Innovative Solutions for Plastic Pollution
In recent years, a discovery has shocked scientists, made headlines all over the media, and left the masses fearing for their future. It is the discovery of microplastics in breast milk. Something believed to be the safest for babies, something untouched by the impurities. This is what plastic pollution has brought humankind to. Nothing is ‘pure’ or safe’ anymore; nothing remains untouched by the monster humans created in the name of 'making life easier’.
Plastic manufacturing spiked in the 1950s and 1960s due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. By the dusk of the 20th century, however, the reality of mass and excessive plastic usage and its far-reaching implications dawned upon the masses, with visible littering in urban and rural areas and effects on the environment and wildlife.
International agreements like the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, which started to address the global trade of plastic waste, demonstrate how plastic pollution became an international concern.
The 21st century is looking at the devastating impact of plastic pollution. However, as a silver lining found in every other bleak scenario, the development and implementation of solutions (both long-term and short-term) have sped up incredibly.
The highlight, however, is the innovative solutions that researchers and scientists have come up with. Some of them are as following:
1) Bioengineered Enzymes/Microbes
When it comes to addressing the pollution caused by plastic, bioengineering can save the planet. Scientists are investigating and creating microorganisms or enzymes to break down plastics, including widely used polymers such as polyethene terephthalate
The degradation of plastic waste can be sped up by deploying these plastic-eating microbes or enzymes in regions with high levels of plastic pollution, such as landfills, oceans, and contaminated rivers.
2) Biodegradable Plastics
Today, more people are opting for biodegradable plastics. They are safer for the environment as they are made of renewable resources, such as plant-based materials, and break down more easily into the soil, avoiding being the cause of long-term pollution.
3) Recyclable Alternatives
Paper bags, cloth bags, jute bags, wooden combs, bamboo toothbrush handles. You find them commonly now. This is no coincidence, but a collective effort to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Such sustainable alternatives are becoming increasingly popular as substitutes for
4) Recycling Plastic Waste
Ever wondered how it happens? First, plastic waste is collected from various sites. Then, they are sorted into types of composition. After that, they undergo a cleaning process to remove any contaminants. The cleaned plastic is shredded into smaller parts, melted, and reprocessed into flakes or pellets that can be used as raw materials for manufacturing goods.
5) Ocean Cleaning Techniques
Floating barriers and autonomous drones are cutting-edge technologies currently being used and continuously improved for advancement. The marine ecosystem has become a primary victim of the widespread plastic pollution affecting our oceans and coastlines.
Challenges Ahead
Risk of Biohazard: While plastic-eating microbes are great for controlling plastic pollution to a certain extent, there have been questions regarding such enzymes and the possible threat they can pose to the environment and humans.
Absence of Public Education and Awareness: Although scientists and the government can take necessary action, any meaningful, beneficial change can only be brought about by raising general awareness. Sadly, one of the biggest obstacles in our fight against plastic pollution in a nation like India is the general lack of public awareness and enthusiasm for implementing sustainable changes in day-to-day living.