Did you know that over a million animals die yearly from plastic pollution?
Microplastics have been found in more than 100 marine species. Microplastics have been found in sea creatures that humans, such as fish, shrimp, and mussels, widely consumed. Microplastics have begun to harm both sea creatures and humanity. It has become a great danger to human health and ecological balance. It has been noticed that sea creatures, large mammals, and birds have begun to suffer. Bird species are also affected by pollution, as are large mammals such as elephants, cattle, or whales. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are affected by plastic pollution.
Microplastics are mainly emitted from single-use plastics. In addition to disposable plastics, spills from cosmetics and textile products and those formed by the deterioration of low-cost plastic products also cause pollution. Microplastics are thought to be spread by airborne microfibers and particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter, which are harmful to nature and human health. It is understood that microplastic is increasing daily in the air, and humanity is becoming vulnerable.
There have been adverse effects on the health of living beings exposed to microplastics. It increases microplastic cancer cells by penetrating the livers and cells of living things. It will not only cause the spread of cancer by infiltrating the liver and cells but also damage the reproductive systems and cause cancerous cells to be passed on by birth.
Modern societies seek an answer to whether it is possible to prevent all plastic pollution. Recycling only constitutes part of the complete answer to this question. At the same time, the use of products created by recycling is encouraged. In recycling plastics, collective action should be taken on a micro and macro scale. However, this will make a process that creates added value. With the natural transformation movement, the cost of preserving the ecological balance will decrease, and humanity and its living history will be preserved.
It is vital to ensure that microplastics do not enter water sources. The ecological balance will end with the mixing of microplastics into water resources. Microplastics in water resources will not be fully decomposed and will not be properly cleaned. The negative effects of plastic pollution can be weakened through effective, efficient, first-hand recycling and waste management systems.
The use of plastic has become one of the sine qua non of modern life. Even if there are applications that will prevent the use of plastic, it will need to be reduced more. Habits that will reduce the use of plastic should be formed, and awareness-raising studies should be carried out. However, as pollution increases, it will take more work to return. Disposable, disposable culture should be terminated. Essential concepts such as recycling, zero waste, industrial symbiosis, and circular economy, which will replace the disposable culture, should be reinforced. The understanding of responsible production and consumption should be placed based on the business practices of companies and institutions.
Building a culture that will contribute to constructing a sustainable world is vital. Otherwise, microplastics will bring the end of the ecological balance and humanity. The world will only continue if accurate recycling movements are accepted collectively to ensure sustainability.
Author:
Furkan Ünal
Source:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution
https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/42810179
https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/health/case_studies/plastics.
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