Did you know that the very first plastics ever produced still linger in our environment today? They are either buried in landfills or are still floating in our oceans.

Despite being aware of the extent of plastic pollution, we often tend to overlook our reliance on plastics in our daily lives. Now let us imagine all the plastics we use from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. Plastics have seamlessly integrated themselves into our routine. From the toothpaste we use in the morning to the water bottles we buy from supermarkets to the very device that I am typing this on. Everything is made of plastic and none of us can escape from this reality.

Plastics has become an addition to humanity. However, it is crucial to confront the reality of our dependence on them by understanding their origins. 99% of all plastics are derived from crude oil and natural gas. 4-8% of annual global oil consumption is associated with plastics. And if this reliance continues, by 2050, plastics will account for 20% oil consumption (CIEL). Additionally, a report from CIEL reveals that the USA alone generates about 12.5 to 13.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide gases annually for extraction and transportation of gas and oil for plastic production. This is just one aspect of the plastic production process; the disposal of plastics after use has its distinct harmful cycle.

On average, plastics take about 500 to 1000 years to decompose, breaking down into smaller particles known as microplastics. And microplastics can be found everywhere- from the deepest oceans to the top of Mount Everest, and even in our bodies. The average person may be consuming five grams of plastics every week- the weight of a credit card (WWF,2019). This raises concerns about the indirect ways in which plastics have been ingested by our bodies. The leakage of plastics into our environment and food chain means we inhale or ingest tiny invisible plastic fibers floating in the air or water. Plastics have also become integrated into the food chain of marine life such as birds, fish, mammals, and plants, which can cause behavioral changes and genetic alterations.

Globally, at least 267 species, including 86% of sea turtle species, 44% of seabird species, and 43% of marine mammal species, have been affected by plastic pollution. With this rate by 2050, plastics in the ocean will outweigh all the fishes in oceans. (Earth.Org, 2022)

Plastic pollution and climate change are two distinct pressing issues with a common linkage: the environmental harm caused by greenhouse gas emission. Throughout its lifecycle, from production to decomposition, plastic generates greenhouse gases further amplifying climate change. This cycle of emissions and its impact on climate change has altered ecosystems like terrestrial, including megafauna, but its effects are relatively understudied compare to marine ecosystems.

For instance, if a sea turtle's eggs incubate below 27.7° Celsius (81.86° Fahrenheit), the turtle hatchlings will be male. Likewise, if the eggs incubate above 31° Celsius (88.8° Fahrenheit) the hatchings will be female. But the warming climate affect the temperature of beach sand where the female turtle nest. This may lead to a shortage of male offspring, potentially driving sea turtles to extinction (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,2024).

According to Awasthi research conducted at Chitwan National Park in 2023, microplastic fibers were found in the dungs of one-horned rhinos.

Now, let us again recall all the plastics we use from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. While we often associate plastic pollution with plastic bottles and single use plastic bags, the reality is that our daily reliance on plastics extends beyond these items.

Once we have come to this realization, it is important to distinguish between essential and non-essential plastics. Essential plastics could be medical equipment, sports safety gears that undeniably cannot be replaced. However, the non-essential plastics such as single use plastics bags, plastic bottles etc. can be replaced with sustainable alternatives.

As responsible individuals, we can make informed choices in our daily lives to adopt sustainable alternatives. For instance, bioplastics can serve as a substitute for single-use plastics, as they are made from bio-based polymers that can decompose easily without causing harm to the environment. Also, substituting plastic bottles with refillable ones. Including these minor adjustments can reduce our reliance on plastics and encourage an eco-friendly strategy within a circular economy. This also motivates industries to take charge in promoting reused and recycled materials, and creating products that are durable and recyclable. By prioritizing the reduction of carbon footprint, we can create a plastic-free environment.