Problems With Plastic

From grocery bags to spoons, plastic is everywhere. The material is useful and inexpensive. But plastic turns into a big problem when it ends up as trash. More than 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans each year. 

Plastic stays in the environment for a long time. It can take hundreds of years to break down. Meanwhile, animals such as sea turtles, birds, and fish eat plastic or get tangled in it. This can make them sick or even kill them. 

Plastic is everywhere. You can find it in grocery bags. You can see it in spoons. Plastic is useful. It is also cheap. But when plastic ends up as trash, it becomes a big problem. More than 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans each year.

Plastic stays in the environment for a long time. It can take hundreds of years to break down. Meanwhile, sea turtles get tangled in it. Birds and fish eat it. This can make animals sick. It can even kill them.

Many people and governments are trying to limit plastic waste. One way is by reducing the use of plastic items. California banned single-use plastic grocery bags in 2016. Similar bans will start in more states this year.

Scientists are trying to make plastic from safer materials. “The development of plastic from natural resources may be a good solution,” says Khaoula Khwaldia. She studies “green” packaging in Tunisia. Plastics made from plants would break down faster than regular plastic and be safer for the environment.

Many people and governments are trying to limit plastic waste. One way is by using less plastic items. California banned single-use plastic grocery bags in 2016. Similar bans will start in more states this year.

Scientists are trying to make plastic from safer materials. “Creating plastic from natural resources may be a good solution,” says Khaoula Khwaldia. She studies “green” packaging in Tunisia. She is studying plastic made from plants. This kind of plastic would break down faster than regular plastic. It would be safer for the environment.