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Hazards of Polythene Bags essay | 150,250,500 word essay on harmful effects of plastic bags

Best article on hazards of polythene bags. A detailed essay on the Hazards of Polythene Bags is here. Here you can learn about 150 words, 250 words, and 500 words Essay on the harmful effects of plastic bags. Essay on harmful effects of plastic bags.

Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 150 words:

Polythene bags, also known as plastic bags, are a common sight in our daily lives. They are used for a variety of purposes, including carrying groceries, storing items, and disposing of waste. While they may seem convenient, polythene bags can pose serious hazards to both the environment and human health.

One of the main dangers of polythene bags is that they are not biodegradable. This means that they do not break down naturally in the environment, leading to a build-up of plastic waste. When plastic waste accumulates in landfills or the oceans, it can hurt wildlife and the ecosystem. Additionally, plastic bags can litter streets, parks, and other public areas, creating an unsightly and potentially dangerous problem.

Another hazard of polythene bags is that they can release toxic chemicals into the air, soil, and water. These chemicals can be harmful to human health and may cause a range of negative effects such as respiratory problems, cancer, and birth defects.

To reduce the hazards of polythene bags, it is important to minimize their use and properly dispose of them when they are no longer needed. Instead of using plastic bags, consider using reusable bags made from materials such as cloth or paper. By taking these steps, we can help protect the environment and our health.

Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 250 words:

Polythene bags, also known as plastic bags, are a common sight in our daily lives. They are cheap, lightweight, and convenient to use. However, their widespread use has also led to significant environmental and health hazards.

One of the main issues with polythene bags is that they are not biodegradable. When they are discarded, they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment as they break down. This contributes to pollution and can have harmful effects on plants, animals, and humans.

In addition to environmental concerns, polythene bags also pose health risks. When heated, they can release toxic fumes that can be harmful to humans and animals. They can also leach chemicals into food and drink, which can be ingested by people and animals.

To mitigate these hazards, it is important to reduce our reliance on polythene bags and switch to more sustainable alternatives. This can include using reusable bags made from natural materials, such as cotton or jute, or opting for paper bags. Governments and businesses can also implement policies to reduce the use of polythene bags and encourage the use of more environmentally friendly options.

Overall, while polythene bags may be convenient in the short term, their negative impacts on the environment and our health make it important to reduce their use and find more sustainable alternatives.

Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 500 words:

Polyethylene, commonly known as polythene, is a type of plastic that is widely used to make a variety of products, including bags. While these bags are convenient and inexpensive, they can also pose significant environmental and health hazards.

One of the main concerns with polythene bags is their impact on the environment. When they are disposed of improperly, they can end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. In the meantime, they can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water, contaminating the environment and potentially affecting the health of humans and wildlife.

Additionally, polythene bags can contribute to litter, which is a major problem in many cities and towns around the world. Litter not only looks unsightly, but it can also harm wildlife, as animals may ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic bags.

Another hazard associated with polythene bags is their potential to contribute to climate change. The production of plastic, including polythene, requires the use of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when burned. These gases contribute to global warming, which is causing a range of negative impacts, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and changes in weather patterns.

Polythene bags can also pose a threat to human health. Many plastic bags, including those made of polythene, contain chemicals called phthalates, which can leach out of the plastic and into the food or other items that are stored in them. Phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to a range of health problems, including reproductive and developmental issues, asthma, and cancer.

In conclusion, while polythene bags are convenient and inexpensive, they can also pose significant environmental and health hazards. These hazards include contributing to litter, climate change, and potential harm to human health. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to minimize our reliance on plastic bags, such as using reusable bags or properly disposing of plastic bags to reduce their negative impacts on the environment and our health.

Essay on harmful effects of plastic bags in 300 words:

Plastic bags have become an integral part of our daily lives. They are cheap, lightweight, and convenient for carrying groceries, clothing, and other items. However, the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment and human health cannot be ignored.

One of the major issues with plastic bags is their non-biodegradability. They take hundreds of years to break down, and during this process, they release toxic chemicals into the soil and water bodies. These chemicals can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans, and they can also contaminate the food chain.

Plastic bags are also a major source of litter. They can be found on streets, parks, and beaches, and they can be harmful to wildlife. For example, birds and marine animals can mistake plastic bags for food, which can lead to malnutrition or death. Plastic bags can also entangle and suffocate animals, causing them to die a slow and painful death.

In addition to the environmental impacts, plastic bags can also have negative effects on human health. The production of plastic bags requires the use of fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Plastic bags can also leach chemicals into the food they contain, which can be harmful when ingested.

Despite the harmful effects of plastic bags, they are still widely used due to their convenience and low cost. However, there are alternatives to plastic bags that can be used to reduce their impact on the environment. These alternatives include reusable bags made of cloth or other sustainable materials, paper bags, and biodegradable plastic bags. By using these alternatives, we can reduce our reliance on plastic bags and protect the environment and human health.

In conclusion, plastic bags have numerous harmful effects on the environment and human health. They are non-biodegradable, contribute to litter, and contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce their impact, we can use alternatives such as reusable bags, paper bags, and biodegradable plastic bags. By making these small changes, we can protect the environment and ensure a healthier future for all.

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The negative environmental effects of plastic shopping bags

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Kelvin Chidi Ujeh

Introduction.

People use plastic bags to carry items like food and clothes, which are bought from shops. Plastic bags are commonly used, even though we know they can damage the environment. For urban solid waste, plastic bags have become major items in the litter system. This has resulted in many detrimental environmental effects including animal choking, pollution, blockage of channels, rivers and streams, and landscape disfigurement. As a result of these effects, the public at large, activists and legislatures have voiced outrage to the degree that some national governments have banned the use of plastic bags for shopping.

There are many root causes to attribute the problem of plastic bag waste in Nigeria and other countries. South Africa, for example, has restricted the manufacture and usage of plastic bags by enacting parliamentary legislation. Several European countries have adopted a fee for plastic bags, taking into account the negative effect of plastic bags on agricultural production. The Japanese government has also levied a plastic bag fee to limit production and use (Md-Jalil et al., 2013). Prohibitions on the use of plastic bags and the development of alternatives are a most welcome step when compared to putting pressure on people's production and use of plastic bags. Even though charging a levy on plastic bags has a positive effect on protecting and preserving the fertility of agricultural land, the resulting continued and dominant use of plastic bags itself would negate the benefits or advantages of the levy.

Impact on the environment

The major impact of plastic bags on the environment is that it takes many years to for them to decompose. In addition, toxic substances are released into the soil when plastic bags perish under sunlight and, if plastic bags are burned, they release a toxic substance into the air causing ambient air pollution. Simons (2005) suggests that, owing to the unregulated accumulation of carcinogenic compounds, the use of plastic bags may allow inroads into cancerous diseases. Plastic bags are dumped indiscriminately into landfills worldwide that occupy tons of hectares of land and emit dangerous methane and carbon dioxide gases as well as highly toxic leachates from these landfills during their decomposition stage.

Waste from plastic bags poses serious environmental danger to human and animal health. If plastic bags are not properly disposed of, they can impact the environment by causing littering and stormwater drain blockages.

Animals may also get tangled and drown in plastic bags. Animals often confuse the bags for food and consume them, therefore blocking their digestive processes. Animals becoming entanglement in marine debris, including plastic bags, may cause starvation, choking, laceration, infection, reduced reproductive success, and mortality (Katsanevakis, 2008). There were instances where large endangered tortoises were found to have suffocated because of the mistaken swallowing of plastic bags combined with seaweed (Thiel et al, 2003).

