Look How Plastics Alternatives are Doing More Harm to the Environment

Plastic pollution has become a matter of concern nowadays. Everyone around the world is talking about this, and not just talking, people are also making a number of efforts to reduce it. 

A recent study suggests that if we keep on using plastic like this, then by 2050 oceans will be having more plastic than fishes. Isn’t it life-threatening for all of us? You know that plastic is durable and flexible. But can it be recycled? Ah! No. We do need some serious measures to combat this problem.

Apparently, single-use plastic is a major contributor to our problem. To get rid of this, we have come up with various alternatives. But are these alternatives really sustainable and eco-friendly? Some of the alternatives which are doing more harm than good to the environment are listed below:

1. Biodegradable Water Bottles

Degradation of these bottles can only be done in the highly controlled environment which has enough heat as well as the adequate moisture level. Outside this environment, degradation is difficult. 
Instead of going for these bottles, we can go for bottles that can be used multiple times and last longer. 

2. Biodegradable Plastic Bags

To replace plastic bags, we have found paper bags. But are they really a sustainable alternative. Their increased usage will lead to huge deforestation.
Instead of using single-use paper bags, we can go for the tote bags that can be continually reused. 

3. Bamboo Straws

Most of the bamboo materials are not 100% organic. It becomes difficult to reuse them.
Instead of this, reusable steel straws make more sense for the environment because they will last longer.

4. Clothes Made with “Recovered” Plastic

Many companies have started using recovered plastic into their clothing line but this has ended up releasing microplastics and other toxins over the long-term. 
The best way to make the fashion industry more sustainable is to invest in long-lasting material for clothes.

5. Plastic Roads

All around the world, entrepreneurs have started paving roads with plastic waste. But when these roads wear down, they will release fine plastic dust which is even more harmful to all of us. 
Instead, we can recycle degraded roads to conserve natural resources and we can also adopt solar panels on roads which can help us in cultivating clean energy.

6. Paper Cups 

Paper cups available at the restaurants and cafes are not easily recyclable. Most of them have a thin film of polypropylene which makes it difficult to get recycled.
Instead, we can go for glass or steel made cups which can be used multiple times.

7. Paper Plates 

Once the paper plates are used, it is not easy to recycle them. We can degrade them only by composting and this will take huge time. 
Instead, we can have food in plates made up of glass or steel which can be used a number of times. 

We know that tackling these massive problems like climate change and plastic pollution majorly depends upon the government and corporate action, but we as an individual also have an important role to play. So, look forward to measures to lower down the usage of plastic.