, or that may eat the animal. Moreover, when decomposing, plastics dissolve into harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A and PS oligomer, thus polluting the water and the land where it falls.
But there’s an even bigger threat in plastic particles so small that can evade all filters and even pollute the water we think safe to drink: microplastics and nanoplastics.
Daily activities, such as washing and driving, contribute to this pollution. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, microplastics make up for up to 30% of the plastic pollution in the oceans, most of which come from vehicle tyres and microfibers lost from synthetic fabrics during laundry.
According to researchers, over 10% of the microplastics in the oceans come from the painting used in sea ships, houses and on roadways due to abrasion. Unseen to the naked eye, these tiny particles float into the air and eventually reach the waters, or simply get into it by direct contact.
Another source of microplastics is found in the little beads commonly used in facial scrubs and other cosmetic and health products. Just as with the synthetic fibres released during the washing process, these microplastics evade water treatments, and not only reaches the oceans but also goes back into the tap water system.
According to a 2017 study by OrbMedia, at this point there’s not a single country in the entire world whose tap water is not already polluted by micro and nanoplastics. Which means that, currently there’s hardly a human being without plastic in their organism in the form of nano particles.
Are There Any Good News?
Plenty!
Scientists have spotted that mainly 10 rivers in the planets are responsible for carrying plastics into the oceans: the Yangtze, the Indus, Yellow River, Hai River, the Nile, the Ganges, Pearl River, Amur River, the Niger, and the Mekong. All of them flow into the Oceans and, following the natural oceanic gyres, spread their contents well beyond their constraints.
The common point of these rivers is that they cross largely populated areas without appropriate waste collection or water treatment.
Although this may seem like ‘bad news’, spotting this problem means that it is possible to educate the population of these areas in forms of safe waste disposal, thus solving the problem at its root and stopping the stream of plastics thrown onto the oceans before it even gets there.
A more widespread education on the dangers of plastic pollution, and a realization of the negative socio-economic impact, have compelled many nations to ban its use.
A more widespread education on the dangers of plastic pollution, and a realization of the negative socio-economic impact, have compelled many nations to ban its use.
African countries such as Zimbabwe and Kenya have even established severe punishments, from fines to jail time for those who use, sell or try to smuggle plastic articles within its borders.
An increased awareness of the public towards environmental issues has meant a decrease in the use of plastic bags (one of the main plastic pollutants in the oceans) and a more conscientious choice of packaging when shopping.
Recently, the UK has banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic and health products, following thus in the footsteps of countries like Canada and the US which had already banned them as early as 2015.
Also, engineers and regular people all over the world have come up with innovative ways to clean the oceans. Some of these projects include the SeaBin, a device developed by surfers Andrew Turton and Peter Cegliski, which traps plastic as well as oils and detergents on the water), the EU Horizon 2020, focussed on the marine pollution affecting the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, the Plastic Visser in the Netherlands, the Trash Wheel, - a solar-and water-powered barrier being used in the Baltimore harbour, and the Ocean Cleanup Project , heralded by Boyan Slat, a 19 year old who came up with a revolutionary way to clean up the oceans from plastics, and who started the enterprise as a startup with this video:
In addition, people all over the planet are coming up with ingenious alternative productions of plastic from organic, renewable sources such as sugar , and seaweed.
In Kenya, they are even experimenting in using plastic waste as fuel, thus making a productive use of what would be merely waste.
According to the European Association of Bioplastics in Berlin, the use of organic plastics made from corn, sugar and wood may grow into at least 50% in the following 5 years, thus lowering the demand of petrochemicals and fully synthetic plastics. Several corporations are joining in this eco trend, such as Coca Cola and Lego.
And the fight doesn’t end here! Scientists have found that mother nature itself may lend us a hand when getting rid of plastics.
For instance, researchers at Cambridge University have found that the larvae of the moth, which eats wax in beehives, can also break down the chemicals in plastic. Plastic bags, which take decades to biodegrade, are eaten away within hours by these hungry caterpillars.