Plastics are now omnipresent in the marine environment and this worsening trend needs urgent action. Plastics have been identified as a problem in the marine environment since the 1970s, but the issue of plastic pollution in marine and freshwater environments has only recently been identified as a global problem. As a consequence, marine plastic bag pollution has become noteworthy environmental concern for governments, scientists, non-governmental establishments, and the international community (Carpenter and Smith, 1972).

The presence of plastics in the marine environment poses several challenges that hinder economic development. Trapped plastic bags along coastlines produces an environmental challenge that has detrimental effects on tourism. Economic losses are linked to lower tourism earnings, adverse effects on tourist activities, and harm to the marine environment. Trapped shoreline plastic has a negative effect on shipping infrastructure, energy production, fishing, and aquaculture (Sivan, 2011).

Plastic bags in ocean waters is a significant and growing global pollution epidemic. It is an increasing source of contaminant, either introduced during processing or absorbed from the atmosphere. Compounds leaching from plastic bags has been found to be responsible for increasing levels of reported toxicity. Leaching toxicity from plastic waste should also be weighed when determining the effects of plastic pollution in oceans.

Plastic bags pose a threat not only to marine life, but also to agricultural land. Plastic bags are accountable for the dilapidation of the atmosphere and agricultural land, which has inadvertently used up precious earth resources, in particular oil (Sugii, 2008). This now poses a major challenge to environmental and agricultural production. Discarded plastic bags that have already made their way into the field are not only particularly detrimental to farming but also severely harmful. The consequence of this would be the environmental deterioration of the so-called developed global society.

It is very unfortunate that, although plastic bags have been seen to have reduced agricultural production worldwide, there has been little significant awareness-raising to undertake proper, effective and concrete proactive action. Indeed, few serious scientific investigations have been made by international organisations and the international community to reduce the ever-increasing consumption of plastic bags.

Plastic bags should be prohibited globally and their biodegradable equivalents should be implemented to address these gross and harmful issues.

Recommendations

The public should be informed not to use plastic bags, but to use eco-friendly alternative bags made from fabric, natural fibres and paper to reduce the problems associated with plastic bag wastes.

Regulation against the indiscriminate use and recycling of waste from plastic bags is strongly recommended, as well as restriction of the free sale of plastic bags by retailers.

In the United States, the single-use plastic bag is a significant worry for local governments. Plastic bags remain a major source of land-based litter and marine debris, which obstruct stormwater management systems due to their tremendously low re-use and recycling rate. In reaction, local governments have taken a number of steps designed to minimise the store-level use of single-use shopping bags in the following main categories: bans, fees and levying taxes; minimum product size of bags; public awareness requirements; and retailer take-back initiatives.

Convery et al., (2007) also explains that the Republic of Ireland introduced a levied tax on plastic shopping bags in 2002, which had hitherto been provided free at points of sale to customers. The consequence of the tax on the use of plastic bags in retail outlets was intense. There was a greater percentage decrease in use, with a related benefit in the form of reduced littering with adverse effects on the environment.

In an effort to monitor the environmental issues posed by plastic shopping bags, the government of South Africa merged regulatory elements with a ‘per-bag tax’ similar to that imposed by the Irish government. Plastic bag charging started with a fixed nominal price per bag across all retailers. With the implementation of the tax, the use of plastic bags dropped dramatically across retailers. However, the paid levy only had short-run success, and as soon as the price was set to a lower rate, the demand picked up. The levy’s effectiveness has declined, despite its extensive application at checkout points, and customers have continued to steadily increase their consumption rates.

Even so, the combination of legislation and pricing has successfully curbed the short-term use of plastic bags. Additional investigation indicates that the legislation’s impact may rise over time (Hasson et al., 2007). They further elucidated that the single-use plastic shopping bag is one of the leading causes of environmental and socio-economic problems worldwide, which has led to universal calls for use reduction intervention strategies.

There is a need to minimise our plastic use to effectively minimise plastic waste. This means modifying our everyday habits, not using plastic when there is a good alternative and only using plastic when it is strictly necessary. Plastic bags can be reused or used for different purposes. It is necessary to think about how they can be reused before disposing of them .

Education is another critical tool for behavioural improvement by educating people about the environmental and health expense of using plastic bags. We need to raise awareness in communities about poor waste disposal activities. Other actions that can be taken to limit the impact of plastic bags on the environment include taking part in neighbourhood clean-up efforts, voluntarily recycling household waste, avoiding littering and illegal dumping of plastic shopping bags, using eco-friendly materials as an alternative and adopting legislation which would make the use of plastic bags less attractive.

E Carpenter, K Smith, ‘Plastics on the Sargasso Sea surface’, 1972, Science 175: 1240–1241

F Convery, S McDonnell and S Ferreira, ‘The most popular tax in Europe? Lessons from the Irish plastic bags levy’, 2007, Environmental and Resource Economics , 38: 1–11.

R Hasson, A Leiman, M Visser,’The economics of plastic bag legislation in South Africa’, 2007, South African Journal of Economics , 75: 66–83.

S Katsanevakis, ‘Marine debris, a growing problem: sources, distribution, composition, and impacts’. T Hofer, (Ed.), Marine Pollution . (Nova Science Publishers , 2008), 277–324.

A Md-Jalil, N Md-Mian, M Rahman, ‘Using Plastic Bags and Its Damaging Impact on Environment and Agriculture: An Alternative Proposal’, 2013, International Journal of Learning & Development . 3: 1–14.

C Simmons, ‘It’s in the Bag: An Estimate of the Effect of CO2 Emissions of the Irish Plastic Bag Tax’ ( www.bestfootforward.com , 29 June 2017)

A Sivan, ‘New perspectives in plastic biodegradation’, 2011, Current Opinion in Biotechnology 22: 422–426.

T Sugii, Plastic Bag Reduction: Policies to Reduce Environmental Impact (2008).

M Thiel, M Eriksen, N Maximenko, A Cummin, G Lattin, S Wilson, S Rifman, ‘Plastic pollution in the South Pacific subtropical gyre’, 2013, Marine pollution bulletin, 68(2) 71–76.

The Environmental Impact of Polyethylene Bags

Single-use plastic bags pose a global threat to the environment with over 1 trillion plastic bags used and disposed of each year. In the United States, over 500 million plastic straws are used each year; the number across the world is beyond count. Plastic overwhelms landfills, clogs gutters and poses a risk to animals when improperly disposed.

Plastic usage and disposal is especially a challenge in developing countries where garbage collection and recycling services are often not available or inadequate. While Uganda does have trash collection, it is still often disposed of in the streets or burned releasing toxins into the atmosphere. Unfortunately recycling is not a common value and the need to protect the environment is not a priority. In the month I’ve been in Uganda, I’ve come across few public trashcans and no recycling bins.

In the Kinawataka slum and elsewhere in the country, plastic covers the roads and clog drains causing flooding. Life is much more communal here with goats, chickens and ducks roaming the area freely. Livestock are a major commodity and provide sustenance and income for the community. Animals commonly become ill or are killed from ingesting plastic and other trash.

The Kinawataka Women Initiatives (KIWOI) attempts to address this environmental problem by recycling used drinking straws into reusable bags. In addition to offering eco-friendly alternatives to polyethylene bags, KIWOI provides training to groups across the country to educate Ugandans on the need to recycle.

While these trainings have a positive effect in local communities, change is needed across the country. In order to have a major impact across the country, the Ugandan government must take ownership and establish a nationwide recycling initiative where the reusable bags are incentivized and recycling is taught as a common value.

Posted By Shannon Orcutt

Posted Jul 11th, 2014

328 Comments

January 15, 2016

[…] This post originally appeared on the Advocacy Project blog […]

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J Clin Diagn Res
v.10(4); 2016 Apr

Usage of Plastic Bags and Health Hazards: A Study to Assess Awareness Level and Perception about Legislation Among a Small Population of Mangalore City

Nitin joseph.

