AES Course Work 3

FAISAL ALSHAMMARI ID:C2599955

FAISAL ALSHAMMARI
 Methods of Addressing Plastic Pollution
Plastic waste has now become a major issue in our modern era.It poses a direct
threat to the environment, affecting not only human health but also the fragile balance of
aquatic ecosystems. The abundance of plastic debris is so rampant that it is anticipated to
outnumber fish count in the ocean by 2050, as warned by experts (Nikiema & Asiedu, 2022).
Addressing the detrimental impact of plastic pollution is a daunting task that calls for
a collective effort from researchers, citizens, and public officials. The scientific community's
contribution of fact-based guidance is imperative to this mission, as the level of plastic
pollution is worrisome and requires prompt action.
Examining how the scientific community struggles with plastic pollution on a local,
national, and international scale. The scientific community recognises the urgent need to
address this problem, and researchers are working tirelessly to find innovative solutions to
mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on our planet.
Sub Marine creatures and humans alike suffer from the catastrophic consequences
of plastic pollution. Accordingly, Thushari and Senevirathna (2020) found that marine
creatures are often trapped in discarded plastic waste. This leads to immense suffering for
marine life as they become entangled in plastic debris, which can result in physical injuries,
suffocation, starvation, or impaired mobility. The entanglement and ingestion of plastic
waste disrupt natural behaviors, reproductive cycles, and ecological interactions, further
exacerbating the impact on marine ecosystems. In this context, the entanglement of marine
creatures in plastic waste emphasizes the pressing need for meaningful solutions to address
the devastating effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
Moreover, to deal the ongoing problem, several methods are adopted .One of the
most widely recognized methods of addressing plastic pollution is recycling.
Mechanical recycling as an environmentally friendly method.
Thiounn and Smith (2020) found that mechanical recycling, which involves melting
down plastic waste and turning it into new products, is more environmentally friendly than
other methods.
Mechanical recycling has a lower environmental impact than incineration or landfilling of
plastic waste (Jeswani et al., 2021).By reducing the quantity of plastic trash that enters
landfills or the environment, this strategy may reduce the harm that plastic pollution does
to the ecosystem and to species.
Leme et al. (2014) stated that burning plastic garbage with energy recovery has a
positive environmental impact. This process involves using the energy released during
incineration to produce electricity or heat, which can then be used in homes and industries.
This method is particularly effective in countries where landfill space is limited, and the
recycling infrastructure is not yet fully developed. However, it is important to note that
burning plastic waste can release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, which can have
negative health effects.
Ultimately, reducing plastic consumption and increasing recycling rates is the most
effective way to address plastic pollution and protect the environment.
While recycling is an important method of addressing plastic pollution, it is essential
to evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency. In similar vein, Errington , (2017), suggested that
plastic recycling should be compatible with standards, costs, and economic viability.
Recycling programs should not be implemented at the expense of other environmental
programs, and the costs of implementing a recycling program should not outweigh its
benefits. It is crucial to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of recycling programs to ensure they
are effective and efficient (Arena et al., 2003).
Recycling aids in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing fossil fuel
consumption, two significant causes of climate change. By decreasing the amount of plastic
waste disposed of in landfills or the environment, recycling helps mitigate negative effects
on the environment and human health. It is important to consider the type of plastic and
the recycling method employed, as they can impact the efficiency of recycling programs.
Some plastics are more easily recyclable than others, and certain recycling processes may be
more energy intensive. Investing in research and development to improve recycling
technologies can make them more efficient and effective in the long term.
Hence, evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental impact of
recycling programs is crucial to ensure that recycling remains a viable method of addressing
plastic pollution in the long term.
Furthermore, adopting laws that forbid or restrict the use of single-use plastic is
another way to combat plastic pollution.Prata et al. (2019) emphasizes the importance of
sustainable alternatives and the enforcement of regulations to reduce reliance on single-use
plastic. Regulations can include bans on plastic bags or straws, as well as taxes on single-use
plastic items. By limiting the availability and accessibility of single-use plastic, these
measures encourage consumers to switch to more sustainable alternatives.
MacLeod et al. (2021) highlighted the effectiveness of education and awareness
campaigns in reducing plastic usage. Through education and awareness campaigns, people
can gain a better understanding of the negative impacts of plastic on the environment,
which can motivate them to take action. By promoting awareness and supporting
campaigns, we can encourage individuals to reduce their use of plastic, increase recycling
efforts, and transition to sustainable alternatives. Educating people about the impacts of
plastic pollution is crucial for behavior change and reducing plastic usage.
Bezerra et al. (2021) also stressed the importance of educating individuals about the
negative effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, as well as
promoting the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
Implementing laws, regulations, and awareness campaigns can motivate individuals
and organizations to decrease plastic waste, support a more sustainable future, and combat
plastic pollution.
Pursing it further, While evaluating the effectiveness of laws that prohibit or restrict
the use of single-use plastic, it is very important to consider their impact on reducing plastic
waste(Nikiema & Asiedu, 2022).Wang et al. (2019) has highlighted the positive impact of
putting bans and limits on single-use plastic in reducing plastic waste in landfills.
Similarly, Governments implementing bans on plastic bags, such as the case in Kenya
with a total ban in 2017 (Arena et al., 2003), have seen significant reductions in plastic
waste. Penalties and bans have also proven effective in reducing plastic usage, as seen in the
example of San Francisco's ban on plastic straws leading to a 42% reduction in usage (wang
et al., 2022).
Promoting the use of reusable containers, bottles, and bags as alternatives to single-
use plastic is essential. By encouraging the adoption of these alternatives, we can reduce
our reliance on plastic and mitigate the damaging effects of plastic pollution on the
ecosystem (Gao et al., 2022).
It is also important to recognize that there is no one method that will completely
solve the problem of plastic pollution. Recycling, laws prohibiting or restricting single-use
plastic, the promotion of sustainable alternatives, and public education are all effective
approaches (MacLeod et al., 2021).
Thus, evaluating the impact of laws, promoting sustainable alternatives, and
implementing public education are crucial components in combating plastic pollution,
recognizing that multiple strategies are needed to address this global issue.

In the Nut shell, It’s evident that due to plastic pollution the balance of the marine
ecosystem and human health are both at risk, which is a serious problem. It is thus
encouraging to note that efforts by the scientific community to combat the harmful effects
of plastic pollution are being made at the local, national, and international levels. The fight
against single-use plastic pollution must be accomplished with the help of stakeholders,
enough forewarning, and strong public awareness efforts.
Plastic pollution can be reduced to a considerable extent by recycling and
introducing laws that prohibit or restrict the use of single-use plastic material. However,
evaluating each method is crucial to ensure their economic viability and compatibility with
environmental standards. Promoting sustainable alternatives and educating the masses on
the negative impact of plastic is also crucial in reducing plastic pollution (Clayton et al.,
2021).
Nevertheless, it is up to the governments, corporations, and people to take
immediate actions and reduce the quantity of plastic that makes its way into the
environment. In a nutshell, by only collectively working, the environment could be saved
and a sustainable future for future generations could be procured.
 References

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