Polythene and plastic are deteriorating people’s health from villages to cities. The city’s drainage system is often found clogged with polythene, causing drains and sewers to block. The use of these materials has increased rapidly. Drinking tea or hot milk from plastic cups introduces chemicals into people’s stomachs, leading to diarrhea and other serious diseases.
The growing use of polythene is not only dangerous for the present but also for the future. Polythene is a serious issue across the country. Previously, people would carry cloth bags for shopping, but today, they return with polythene bags. Where once newspaper bags were used, now polythene has taken their place.
It’s important to remember that polythene accumulating on the earth’s surface is eliminating the soil’s capacity to absorb water, leading to a decline in groundwater levels. The convenience of polythene has become a significant inconvenience today. It does not decompose naturally, gradually eradicating the soil’s fertility.
In the name of development, there has been rampant deforestation in cities. Trees have been cut down for various constructions and road expansions, but not enough have been replanted. Despite knowing the harm, the use of plastic in our lives has become prevalent.
People toss garbage in polythene bags, and animals, searching for food in these trash heaps, end up ingesting these bags. This leads to their sickness and eventual death. Polythene and plastic are spoiling people’s health from villages to cities, clogging the city’s drainage systems and increasing its use rapidly.
The use of plastic and polythene is dangerous for both the environment and human health. Polythene, which never degrades, affects the groundwater level. It’s observed that some shops serve tea in plastic wraps. When hot tea is poured into these wraps, the chemicals leach into the tea, later entering people’s bodies. Doctors advise against consuming hot beverages in plastic cups or polythene.
Despite bans, shopkeepers are found using polythene secretly, raising the question of why bans on polythene are not successful. Polythene bags thinner than 40 microns are particularly harmful to the environment. Because they are cheap, their use is rampant, but after a single use, they end up in the trash, whereas they could be used to make quality compost and other products.
The example of Himachal Pradesh is in front of us, where, with the help of the Central Pollution Control Board, polythene is being recycled for road construction. Germany is generating electricity from plastic waste. Furthermore, polythene can be recycled into compost. If governments take this issue seriously, profits can be made from the hazardous plastic waste. Such practices can be expanded widely.
In conclusion, polythene is extremely harmful to humans and all fauna. Only through its prevention can we find relief from its dangers. Today, every individual in society must avoid using polythene to escape this problem. This engaging narrative emphasizes the critical impact of polythene and plastic on our health and environment, urging readers to take immediate action against their use for a healthier future.
“In the face of the peril posed by plastic and polythene, it’s imperative that we take action to protect our health and environment. ASMI, a beacon of sustainable livelihood initiatives, has been empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of plastic dependency. Through their programs, women and communities are equipped with the skills to stitch cloth and jute bags, not only providing them with a sustainable source of income but also championing the ‘Say No to Plastic’ campaign since 2015. Let’s join hands with ASMI in their noble endeavor to create a greener, healthier future for all.”