1 Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.

Aswin Kumar

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, S.S Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere, India.

Sumanth Mallikarjuna Majgi

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Mysore Medical College, Mysore, India.

Ganesh S Kumar

4 Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, J.I.P.M.E.R, Puducherry, India.

Raghavendra Babu Yellapur Prahalad

5 Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India.

Introduction

Plastic bag users are at risk of number of health hazards. There is paucity of data with regard to awareness of health hazards among general population in India.

This study was done to find out the status of awareness of the health hazards associated with the usage of plastic bags among people and their perception towards the legislation prohibiting the usage of plastic bags.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted in Mangalore city in August 2013. Data was collected by interviewing any adult member (aged above 18 years) in each of the selected households using an interview schedule.

Mean age of the 250 participants was 32.8±10.8 years. Majority 160(64%) were females educated up to undergraduate level or above 187(74.8%). Among the participants 216(86.4%) were aware of the health hazards associated with the use of plastic bags. Awareness was significantly more amongst females (p=0.027), well-educated participants (p=0.004) and among professionals and semi-professionals (p<0.001). There were 50(20%) participants reusing plastic bags for shopping after initial usage. The cloth bags were used for shopping in place of plastic bags by 13(5.2%) participants. Among the participants 213(85.2%) were aware of the legislation banning the use of plastic bags and out of which 166(77.9%) were in its favour. Semi-professionals and students favoured the ban on plastic bags whereas unskilled and semiskilled workers were against the ban (p=0.01).

Most of the participants in the settings had the awareness of hazards of plastic bag usage. However, there is a need for spreading the awareness of using alternative strategies and effective implementation of legislation in order to minimize the usage of plastics in the community.

Plastic industry is one among the rapidly growing industries in India. The production of plastics has reached 8.5 million tons in 2013 with a growth rate of 8% over the previous five years. The growth rate is expected to be 10% over the next five years [ 1 ]. The reasons for popularity for using the plastic bags are light weight, resistance to degradation (by chemicals, sunlight and bacteria), durability and above all low cost.

While these conveniences are benefitting individual users, the problems and the cost of disposal of plastic items would burden the entire society [ 2 ]. After their entry to environment, plastics take anywhere from 15 to 1000 years to biodegrade [ 3 ]. It poses a risk to human health and environment [ 4 ]. In addition to problems like choking the drains, the littered plastic bags are breeding ground for mosquitoes when rain water gets collected in them. This could worsen the situation of malaria in a highly endemic area like Mangalore city.

Plastic bag packing for hot edible items causes migration of harmful chemicals to food items. These include Styrene which is carcinogenic, Phthalates and Bisphenol A which causes diabetes and diseases of the heart and liver [ 5 ]. Therefore, it is high time we switch over to alternative materials for packing and transportation.

“The Plastic Manufacture, Sale and Usage Rules 1999, amended in 2003 under the Indian Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 prohibit manufacture, stocking, distribution or sale of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic and prohibits littering of plastic items” [ 2 ].

However, studies on consumer preferences revealed that large proportion of people do not value environmental aspects [ 6 ]. Moreover, poor enforcement of the legislation has made the ban towards plastic bags usage largely ineffective [ 2 ]. The result being plastic bags have been used widely by small business owners like hawkers, retail shops and in shopping malls. With this background, this community based study was done in Mangalore, a fast growing city in Karnataka state, to find out the pattern of usage of plastic bags on a daily basis and to analyse the reasons for popularity of plastic bags among users. The study also assessed the awareness about the health hazards associated with plastic bag usage among the people and their perception towards the legislation banning the usage of plastic bags.

This cross-sectional study was undertaken in August 2013 in the field practice area of Urban Health Training Centre in Lady Hill area of Mangalore city in southern India. Institutional ethics committee approved for conducting this study.

The sample size of 250 was calculated using 95% confidence limits, 85% power and assuming the usage rate of plastic bags to be 40% as reported in another Indian study [ 7 ]. These households were selected by systematic random sampling method from a total of 12,389 households with a population of 58,321 residing in Lady Hill area of Mangalore city. If a house was found locked during the visit, the investigators visited the adjacent house for collecting the data. Data was collected by interviewing any one adult member (aged above 18 years) in the household using a pretested structured interview schedule. The pilot testing of the schedule was done among ten non-randomly chosen participants before the start of the study. A written informed consent was taken from each participant. Socio-demographic information viz., age, educational status and occupational status were enquired from each participant. Questions regarding frequency of usage of plastic bags and what do they do or how do they dispose the bags after every usage were asked. They were also enquired about what they felt was the reason for popularity of plastic bags, whether they were habituated in demanding the bags more than the actual requirement from shop keepers or whether the shop keepers generously offered them the bags without checking their actual requirements and whether they were habituated in reusing plastic bags by carrying own bags for shopping visits. The questions on their awareness regarding hazards and types of hazards associated with plastic bag usage, awareness about recyclable plastic bags, awareness on eco-friendly alternate material for making bags and awareness about the legislation which bans usage of plastic bags and their opinion regarding the ban on usage of plastic bags were also included. If they voiced against the legislation, what was the reason for the same was enquired.

Statistical Analysis

Data was entered and analysed using version 16.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Chi-square test was used to test association and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant association.

Mean age of 250 participants was 32.8±10.8 years. Majority of them 160(64%) were females and also the majority 187(74.8%) were educated up to undergraduate level or above. Among the participants 216(86.4%) out of 250 were aware of at least one health hazard of plastics. Out of these 216 participants, 177(81.9%) knew that plastics are non-biodegradable and 50(23.1%) knew that plastic contained carcinogenic substances. Awareness level about the hazards associated with usage of plastics was significantly more among females (p=0.027), participants educated till graduation or above (p=0.004) and among professional and semi-professionals (p<0.001) [ Table/Fig-1 ].

[Table/Fig-1]:

Associating the awareness on hazards due to the usage of plastic bags with various socio-demographic variables.

* Degrees of freedom

† Secondary School Leaving Certificate

‡ Pre University Course

There were 50(20%) participants reusing the plastic bags for shopping after usage and out of these 50 participants 33(20.6%) were females and 17(18.9%) were males (χ 2 =0.109, p=0.742). Three (1.2%) participants were littering the plastic bags in open areas after usage and 197(78.8%) participants used to dispose plastic bags in bins. Among the users 138(55.2%) felt that plastic bags were popular among customers because of their easier availability, 111(44.4%) due to their durability such as ease in carrying liquid items and 42(16.8%) for they were light weight. The 179(71.6%) participants were aware of the fact that the plastic bags were recyclable. The alternatives for plastic bags suggested by users were jute bags 76(30.4%), biodegradable plastic bags 65(26%) and paper bags 53(21.2%). Only 13(5.2%) participants were using cloth bags for shopping in place of plastic bags. As many as 48(19.2%) participants had the habit of demanding more plastic bags from the shop keepers. Among the participants, 206(82.4%) stated that the shop keepers handed them plastic bags after their purchase without even asking them if they really required more bags for carrying goods.

Out of the total, 213(85.2%) were aware of the legislation banning the use of plastic bags and of whom, 166(77.9 %) participants responded in favour of the legislation. Out of the participants, 47(22.1%) were against the legislation. The most common reason for opposition stated by 33(70.2%) participants was inconvenience caused while shopping. Occupational status was found to significantly influence the perception towards the legislation on prohibiting the usage of plastic bags (p=0.01). No other socio-demographic variables like age, gender or educational status was found to influence the perception towards the legislation for prohibiting the usage of plastic bags [ Table/Fig-2 ].