Researchers at the University of Aveiro in Portugal have found that a marine fungus, Zalerion Maritimum, is capable of degrading the plastics found in the ocean. By recreating the current maritime conditions in the lab, these researchers discovered that the Zalerion Maritimum managed to reduce 77% of the plastic pollution in only 7 days.
An increased awareness of the public towards environmental issues has meant a decrease in the use of plastic bags (one of the main plastic pollutants in the oceans) and a more conscientious choice of packaging when shopping.
Recently, the UK has banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic and health products, following thus in the footsteps of countries like Canada and the US which had already banned them as early as 2015.
Also, engineers and regular people all over the world have come up with innovative ways to clean the oceans. Some of these projects include the SeaBin, a device developed by surfers Andrew Turton and Peter Cegliski, which traps plastic as well as oils and detergents on the water), the EU Horizon 2020, focussed on the marine pollution affecting the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, the Plastic Visser in the Netherlands, the Trash Wheel, - a solar-and water-powered barrier being used in the Baltimore harbour, and the Ocean Cleanup Project , heralded by Boyan Slat, a 19 year old who came up with a revolutionary way to clean up the oceans from plastics, and who started the enterprise as a startup with this video:
Video : The Ocean Cleanup Project (11:21")
In addition, people all over the planet are coming up with ingenious alternative productions of plastic from organic, renewable sources such as sugar , and seaweed.
Video : Edible Glass Made From Seaweed (1:23")
In Kenya, they are even experimenting in using plastic waste as fuel, thus making a productive use of what would be merely waste.
According to the European Association of Bioplastics in Berlin, the use of organic plastics made from corn, sugar and wood may grow into at least 50% in the following 5 years, thus lowering the demand of petrochemicals and fully synthetic plastics. Several corporations are joining in this eco trend, such as Coca Cola and Lego.
And the fight doesn’t end here! Scientists have found that mother nature itself may lend us a hand when getting rid of plastics.
For instance, researchers at Cambridge University have found that the larvae of the moth, which eats wax in beehives, can also break down the chemicals in plastic. Plastic bags, which take decades to biodegrade, are eaten away within hours by these hungry caterpillars.
Researchers at the University of Aveiro in Portugal have found that a marine fungus, Zalerion Maritimum, is capable of degrading the plastics found in the ocean. By recreating the current maritime conditions in the lab, these researchers discovered that the Zalerion Maritimum managed to reduce 77% of the plastic pollution in only 7 days.
The scientists believe that the enzymes in this fungus may be the clue to the quick degradation of plastics, opening the door to an inexpensive and efficient way to combat plastic pollution in the oceans. The Zalerion Maritimum is normally found in the shores of Australia, Spain and Portugal.
In another study, conducted at Duke University, researchers found that some corals eat plastics - and they actually seem to like it! Although the research is at an early stage, it may open a window of opportunity to help treat the oceans from the threat of microplastics.
In order to contain this plastic flood, both the industry and the consumers need to work together, reducing the production and consumption of the material, recycling and reusing the items fabricated with it.
Due to its practical nature and the way it’s intrinsically embedded into our daily lives and the world economies, it would be impossible and unpractical to get rid of plastics, but we can make a responsible use of this material. And what’s best, it’s something we can all do.
How can you help? Follow these simple suggestions and you’ll be helping to make a difference.
*When shopping, prefer natural materials over plastic - although not always possible, try to choose the product with the least plastic in its production and packaging.
* If you buy a plastic item, make sure you will use for at least two years - That is the minimum lifespan of a plastic object like a sundeck chair or a canister.
* Use plastic wisely - except for few exceptions, don’t buy plastic items to discard them after a single use. Favour other materials, such as glass, steel or wood.
* Avoid products with microbeads - Unless they come from certified, fully organic sources.
* Recycle - Not all plastics are recyclable, so choose the ones that are, and recycle them whenever possible, not only in the creation of new items, but also in the proper recycling.
* Bring your own bag - make it a habit to carry your own shopping bag with you whenever you go out, and decline any plastic bags offered.
