Plastic pollution has turned out to be a severe environmental issue worldwide. In several places around the world, plastic waste is clogging up waterways, choking animals, and damaging the fragile ecosystem. Plastic bags, bottles, and other debris gather on beaches where they remain for decades, harming wildlife and polluting the water. Plastic pollution has been significantly threatening the lives of organisms, posing injurious and/or deadly dangers worldwide throughout the years.

One of the most significant sources of plastic pollution is the local population. Large populations in different regions rely heavily on plastic products such as bags, bottles, and packaging materials. Unfortunately, many of these plastic products end up in the waterways, leading to pollution. The fishing industry is another significant source of plastic pollution. The industry relies heavily on plastic nets and other equipment, and when these materials are lost or discarded, they end up polluting the waterways and the surrounding environment.

The shipping industry is another significant source of plastic pollution. Ships passing through often discard their plastic waste, including containers, packaging materials, and other plastic products. These plastic wastes can take years to degrade and cause harm to the ecosystem. The tourism industry has contributed to plastic pollution too. There is an  increased demand for single-use plastic products such as water bottles, straws, and food containers. Unfortunately, many of these products end up as litter, polluting the environment. The ocean currents carry plastic waste from other countries, which end up polluting the waterways.

One of the most significant impacts of plastic is the harm to wildlife. Plastic waste is harmful to marine animals. These animals are at risk of ingesting plastic waste or getting entangled in it, which can lead to injury or death. Plastic pollution also disrupts the food chain and affects the balance of the ecosystem. Plastic waste that ends up in the waterways is broken down into small pieces, which are ingested by small marine animals, such as plankton. These small animals are then consumed by larger marine animals, leading to the accumulation of plastic in their bodies. This accumulation can lead to severe health problems or even death. Plastic pollution also causes damage to the ecosystem. Plastic waste can clog up waterways, reducing the flow of water and affecting the oxygen levels in the water. This can have a severe impact on the mangrove ecosystem, affecting the growth and reproduction of mangrove plants and the survival of animals.

Plastics dumped into water bodies end up in landfills. Overtime, these disposed plastics release toxic chemical outputs into the soil leading to soil infertility. This results in a scarcity of total natural resources and assets. Land-dumped plastic wastes are often burned off to avoid occupying land space. The resulting chemicals and harmful gases from this burning end up in the atmosphere eventually causing several deadly diseases and harms to plant lives.

The most effective way to tackle plastic pollution is to reduce single-use plastics. According to a report by the United Nations, reducing single-use plastics can reduce plastic pollution by up to 40 per cent. To achieve this, individuals, businesses, and governments need to work together to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Improving waste management is another essential solution to plastic pollution. Proper waste management involves collecting and disposing of waste in a responsible manner, including recycling and composting. According to a report by the World Bank, only 40 per cent of waste in low-income countries, including Bangladesh, is collected, and only a small portion is properly disposed of or recycled.

Promoting alternatives to plastic is another solution to plastic pollution. This can include using biodegradable or compostable materials instead of plastic. Education and awareness are essential in tackling plastic pollution. Educating the local communities and tourists about the impact of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices can help reduce plastic waste.

The sources of plastic pollution are diverse and range from local to global sources. The problem requires urgent attention, and all stakeholders need to work together to find solutions. Governments, businesses, and individuals need to take responsibility for their actions and reduce plastic use, recycle, and dispose of waste responsibly. By acting now, we can help to protect our mother nature and precious environment for future generations.

[Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder is Chairman, Dept. of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh. kamrul_sub@hotmail.com]