[Table/Fig-2]:

Associating the perceptions towards the ban on plastic bag usage with various socio-demographic variables.

Majority of the subjects (86.4%) in this study was aware of at least one health hazard of plastics. This was better than the observations found in studies conducted in India and other parts of the world where 50% to 81.1% participants were aware of associated health hazards [ 3 , 5 , 8 , 9 ].

In a Delhi based study, 74.5% housewives and 81.5% professionals were aware of health hazards associated with the usage of plastics and it was lower than our observations [ 8 ]. However, the awareness among students (93%) and lower income groups (52%) in the Delhi based study was more than our observations [ 8 ]. Awareness of students is very vital for any awareness campaign. Students by means of their academic curriculum are expected to be knowledgeable on various public health issues concerning the society which includes hazards of plastic bag use. They can hence play a productive role in health education activities in the community. This would help the government and non-government organizations by avoiding extra financial burden to train the additional personnel [ 8 ]. Poor awareness among people in general has been reported as the leading cause in developing countries resulting in adopting environmentally unfriendly practices [ 2 ]. The various means to enable easy availability of information should support awareness generation initiatives. For example, display of banners with the intention of creating awareness on the use of alternative bags could be an effective low cost information strategy. Pamphlets on hazards of plastic bags need to be put up near check-outs or cash counters in grocery stores and shops. Radio and television can also help in mass dissemination of information. This will motivate both adults and children to use alternate eco-friendly bags like paper or cloth bags [ 3 , 8 ]. The commonest reasons for preferring plastic bags found in this study were the easy availability followed by durability. This was similar to the findings of the study done in Delhi where convenience for shopping was the commonest reason stated by most participants [ 8 ]. Another study done in an urban area of Ethiopia reported that low price, easy availability and light weight were the main reasons for popularity of plastic bags amongst its users [ 9 ].

In this study very few participants were littering the plastic bags in open areas after usage. The Ethiopian study [ 9 ] reported 59.6%, a study done in Dholpur town, Rajasthan [ 7 ] reported that 40% and in another study done in Tiruchirapalli City, Tamil Nadu [ 10 ] reported that 43.1% participants used to litter plastic bags in open. The lower litter rate in this study could be because of better awareness about the hazards of plastic bags compared to other studies on issues like non-biodegradable nature of plastic bags among people.

In this study, 20% of participants were reusing plastic bags after usage. This was similar to the findings of a study done in California, USA where 18.9% participants were using reusable bags [ 3 ]. In another study done in Delhi only 4.6% of participants used to carry own plastic bags for shopping. The above study also reported that among the people who used to get their own bags, the proportion of females 11.9% using reusable bags was more than males 9.7% and it was similar to our findings [ 2 ].

Gupta K et al., reported that 89% of consumers admitted that they started imitating others who were carrying own bags for shopping [ 2 ]. This was like setting a good example for others for minimizing plastic bag utilization.

Even though reusing of plastic bags leads to less generation of waste this strategy has been framed as unhygienic. Studies have found that 97% of shoppers have been reusing plastic bags in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tucson, USA without washing them. These reusable bags carried harmful bacteria which cause cross-contamination of food packed in it, thereby threatening human health [ 3 ]. There have been reports of Escherechia Coli identified in 8% of reused bags along with several enteric bacteria and other opportunistic pathogens in a recent study by Williams DL et al., [ 11 ].

Hence, if reusing bags is to be promoted as a strategy to minimize the utilization of plastic bags then the periodic washing of the bags should also be made mandatory for the customers.

The alternatives for plastic bags like jute bags and paper bags were suggested by a few participants in this study. In another study done in Delhi 57.6% users suggested cloth/ jute as alternatives for plastic bags while 40.3% suggested paper bags [ 8 ]. The other alternatives could be polypropylene bags, biodegradable bags made of cornstarch and sisal bags, which are quite durable and hence can also be reused.

Even though most consumers were aware of the hazards associated with the usage of plastic bags and some of them even had an idea of alternative eco-friendly bags, hardly 5% participants in the present study were using eco-friendly bags. This was much lesser than the observations of a study done in California, USA where 30.2% were using the paper bags [ 3 ]. Hence, provision of suitable bags like cloth/jute/ paper bags in market places at a subsidized price would improve the practice if the customer forgets to get one from home. This strategy has been reported to reduce the utilization of plastic bags by 90% in Ireland [ 12 ] and by 49% in China [ 13 ].

In this study 14.8% participants were unaware of the legislation banning the usage of plastic bags. The shop keepers, on the other hand, were supplying plastic bags to their customers without even verifying whether they actually needed them. Similar observations were made in a study conducted in Delhi where some stores repeatedly violated the government ban by providing plastic bags generously [ 2 ]. This highlights the ignorance of citizens, both shop owners and consumers, about the legislation and ineffectiveness of awareness campaigns in disseminating information on penalties imposed under this legislation.

On the other hand, Xing X et al., observed that following the implementation of ban on free plastic bags in China, the use of plastic bags reduced dramatically and so also improved the public awareness of environmental protection [ 14 ].

In the present study although most participants were aware of the legislation, about one fourth were not in favour of the ban on plastic bags. Majority of these people who opposed the ban on plastic bag usage were unskilled and semi-skilled workers followed by housewives. This was similar to the findings of another study done in Delhi where 76% housewives and 53% low income group members were against the ban on plastic usage [ 8 ]. Most housewives even though were aware of health hazards of plastic bags, were not favouring the ban on these products as they were used to comforts of plastic bags. A study done in Ethiopia also reported that majority of female participants wanted to continue using plastic bags in spite of being aware of their health hazards [ 9 ]. If the low socio-economic groups are opposing the ban it could be because of ignorance about the hazards of using the plastic bags. Most people who favoured ban were semi-professionals, professionals and students. Similarly, in the study done in Delhi, 62% students and 42% institutional members supported the ban on plastic carry bags [ 8 ]. The favourable attitude towards the legislation seen among a good number of students could be a result of constant education campaigns at schools on environmentally sensitive issues [ 2 ].

The participants aged above 40 years and those below 21 years favoured the ban on plastic bags. This was similar to the findings of the Delhi based study which suggested that the youngsters and the elderly were more conscious or receptive to environmental health issues [ 2 ].

The finding of this study is limited to one ward and hence cannot be generalized to entire Mangalore city.

Most of the participants in the settings had the awareness of health hazards of the usage of plastic bags and supported its ban. However, practices with respect to usage of alternative bags or reuse of already used bags were found poor among majority of the participants. Awareness generation on these strategies and effective implementation of legislation may help in reducing the usage of plastic bags in the community.

Acknowledgments

We authors like to thank MBBS students Ms. Samudyata M Heroor, Mr. Swaroop, Ms. Hasini Kanchana Perera, Mr. Arpit Govil, Mr. Kaushik H Mahadik, Ms. Shravya U and Mr. Ankit Poddar of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India for their help in data collection. We also thank Dr. Maria Nelliyanil, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, A.J Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore for her help in data analysis.

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Impact of Polythene Bags Disposal

by Dr. Emily Greenfield | May 4, 2023 | Plastic Pollution

Polythene bags have made life more convenient but have also harmed the environment through production and disposal. The examination of plastic product issues necessitates a whole life cycle approach. So far, the methods used to assess and deal with the effects of plastic bags have needed to be expanded and more. Understanding all of the hazardous consequences of plastic on human health is necessary to make a sensible judgment about how to reduce the danger.

There are significant and intricate effects on human health at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from oil and gas field wellheads to oil refineries, from store shelves to bodies, from rubbish disposal to the ongoing effects of microplastics in the air, water, and soil. Several phases of this life cycle are presented to people everywhere. The fossil raw materials used to make plastics will emit harmful compounds during extraction and transportation into the air and water, including those known to cause illnesses and immune system damage.

