We come across the use of plastic bags almost every day but one should be aware of the harmful effects it has on earth
RAWALPINDI: We come across the use of plastic bags almost every day but one should be aware of the harmful effects it has on the earth. The main issue is that plastics do not undergo decomposition. These wastes accumulate in heaps and become a great menace to the ecosystem. If we look forward to burning plastic bags, they emit toxic gases into the atmosphere, which when inhaled cause severe health problems. Plastic bags diminish soil fertility and thus have a bad impact on agricultural produce and yield. During rains, these flow into water bodies causing water pollution. It wreaks havoc on aquatic species and marine life. Marine species have been found consuming plastic pieces by mistaking them as natural food and finally succumbing to death.
Moreover, children, if exposed to plastic items are at a high risk of suffocation. Plastic bags mounted in heaps raises public health issues. The dumping yards become breeding grounds of microorganisms that are sources of life-threatening diseases. These can also lead to the multiplication of mosquitoes, which are the carriers of many diseases. Plastic bags have proven to be a cause of a visible depletion of natural resources. The process of manufacturing plastics involves the emission of greenhouse gases. Hence plastic bags are proven to cause ecological imbalance which threatens the environment.
To prevent these effects, make it a practice to use cloth bags or papers bags and encourage others to do the same. Spread awareness about the ill effects of plastic bags and be enthusiastic to go green. Switch over to an eco-friendly lifestyle and embrace the three R’s, namely reduce, re-use and re-cycle. Remember, change begins from you.
Faizan Ahmad Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2019.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
