How does plastic harm the environment?

Plastic waste is often highlighted in environmental news. As we’re often encouraged to reduce our usage of plastic products, knowing why plastic is damaging can inform decisions and help educate others to make more sustainable choices.

Why is plastic harmful?

Plastics are mostly made from fossil fuels such as natural gas or oil. Calls for more sustainable practices have led to some plastics manufactured from renewable materials, such as corn or cotton. However, these aren’t necessarily less harmful when they break down.

Environmental damage caused by the extraction of fossil fuels

Accessing fossil fuel reserves physically harms ecosystems, on land and at sea. It also consumes large amounts of resources.

Environmental damage begins with deforestation or displacement of land to access these deposits. It then continues with the emissions from mining and transportation of the unrefined materials, as well as the emissions, waste and space needed for workers and equipment.

However, this excludes the potential for catastrophe posed by oil spills or chemical leaks. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig disaster resulted in oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico for 3 months after the initial explosion. This caused massive long-term damage to regional ecosystems.

Environmental plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is present in all large bodies of water. 50–80% of ocean debris is plastic-based, often in the form of floating patches of rubbish on the ocean’s surface.

This type of pollution is known to affect over 700 animal species. Over 90% of seabirds and over half of all sea turtles are believed to have plastic in their stomachs. It is predicted the world’s oceans will contain a greater volume of plastic than fish by 2050.

Plastic persists in the environment

The quality that makes plastics durable also means they take a very long time to break down in the environment, after disposal.

Plastic bags take up to two decades to decompose; a single plastic straw takes over 200 years; larger items, such as plastic bottles and cups, may take four centuries.

In the sea, salt, water, sunlight, and constant motion can speed up the decomposition process. This results in harmful chemicals being released, as well as the dispersal of microplastics.

The dangers of microplastics

A significant proportion of ocean microplastics come from synthetic clothing or textiles. When polyester, acrylic, nylon, or similar materials are washed or subjected to friction, microplastics are released into the environment.

These minute plastic particles can infiltrate the human food chain. In addition to being present in soil, fish, meat, and water supplies, they have also been detected in human digestive tracts, which can potentially be passed from pregnant mothers to their unborn children.

Incorrectly disposing of plastic waste

Careless littering and incorrect recycling contribute to plastic in the environment. While recycling is seen as responsible plastic disposal, mass recycling systems can be inefficient. In all, only 9% of all plastic ever created has been recycled.

In some countries, plastic waste is incinerated. However, this process releases greenhouses gases and highly toxic substances into the air.

Helping to reduce plastic consumption

Over the years, gradual consumer pressure has forced manufacturing change on a broad scale, as eco-friendly and sustainable products become ever more available.

Finding alternatives to plastics benefits the environment. Reducing demand creates an incentive for businesses to buy fewer fossil fuels and manufacture less plastic.

Home compostable products are an effective way to reduce household waste and utilise natural alternatives to plastic products. They’re often as effective and convenient as their plastic counterparts, without the waste.

Our range of chic palm leaf tableware, wooden cutlery and bamboo catering products provide high quality eco-friendly options that are 100% natural. Free from chemicals, all our products can be composted at home once finished with, though many are robust enough to be cleaned and reused.

Browse our complete range of food-safe, eco-friendly utensils today.