Table of Contents

What are the impacts of Polythene bag disposal?

The shopkeeper will typically pack your purchases, such as food or clothing, in a shopping bag for you when you make a purchase. You’ll drop the grocery bag in the outside litter when you return. The most frequent method that plastic bags wind up endangering the ecosystem is this way.

While plastic bags are beneficial in our daily lives, and we often feel we can’t live without them, they also significantly contribute to environmental pollution, animal fatalities, risks to human health, and other adverse effects.

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1. Animals’ deaths

Every year, over 100,000 animals are killed by plastic bags. Several animals confuse plastic bags for food, including whales, dolphins, turtles, penguins, and dolphins.

For instance, marine turtles mistake jellyfish for floating plastic shopping bags. Due in part to their overconsumption of plastics, these sea turtles are in danger of extinction. Plastic cannot be fully digested. Thus it will build up in the animal’s stomach and cause death. Even worse, the ingested plastics remain even when the dead animal decomposes. That implies another animal could consume it and eventually experience the same effects.

2. Plastic bags don’t decompose

The decomposition of plastic can take up to 2000 years. In actuality, the environment is still contaminated by all of the plastic ever produced. That implies that you won’t live long enough to witness the breakdown of plastic.

3. Petroleum-based materials are used to make plastic bags

The world’s oil supplies must be replenished by 60 million to 100 million barrels yearly to produce plastic. As a result, plastic plays a significant role in the depletion of this vital resource, which drives up the cost of petroleum products every day.

4. Hazardous chemicals are used in plastic food storage containers

According to studies, eating or heating food in plastic bags contributes to the development of ulcers, asthma, obesity, and several malignancies. This is explained by the fact that plastic bags contain some compounds that, when heated, will combine with the food. The chemical Bisphenol-A is one of these (BPA).

BPA contributes to the flexibility and toughness of a plastic. Although it increases the practicality of plastic for everyday use, this chemical has significant health hazards, particularly when it comes into contact with food. High dosages of BPA have the potential to harm reproductive development and functions, according to studies on animals. Several major health problems, including diabetes, liver damage, and heart disease, have been linked to high levels of BPA in the body, according to studies. The brain may suffer negative consequences from this substance.

5. Plastic production releases harmful substances

Many neurotoxic, cancer-causing, and hormone-disrupting substances can be found in plastic bags. Several of these substances are also discharged as waste from the manufacture of plastic. After being released, they eventually enter our ecosystem due to land, water, and air contamination.

6. Large-scale plastic bag accumulations obstruct drainage systems

One of the most frequent reasons for drainage system obstruction is the buildup of plastic bags. This issue significantly impacts developing nations.

The floods that swept over Bangladesh roughly 20 years ago are a good illustration of this effect. Drainage systems were severely clogged, which was partially caused to plastic shopping bags.

7. Groundwater becomes contaminated by plastic bags

The toxins released by the plastic bags at the dumpsite typically sink into the ground and end up in the groundwater reservoirs. The harmful effects of plastics would then be transferred from the earth to our bodies through the food and drink we consume, including plants.

Many of us mistakenly think drinking groundwater is safe, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hence, only drink groundwater if groundwater has been prepared for human consumption. You will consume a lot of hazardous stuff if you don’t.

8. The natural food chain is disrupted by plastic pollution

Plastic-related pollution, such as those plastic bags, interferes with the natural feeding order. All organisms in the food chain, from giant terrestrial animals to microscopic plankton, are affected negatively by their destructive impacts. When they consume plastic toxins, these creatures may experience direct effects from plastic. They may also be indirectly impacted if they are left without food after plastics have killed species lower in the food chain.

What are the alternatives to plastic bags?

1. paper bags.

Polyethylene- or ethylene-based bags make the bulk of plastic bags. Because they are created from non-renewable petroleum resources and hazardous chemicals and take thousands of years to decompose, plastic bags are bad for the environment. Paper bags can be recycled up to six times and can be used to create a range of different paper goods. Also, most paper bag waste degrades in less than six months and, in most circumstances, turns into fertile vegetation waste. The paper does not release highly harmful and dangerous fumes into the atmosphere during recycling as plastic does. Today, paper bags are more often associated with fashion. Paper bags are popular because they are light, simple to clean, and can hold stuff for a long time.

2. Jute bags

Jute bags are made of biodegradable material, primarily cellulose, a more environmentally responsible alternative to plastic bags. In contrast to synthetics, the production of jute bags is straightforward. It does not use toxic chemicals or harmful by-products that result from their use, which helps to protect the environment and maintain ecological balance. The raw materials for jute bags are obtained from lush, green jute plants, which contribute to environmental protection and ecological balance by supplying the atmosphere with much-needed oxygen. Jute bags are compostable and biodegradable and come in a number of shapes. Also, they have no adverse effects on agriculture or the environment. Jute bags are a great environmentally friendly and compostable alternative to plastic bags.

3. Other Biodegradable bags

Bacteria can now break down biodegradable plastics, chewed up, and convert them into biomass, water, and CO 2 instead of being stable for hundreds of years, as was previously the case. People have only recently begun to use plastics. This biodegradable plastic bag, produced by plastic companies, poses less risk to the environment and the land. Both non-biodegradable and biodegradable plastic bags contain hazardous chemicals that harm the environment. The most environmentally friendly biodegradable plastic now available is PLA (polylactic acid).

To Conclude

Plastic bags are undeniably very convenient for human production and living, so it is vital to identify alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and human life throughout their life cycles. Paper bags, jute bags, and other biodegradable bags have mostly replaced plastic bags because they have drawbacks such as poor recycling and difficulty degrading. You can recycle paper bags up to six times. Because jute bags comprise cellulose, which degrades over time, they are more environmentally friendly. Creating more biodegradable plastics has advanced the use of plastics to a new level. Biodegradable plastics can now be broken down by bacteria that chew them up and turn them into biomass, water, and carbon dioxide. As a result, it substantially resolves the issue of typical plastic bags’ lengthy 100-year deterioration cycle and the severe environmental damage it causes.

Dr. Emily Greenfield is a highly accomplished environmentalist with over 30 years of experience in writing, reviewing, and publishing content on various environmental topics. Hailing from the United States, she has dedicated her career to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.

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Polythene bags and food safety: crucial role in food packaging.

Polythene bags are usually considered to be harmful to the environment since they are non-biodegradable, However, they can be made to be more eco-friendly through innovative manufacturing and recycling. We even mentioned how eco-friendly farmers are using polythene .

The trick is to produce polythene bags from biodegradable or compostable materials, such as plant-based polymers or bio-based plastics. Another way that they can be eco-friendly is by using recycled polythene derived from post-consumer waste that can significantly reduce the environmental impact. Encouraging responsible disposal practices, like recycling and proper waste management, ensures that polythene bags do not end up in landfills or oceans. This is actually going to be essential as more countries ban single use plastic .

Finally, designing polythene bags with a focus on durability and reusability can further enhance their eco-friendly attributes, encouraging consumers to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by minimizing single-use plastic consumption. Ultimately, by incorporating these strategies, polythene bags can transition from being environmental hazards to contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future .

But are eco-friendly polythene bags safe? Keep reading to learn more.

Eco-Friendly Polythene Bags Can Be Safe As Well As Sustainable

Have you ever wondered if the plastic bags you use to store or transport food are actually safe? Most of us simply grab whatever bags are handy without considering potential health implications. However, not all plastics are created equal when it comes to contact with our food.