* Prefer natural fabrics to synthetics - If you already own synthetic fabrics, try to wash them as little as possible, since these are responsible for the most nanoplastic particles found in water than any other source. When washing these items, use cold water and a short cycle to shorten the contact of water with the plastic, and skip the dryer, which causes even further fragmentation of the material.
* Wash paintbrushes in buckets - Either using acrylic colours or wall painting, make sure you wash brushes in a bucket of water, not running water, so as to minimize the amount of water that’s in contact with plastics.
* Do not flush plastics - anything you flush is likely to end up littering the oceans. Throw any non-organic products into the garbage and dispose correctly.
If you feel like doing more, organize a group to help clean up open spaces and sort plastics for recycling, join or support projects like ‘The Ocean Clean Up’ to clean plastic waste, lobby your representatives for laws ensuring plastic use restrictions.
To read the abstract of the study on the release of synthetic fabrics from washing machines, you can follow this link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16307639?via%3Dihub
To learn more about some of the measures being taken by countries around the world regarding the banning of plastic, you can check the following article: http://www.dw.com/en/the-slow-growing-trend-towards-plastic-bans/g-42113252
Sources: Deutsche Welle, New York Times, BBC, CBC, The Guardian, Reuters, EMOL, OrbMedia.org, Science Direct, Wikipedia.
In another study, conducted at Duke University, researchers found that some corals eat plastics - and they actually seem to like it! Although the research is at an early stage, it may open a window of opportunity to help treat the oceans from the threat of microplastics.
What Else Can We Do?
In order to contain this plastic flood, both the industry and the consumers need to work together, reducing the production and consumption of the material, recycling and reusing the items fabricated with it.
Due to its practical nature and the way it’s intrinsically embedded into our daily lives and the world economies, it would be impossible and unpractical to get rid of plastics, but we can make a responsible use of this material. And what’s best, it’s something we can all do.
How can you help? Follow these simple suggestions and you’ll be helping to make a difference.
*When shopping, prefer natural materials over plastic - although not always possible, try to choose the product with the least plastic in its production and packaging.
* If you buy a plastic item, make sure you will use for at least two years - That is the minimum lifespan of a plastic object like a sundeck chair or a canister.
* Use plastic wisely - except for few exceptions, don’t buy plastic items to discard them after a single use. Favour other materials, such as glass, steel or wood.
* Avoid products with microbeads - Unless they come from certified, fully organic sources.
* Recycle - Not all plastics are recyclable, so choose the ones that are, and recycle them whenever possible, not only in the creation of new items, but also in the proper recycling.
* Bring your own bag - make it a habit to carry your own shopping bag with you whenever you go out, and decline any plastic bags offered.
* Prefer natural fabrics to synthetics - If you already own synthetic fabrics, try to wash them as little as possible, since these are responsible for the most nanoplastic particles found in water than any other source. When washing these items, use cold water and a short cycle to shorten the contact of water with the plastic, and skip the dryer, which causes even further fragmentation of the material.
* Wash paintbrushes in buckets - Either using acrylic colours or wall painting, make sure you wash brushes in a bucket of water, not running water, so as to minimize the amount of water that’s in contact with plastics.
* Do not flush plastics - anything you flush is likely to end up littering the oceans. Throw any non-organic products into the garbage and dispose correctly.
If you feel like doing more, organize a group to help clean up open spaces and sort plastics for recycling, join or support projects like ‘The Ocean Clean Up’ to clean plastic waste, lobby your representatives for laws ensuring plastic use restrictions.
Disposable bamboo cutlery
Want to Learn More?
To read the abstract of the study on the release of synthetic fabrics from washing machines, you can follow this link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16307639?via%3Dihub
To learn more about some of the measures being taken by countries around the world regarding the banning of plastic, you can check the following article: http://www.dw.com/en/the-slow-growing-trend-towards-plastic-bans/g-42113252
Sources: Deutsche Welle, New York Times, BBC, CBC, The Guardian, Reuters, EMOL, OrbMedia.org, Science Direct, Wikipedia.
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