Evaluate the main Problems Associated with Using Plastic Bags - Essay Example

? Evaluate the main Problems Associated with Using Plastic Bags? Critically Assess Possible Solutions to Reduce These Problems Introduction Plastic bags are a great source of problems not only to the environment generally but for humans, animals, marine life and plant life. This paper evaluates the main problems and critically assesses possible solutions to reduce these problems. Environmental problems Plastic bags are used to litter the environment. This litter not only result in significant environmental and other costs but also leads to blocked drains and choked soil; contamination of ground and waterways; health hazard and death in human beings and negatively impact animal, marine and plant life. Litter associated with plastic bags In India non-biodegradable bags result in long-lasting litter at landfill sites. This is especially dangerous to wildlife away from areas of human population. Collecting plastic bags is not profitable for waste pickers in India, and this leads to plastic bags continuing to create a major threat to the environment. As a consequence the landscape of India is dominated by litter from plastic bags. Presently, plastic accounts for an estimated 10 percent of generated waste (Sanghi 2008). Increasing costs associated with plastic bags Most of the litter ends up in landfills which cost a lot of money to build and maintain. Plastic Bags Economy (n.d.) states that approximately 8 billion plastic bags enter these landfills each year in the US. They cost the US government approximately 20 million dollars to build the landfills and several million dollars per year to maintain. In California alone it costs approximately 750,000 to maintain landfills (Plastic Bags Economy n.d.). Additionally, it takes a considerable amount of oil to produce the billions of bags used by consumers every day. One can then understand that the cost of oil is also driven by our continuous use of plastic bags (Thomko Square Space 2008). In Australia local and state government spend over $200 million annually picking up all forms of litter (Federal Dept of Environment and Heritage). Blocked drains and choked soil Some of the litter that does not end up in landfills results in blocked drains and choked soil. Plastic bags are light and so they lead to blocked drains which results in water logging and nuisance to citizens. They can also lead to choked soil because they are non-porous, and do not permit the free flow of water and air, hence causing plants to choke. The rotting waste from pits generates methane. The toxins present are dissolved, permeates the soil and pollutes groundwater during monsoon rains (Sanghi 2008). Contamination of ground and waterways Plastic bags are photo-degradable instead of bio-degradable – which means that they break down into small toxic bits. This results in the contamination of the ground and waterways (Thomko Square Space 2008). This becomes a heath hazard to humans, animals, marine life and plant life. Health hazard and death in human beings Infection and disease becomes widespread due to water stagnation. They can lead to diseases like malaria and other water-borne diseases. It is well known that respiratory obstruction by bags made from thin plastic sheeting has caused accidental death in children (Hunt and Camps 1962). Suffocation as a result of plastic bag is not uncommon, especially in Malaysia. There have been accidental deaths, both among small children who play with shopping bags and adolescents who are solvent abusers. There have been instances of homicide cases, and the victims are invariably infants or adults who are frail or terminally ill and are not able to struggle or show resistance (Perez-Martinez et al 1993). Impact on plants, animal and marine life In India dumping grounds are filled, levelled off and converted into parks. Owing to the fact that the soil was predominantly plastic bags, the trees were not able to anchor firmly into the ground. The flora is destroyed due to the uprooting of trees from the high velocity winds that blow over the city during the monsoon season (Sanghi 2008). Plastic bags also lead to death of animals. In India cows graze freely close to the bins, they ingest the plastics and also organic waste present in the container. The plastic bags obstruct their intestines, they are not able to eat, and die if blocking is complete (Sanghi 2008). In Australia more than 100,000 whales, seals, turtles and birds die every year as a result of plastic bags. Evidence of this is the Bryde’s whale that died in Trinity Bay on August 24, 2000. The autopsy performed on the whale found that its stomach was tightly packed with plastic. No food was found in the whale’s stomach. After death, animals decay and the plastic bags become available to be re-ingested by other animals (Federal Dept of Environment and Heritage). Possible solutions Reusable plastic bags Most studies have recommended the use of reusable plastic bags. According to a study by the French retailer Carrefour, a reusable bag is better for the environment regardless of what it is made from, so long as it is used four times (Johnson 2009). All-natural bio-degradable cornstarch-based plastic bag In San Francisco an all-natural bio-degradable cornstarch-based plastic is the option chosen. This is preferred by the environmentalists because cornstarch bags offer the biodegradability of paper without the deforestation, and also the convenience of plastic without damage to the ecosystem (World Watch Institute). However, while the re-use of plastic bags are strongly recommended, a study done by the Canadian Plastics Industry of reusable bags in North America, revealed that more than 30 percent of the bags returned positive for bacterial contamination. It also showed yeast or mould, and some of the bags had intestinal bacteria embedded in their surfaces. It is therefore important that these bags be specially marked for a specific purpose in order to avoid any form of contamination (Sanghi 2008). Fines In Italy consumers continue to oppose the ban of plastic bags, and according to Clark (2011), it is hoped that Italians will eventually change their environmental outlook. In Brownsville, Texas, USA a city policy has been implemented to charge shoppers who are without a bag at the store in order to discourage its use (Ulloa 2011). Zanzibar, a country that is part of the African nation, has placed a ban on cheap plastic bags that litter the landscape. They impose hefty fines for importing or selling bags that are thin and very cheap (Johnson 2009). However, some of these fines may be too small to dissuade those who continue to use plastic bags. Utilizing plastic in the production of durable goods Another method of reducing plastic bag litter is to utilize plastic bags in the production of durable goods such as cars and computers (Environmental Health News 2003). This would mean that a campaign would have to be initiated for the collection of all plastic bags. This would be impractical as there will always be persons who find it easier to litter instead of properly disposing of them and therefore making them available for productive purposes. Conclusion The use of plastic bags has resulted in some serious health and environmental problems. It is therefore important that a ban be placed on its production in order to prevent its continued use. Reusable bags, biodegradable bags, fines and use for productive purposes are being considered as alternatives. While some of them are plausible some of these have been found wanting as reusable plastic can lead to serious health problems. It is therefore important that alternatives are properly assessed before they are recommended for use. References Clark, M (2011). Italy’s Plastic Bag Ban Fails Consumer Minds. The Journal Gazette. Retrieved http://www.energydigital.com/sectors/recycling/italys-plastic-bag-ban-fails-consumer-minds. Last accessed 28 Feb 2011 Environmental Health News. (2003). Dangers of Plastic. Retrieved: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/dangers-of-plastic. Last accessed 28 Feb 2011. Federal Dept of Environment and Heritage. (n.d.). Retrieved: http://www.litter.vic.gov.au/www/html/323-why-plastic-bags-are-a-problem.asp. Last accessed 28 Feb 2011 Hunt, A.C and Camps, F.E. (1962) Plastic-bag Suicide. British Medical Journal: Feb 1962 p. 378 Johnson, K. 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Plastic bag ban begins in Brownsville. Brownsville Herald Jan 5, 2011. Retrieved: http://www.themonitor.com/articles/brownsville-45984-plastic-bag.html. Last accessed 28 Feb 2011 Read More