By using the “wrong types” of plastic bags you allow chemicals to leach into your foods and drinks. As a result, this can negatively impact the flavor of your products and even increase health risks if you will consume them. That’s why polythene bags that are made food-grade materials can make a big difference . Food-grade polythene bags act as a barrier, that prevents contamination during storage and transport. They help to maintain food safety from processing facilities all the way to consumers’ homes.

In this article, you will find out what makes some plastic bags “food grade”, and understand the difference between food-grade and food-safe. We’ll also discuss why food grade poly bags are vital for both food businesses and consumers.

So whether you run a food company or just want to keep your own kitchen safe, read on to learn why food grade polythene bags matter.

Food Grade vs Food Safe Packaging: What is the difference?

You may have heard the terms “ food-grade ” and “ food-safe ” used interchangeably on plastic bags and food packaging. But it’s important to note these terms have distinctly different meanings.

Food-safe refers to materials that have been specially engineered to not transmit dangerous chemicals into food contents when used as intended. Food-grade contains food safe, but also includes materials that haven’t gone through safe tests, but in practice, they could be safe.

Essentially, every food-safe material can be considered food-grade. But not all food-grade materials have passed official safety tests to carry the food-safe badge.

Let’s explore a simple example:

Say you have two plastic food containers:

One made from a plastic approved as food-safe.
The other is from a plastic lacking this approval.

The food-safe container passed laboratory tests showing it doesn’t leach chemicals when holding tomatoes for a month. While the other plastic hasn’t gone through safety testing, it may still be fine for shorter tomato storage. So it would be considered food grade, but not certified as food safe.

The takeaway? When selecting plastic bags and food containers, look for clear food-safe certifications to ensure safety for your intended use case. Don’t assume food grade implies official food safety, as the testing and assurances can differ.

Why you Should be Using Food-Grade Packaging

Using properly formulated food-grade packaging is crucial for any business or consumer handling food. These specially designed materials maintain safety and quality in a number of key ways:

Maintains Food Safety & Quality

Food-grade plastics provide inert barriers between foods and external environments. This preserves nutritional content and avoids imparting off-flavors from chemical leaching. Proper food-grade packaging also locks out oxygen, bacteria, and moisture that degrade perishable goods.

Compliance with Regulations

Food producers and processors must comply with strict safety regulations when it comes to packaging and handling. Using certified food-grade materials is essential for meeting quality standards imposed by FDA rules. This packaging also enables compliance with related transportation and storage regulations.

Prevents Contamination

Food-grade plastics constructed from materials like polyethylene prevent chemical migration into food contents. This means avoiding hazardous substance contamination that can make consumers sick. Proper food-grade packaging also prevents physical contaminants like dirt and debris from entering goods.

By preserving quality, adhering to compliance rules, and stopping contamination; food grade packaging provides indispensable protection to perishable inventories. Using uncertified plastics puts in danger regulatory alignment, profits, and consumer safety. Let’s take a closer look at this problem

Consequences of Using Non-Food Grade Packaging

Food-grade plastic packaging may seem like an unnecessary cost, but the consequences of using non-compliant materials can be detrimental. Ranging from product waste to serious health implications, improper food storage methods affect both producers and consumers.

Chemical Leaching

Plastics not specifically formulated for food contact can leach harmful chemicals like plasticizers, stabilizers, and residual monomers into contents. Exposure to these migrating compounds alters flavors and textures while posing toxicity concerns if ingested.

Food Spoilage

Non-food grade packaging often lacks adequate moisture, gas, and UV barriers needed to preserve perishable goods. This accelerates spoilage from dehydration, oxidation, mold growth, and other degradation — translating directly to product waste and lost profits.

Health Hazards

Chemical leaching and accelerated spoilage also introduce food safety issues that breed bacteria like E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Contamination from these foodborne pathogens causes illnesses ranging from discomfort to hospitalization or death in consumers.

What Makes Packaging Food-Grade

Food-grade materials have four major attributes in common:

Chemically Inert Materials

Bags or containers must be produced from plastic resins that science proves will not interact with or dissolve into foods. This keeps the packaging intact while preventing the migration of any hazardous compounds into edibles. Polyethylene and polypropylene plastics have inert properties suitable for food-grade approval.

Specifically Designed and Tested for Food Contact

In addition to using stable, non-reactive plastics, food-grade packaging undergoes rigorous safety testing. This includes analyzing chemical migration and changes in food quality over time in FDA and EFSA approved labs. Multiple food simulants emulate contact with different categories of edibles from dry goods to high-fat dairy.

Proper Thickness to Prevent Leaks

Food packaging must maintain adequate thickness and durability to safely contain foods throughout handling and storage without risk of punctures, tears or leaks. Common standards mandate thicknesses between 1.5 to 6 mils depending on bag type and intended cargo.

Clear Labeling for Food Use

Valid food-grade packaging always features classification details and recycling codes directly on bags or containers. You should see identification marking the materials as FDA-approved for direct food contact. Symbols may also indicate microwave or freezer safety.

Checking that plastic packaging meets these key criteria verifies its legitimate status as food grade for safely handling edible contents. Never assume unmarked bags meet requirements without clear food grade designations.

Food Grade Plastics Used In Packaging

When checking that packaging meets food-grade standards, you’ll likely encounter these three plastic materials:

Polyethylene (PE). Polyethylene denotes a family of plastic resins made from ethylene monomers. Two variants LDPE (low-density PE) and HDPE (high-density PE) offer flexibility or rigidity for different applications. These are affordable, food-grade plastics perfect for bags, films, bottles, and containers.
Polypropylene (PP) . Polypropylene is a highly versatile, food safe plastic made from propylene monomers. Its high-temperature resistance suits it for hot-fill liquids and microwaveable food ware. Polypropylene demonstrates excellent chemical inertia, making it ideal for food storage containers and yogurt cups.
Nylon. Nylon refers to a variety of synthetic polymers known as polyamides. When molded into bags, wraps, and liners, nylon forms strong yet flexible food grade materials. Resistance to tears and punctures suits nylon uniquely for uses like oven bags for poultry and produce.

Checking for these food-grade plastics offers assurance you’re using only FDA-regulated, food-safe packaging for direct contact.

How and Where Food-Grade Bags Can Be Used

Now that you know how vital food-grade bags are for safety, let’s explore some of their most useful applications:

Storing and Transporting Food

Food-grade polyethylene bags enable reliable containment of all varieties of edibles from gravity-fed dry goods to chilled, freshly canned produce. Secure heat seals prevent spills or contamination in transit.

Thicker food-grade bags withstand subzero temperatures without becoming brittle. Advanced barrier layers block moisture loss while preventing freezer burn. BPA-free bags approved for freezing even permit boil-in-bag cooking.

Cooking and Reheating

Speaking of boiling bags, some food-grade models allow cooking or microwaving contents directly inside. However, always confirm specifications first for oven and microwave safety up to intended temperature ranges.

Portion Control

Marked measurements in quarts or gallons on some bags assist with separating ingredients, meal preps or leftovers into planned portions. This encourages proper serving sizes and less waste.

Organization

Custom-sized bags help organize the fridge or pantry by food type. Labels keep track of contents for easy identification. Larger bags allow combining item sets to save space.

With this versatility, every home cook and food supplier should keep a variety of food-grade bags on hand to fulfil an array of storage needs..

As consumers, we often take food packaging for granted without considering the immense impact proper materials make in keeping our families safe. But after highlighting the dangers of chemical leaching and accelerated food spoilage, the value of food-grade bags comes into focus.

While we can’t reverse issues like plastic waste overload or microplastics entering soils and waterways, we can start making smarter individual choices today. When you opt for legitimately labelled food-grade bags from reputable polythene suppliers , you cast a vote to phase out questionable players and low-grade products eroding public health.

