Combat Plastic Pollution Crisis With Education

Our consumption pattern is causing plastic pollution to get worse globally. The complaints about collected plastic still polluting the oceans when no recycling is done. Caused people to be discouraged and they continue littering. There is need for a comprehensive environmental education plan that is easily accessed by all citizens. Key evidence to prove increased plastic pollution is here:

Global Trends:

• The International Union for the Conservation of Nature reported that approximately 380 million tons of plastic is produced annually
• Only 9% of plastic waste is successfully recycled
• Over 8 million tons of plastic enter oceans each year
• NBC reported on microplastics found in human blood, organs, and even in Mother’s placenta

Major Challenges:

Without a great plan to decrease plastic production in place. Populations will need to be educated about the damage plastic does to their bodies and the environment. They will make better decisions about the use of plastic each day. The will reuse, reduce and recycle more as they decrease plastic pollution. Some reasons for reducing plastic use are here:

• Increasing single-use-plastic consumption
• Weak waste management infrastructure in developing countries
• Long decomposition time (400-1000 years for most plastics)
• Growing plastic production by petrochemical industries

Emerging Impacts:

We should not be causing plastic to contaminate our food. We know it is toxic. Is anyone sure that it is not causing cancer? Let us make an effort to decrease the number of problems listed below:

• Widespread ecosystem contamination
• Significant marine life disruption
• Potential human health risks
• Economic costs of environmental cleanup

Positive Developments:

It is good that the plastic pollution crisis is getting some attention, but a lot more can be done. We need to support the initiatives in every way we can. Increasing public awareness by increasing environmental education for children is our contribution. Studies done by the National Library of Medicine proved that children have been agents of change before. Can we do more to educate them? If you are contributing in another way, I applaud you. It is good to see these benefits:

• Growing international regulations
• Rising corporate sustainability commitments
• Innovative alternative material research
• Increasing public awareness and consumer pressure

Without significant intervention, plastic pollution is projected to triple by 2040. Do we want more microplastics in our bodies? There has been an increase in the number of cancer patients in hospitals around the world, over the years since we began using plastic. We should be doing more to decrease plastic pollution by increasing environmental education that includes plastic pollution solutions.

Increased Environmental Education – Best Solution

With plastic manufacturers seeking to increase their profits. There is need for increased environmental education. It is our best solution for pollution and we should embrace creative ways to change our current situation. More people are willing to collect plastic waste when they are informed about how it affects their health. They are also willing to do more when they are paid for their efforts. If manufacturers were taxed by Governments and the collected money could go towards paying the people who collect plastics. Poverty and pollution would decrease.

We must prioritize our health since plastic producers only care about profits. A change in the way we use plastic will be noticed by the manufacturers after a while. If their profits decrease we will see a change in the amount of plastic being produced. There could have been more trees being planted and more paper packaging being used before. If only there was no switch to plastic packaging, our environment would not be badly polluted now.

Environmental education is crucial for a sustainable future, as it helps children understand pollution and engage in eco-friendly activities. Special books and a supportive Youtube channel offer resources to encourage environmental protection. Sharing simplified solutions can inspire both kids and adults to contribute to reducing plastic pollution and planning for a greener future. Click on the button below to buy eco-friendly children’s books.