The journey toward a transparent, sustainable and ethical food supply chain begins in our own kitchens. So whether you’re a home cook or run a food business, set the example by securing ingredients in bags designed to go the distance.

yan Kh is an experienced blogger, digital content & social marketer. Founder of Catalyst For Business and contributor to search giants like Yahoo Finance and MSN. He is passionate about covering topics like sustainability, green-business approach and high-tech innovations.

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THESIS THE HARMFUL EFFECT OF POLYTHENE & PLASTIC BAGS TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND A REQUISITE FOR BIO-PLASTICS. CASE STUDY LAGOS STATE. SUBMITTED BY

Plastics have been around for more than 100 years and without a doubt, they have been extremely useful, however when you see them blowing around in the streets causing entanglement in animals, clogging up of drainages causing flooding, posing dangers to animals, such as turtles, birds that ingest them or are strangled by them, especially in marine environments where plastic bags resemble jellyfish then you will realized the need to strongly enlighten the masses on the threat posed by plastic bags pollution and the need to adopt a natural polymers in the production of plastic bags as against the use of organic polymers currently being use.

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This work is designed to study experimentally, the mechanical behaviour of various waste plastic materials in Ghana. The materials studied were low density polyethene (LDPE), high density polyethene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The extrusion process was used to recycle the waste plastic into pellets and injection moulding method used to prepare the pellets into the test specimen. Tensile and bend tests were performed and the results were used to determine the properties of the materials under study. The force and deflection/extension plots obtained, obeyed Hooke's law. From the results, it was observed that, the percentage elongation of the used sachet water plastic (PET) and the black plastic (HDPE) fall within the range of the virgin material whilst the used white plastic (LDPE) falls outside the range. However, the young's moduli and the ultimate strengths of the used plastic materials, differ from those of the virgin materials. The percentage ration of the used and the virgin were then computed to determine their use in engineering field. It was established that, for the ultimate strength, the percentage ratio for HDPE, PET and LDPE were 68.27%, 65.62% and 64.58% respectively. The corresponding moduli of elasticity of the materials as a percentage of the virgin materials were obtained as 48.20% for HDPE , 8.45% for PET and 49.10% for LDPE. The Ultimate tensile strength ranges from the literature, compared with that of some selected plastics commonly used in Ghana: HDPE, PET and LDPE were 68.2694%, 44.922% and 64.576% respectively. Also, the corresponding modulus of elasticity of the materials as a percentage of the virgin materials was obtained as 69.499% for HDPE, 6.684% for PET and 48.68% for LDPE. It was further observed that the percentage elongations of all the materials were within the range as the original material. Hence it can be concluded that HDPE would be a good material to be used for engineering application, for example, as a composite matrix for the construction of wind turbine blade.

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While attention on the importance of closing materials loops for achieving circular economy (CE) is raging, the technicalities of doing so are often neglected or difficult to overcome. These technicalities determine the ability of materials, components and products (MCPs) to be properly recovered and redistributed for reuse, recycling or recovery, given their remaining functionality, described here as the remaining properties and characteristics of MCPs. The different properties of MCPs make them useful for various functions and purposes. A transition, therefore, towards a CE would require the utmost exploitation of the remaining functionality of MCPs; ideally, enabling recirculation of them back in the economy. At present, this is difficult to succeed. This short communication article explains how the remaining functionality of MCPs, defined here as quality, is perceived at different stages of the supply chain, focusing specifically on plastic packaging, and how this affects their potential recycling. It then outlines the opportunities and constraints posed by some of the interventions that are currently introduced into the plastic packaging system, aimed at improving plastic materials circularity. Finally, the article underpins the need for research that integrates systemic thinking, with technological innovations and policy reforms at all stages of the supply chain, to promote sustainable practices become established.

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Inspirational chemistry book

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Polythene bags

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Learners think about the orientation of polythene molecules and the implication for the properties of plastic bags

This is a quick 10 minute activity which could be used at the end of a lesson on polymer structure or as a review at the beginning of the next lesson. The activity could also be set as a practical homework exercise, although students do find it helpful to discuss their ideas.

Equipment required

For each group of students: .

At least 1/4 of a plastic bag. Supermarket carrier bags are the best.

Running the activity

Make sure students have thought about the structure of polymer chains or recap the relevant ideas if this is being used as a ‘starter’ activity. Less able students may find a class discussion prior to the activity helpful. Pulling the plastic to bits only takes a few seconds.

Collect a plastic supermarket bag.
Cut two pieces from the bag – one vertical (up and down) and one horizontal (left to right). If you use pieces with writing on them it is easy to remember which is which.
The pieces should be approximately 10 cm x 3 cm and roughly the same size as each other.
You do not need to measure them exactly.
Pull each piece of plastic that you have cut out, holding the two short sides.
Pull gently to start with and then harder until something happens.
Record what you see for the vertical and for the horizontal piece.
Try to work out when you were pulling the chains over each other and in when you were pulling the chains apart.

When you pull the chains over each other are you likely to stretch or break the plastic?
In which piece of plastic could the chains have been moving over each other when you pulled?
Look at the diagram at the top of the page overleaf. Does the plastic stretch from A to B or C to D?
Do you think the polymer molecules are the same way round in all carrier bags? Explain your answer. What could you do to test your ideas?

Students should draw diagrams of what they have observed.

If the chains are pulled over each other the plastic is more likely to stretch. Note: It is important to make sure students understand that the molecules move over each other but do not themselves stretch. The chains do unravel first but the idea that the molecules stretch when the plastic stretches is a common misconception and students who believe this will not understand the topic.
The horizontal piece of plastic.
Stretching occurs from C to D.
Carrier bags are all likely to be produced with the polymer molecules aligned horizontally, otherwise if you put heavy shopping in them they would quickly stretch and break. If they are produced in this way, they are much stronger in the vertical direction as the molecules are held together by intermolecular forces. These ideas could be tested by trying a larger sample of plastic bags from a number of different stores.

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This resource is a part of our Inspirational chemistry collection.

Inspirational chemistry

Compounds and formula

Patterns in formula of compounds

Taboo – chemical reactions

Heating Group 1 metals in air and in chlorine

The extraction of copper: a microscale version

Extracting metals | words

Alloys | making an alloy

Alloys | modelling an alloy

Alloys of iron | steels

Electrolysis of molten zinc chloride

A colourful electrolysis

Cracking hydrocarbons | A microscale version

Nail varnish removal

Carbon monoxide

Polymers in everyday things

Monomer | Polymer card game

Changing the properties of polymers and plastics

Using potato starch to make plastic

Investigating cross-linking | making slime

Cross-linking polymers | alginate worms

Polylactic acid

Emulsifiers

Textile conservation

Epoxy glues and the ATLAS project: the biggest experiment ever?

Cooking potatoes

Baking powder

Rates and rhubarb

The importance of structure: chocolate

Making new medicines | combinatorial chemistry

A composite material: concrete

Investigating a natural composite | chicken bone

Hydrogels | smart materials

Superconductors

Nanotechnology size and scale

Nanotechnology and smelly socks

Nanosilver in medicine

The surfaces of substances

Changing the surface

Active and intelligent packaging

Disposable cups and the environment

Managing waste and rubbish

Nappy choice and the environment

Dry cleaning and green Chemistry

Feed the world: artificial nitrogen fertilisers

Green Chemistry, atom economy and sustainable development

Making oil from waste

Reactions of positive ions with sodium hydroxide

Testing for negative ions

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Understanding how students untangle intermolecular forces

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Discover how learners use electronegativity to predict the location of dipole−dipole interactions

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Fluorine is a highly reactive element, and form fluorides with the majority of other elements. Understand the patterns in formula of compounds.

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Impact of plastic bags usage in food commodities: an irreversible loss to environment

Trend Editorial
Published: 30 May 2022
Volume 29 , pages 49483–49489, ( 2022 )

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Amir Ismail 1 ,
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Shah Fahad ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7525-0296 3 , 4

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Introduction

The use of plastic bags has been gaining popularity since the 1970s (Williamson 2003 ) among retailers and end-consumers. Globally, plastic bags have a wide collection of sizes and prices. About 500 billion plastic bags are utilized worldwide yearly (Spokas 2008 ). The plastic bags usage is because of the important signs of ease of use and cheapness. Most plastic bags are discarded and thrown away as trash or rubbish after a single use. The plastic bags presence in the environment is around 1000 years approximately (Tudor et al 2018 ). It needs environmental degradation and plastics dumping which is a major hurdle without sunlight or bacterial degradation (Stevens 2002 ). The proliferation of plastic bags causes various kinds of environmental pollution, which may be seen in different ways. The most disturbing point is not the use of plastics; it is much less of a problem which can be controlled to a greater extent; improper dumping or waste disposal is the main problem. Around 80% of water pollution is caused by plastics bags that come from the land with around 267 species being affected as a whole and 1 lac marine animals being killed every year due to this problem (Alam et al 2018 ). As a consequence, degradation of the natural environment occurs (Adane and Muleta 2011 ). Various other pretty common items associated with plastic waste are the death of marine species, and wild/domestic animals, etc. Closure of sewage systems is also a very common problem that has arisen because of plastic bags in urban areas (Menicagli et al 2019 ).

Currently, many countries imposed ban partially or full on plastic bags usage. Others are finding alternatives to properly manage plastic waste or use some other materials but still many countries are using plastic and plastic bags in various commodities especially food items (Wang and Li 2021 ). There is a dire need to implement proper laws and regulations such as taxes and levies, fines for the restriction of production, and plastic bags usage (Hasson et al. 2007 ). For the reduction of plastic bags usage and problems due to natural waste, voluntary tax and tax systems have been used in many countries.

Plastic bags are also too inexpensive for recycling. Thanks to plastic bags the increase in the environment has replaced ridicule. Various reports (Bjerkli 2005 ) have shown that plastic bags are causing serious health damage to animals, humans, and also environmental pollution. The reasons of this environmental degradation are waste management system and lack of awareness for the potential negative and harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment. In this regard, the primary objective of this study was to explore the major harmful environmental effects of the once-used polythene bags, and to explore potential strategies and methods that could be employed to reduce damage to the ecosystem.

Types of plastic: chemical nature and usage

In our ongoing efforts to give educational resources on plastic sustainability and pollution, we would answer the most common question: is plastic different?

Nevertheless, it is perceivable that many people think that it is one thing, everything is the same from top to bottom. There are several types of plastics (also called polymers), but only a few we regularly encounter (Table 1 ) .

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)

The basic blocks of PET are ethylene terephthalic acid and glycol, joined to form a polymer series. PET-like spaghetti-like fibers are extracted, cooled rapidly, and cut into small pieces. Resin pellets are then heated to a melted liquid that may be easily removed or formed into substances of any kind.

PET was first incorporated in 1940s by DuPont chemicals in North America seeking new synthetic cables. DuPont later renamed its PET fiber “Dacron.” More than half of the ground-based fiber is composed of PET, known as “polyester,” when used to enclose fiber/fabric. It is known as PET/PET resin, when used in containers or other purposes (Kodera et al. 2006 ).

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

Most plastic bottles are resistant to rust and do not react with acid or alkali.

Plastic bottles are strong, waterproof, and lightweight

Plastic is easily shaped into a different shape.

Plastics are good insulators.

Standard molding, good coloring, low processing costs

Disadvantages:

When it comes to recycling plastic waste, filtering is difficult and uneconomical.

Plastic burns easily and produces toxic gases.

Plastics are made with petroleum refining products, and fuel resources are limited.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Together, polyethylene is the most popular plastic globally but is divided into three types: large size, linear low-density, and low quantity. High-density polyethylene is resistive to chemicals/moisture and strong, making it ideal for boxes, pipes, containers, and other constructing materials.

Examples: milk cartons, washing bottles, liters of park benches, cereal boxes, buckets, toys, and sturdy pipes (Dusunceli and Colak 2008 ).

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl)

This durable plastic is resistive to chemicals and weather, ideal for design and use; while it does not produce electricity, makes it widely used in high technology, such as cables and cables (Patil et al. 2019 ).

It is also extensively used in medical applications because it is virus-free, viral easily, and provides usable and minimally invasive services in health care. On the flip side, we should be aware that PVC is known as the most hazardous plastic for human health, due to leak harmful toxins (e.g., dioxins, lead, vinyl chloride).

Examples: pipes, credit cards, toys for people and pets, rain gutters, toys, IV liquid bags, and medical jars, and oxygen covers (Meeker et al. 2009 ).

Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

A soft, clear and flexible type of HDPE. It is frequently used as a liner inside beverage boxes, and in workspaces that may withstand rust and other products.

Examples: Plastic wrap/attachments, gun wrap, food bags, sandwich and bread bags, trash bags, and beverage cups (Hussain 2020 ).

Polypropylene (PP)

This is one of the most long-lasting types of plastic. It is highly resistant to heat than others, making it ideal for things like packing food and storing food designed to catch hot objects or heat them. It is as flexible as requirement for slight bending but sustains its strength and shape for a long time.

Examples: Grass, hot food containers, bottle caps, doctor bottles, disposable diapers, packing tape, and DVD/CD boxes (Kodera et al. 2006 ).

Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)

Best known as Styrofoam, this durable plastic is relatively inexpensive and offers excellent protection, mostly used in the construction industries and food packaging. PS is also considered a hazardous plastic. It may easily absorb harmful toxins, i.e., styrene (a neurotoxin), which may easily get into food and be absorbed by humans.

Examples: Cups, imported food containers, packaging and shipping of products, egg boxes, cutting materials, and household items (Jambeck et al. 2015 ) (Table 2 ) .

Current usage and polythene bags production

The manufacturing and usage of plastic materials and polythene bags have grown significantly compared to other materials, due to the rapid change in the durable production of plastic used plastic bags. The production of plastic relies heavily on hydrocarbon bonds, which are called non-renewable sources (Moroi and Takahashi 2001 ). If plastic production increases at the same rate, it is predicted that the plastic industry may make up for 19–20% of the world’s total oil production by 2050 (Gap 2017 ). In Northeast Asia, including China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Hong Kong, the production of single-use plastic production consumes greater than a quarter of the global framework (Eriksen et al. 2014 ). This was followed by Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Examination of plastic waste may help to balance the overall production of land and the use of plastic, as shown in Fig. 1 .

Global plastic waste generation from 1950 to 2015 (Hussain 2020 )

Plastic packaging is referred to as a single use, especially for the use of plastic businesses and customers. Also, most of the plastic is not used in the same year it is made. Among global pollution, 47% is considered plastic waste by 2015. Most significantly, almost half of the total plastic waste is from Asia. Nevertheless, globally, the largest plastic waste generator is solely China (Bai et al. 2018 ). Recent calculations have recommended that 78% of all plastic waste generated to date resides in landfills and the environment. As a result, due to the limited data durability, safety measures plus actions against the use of plastic bags, it is not quite possible yet to show similar damage in all regions. Similarly, in the European parliament in December 2017, the commission and the council concluded with an initial agreement to set a goal of 65% re-use by 2025; it would be raised to 70% by 2030, 50% by 2025, and 55% by 2030’s end. Based on the individual, the United States of America (USA) is the bigger plastic waste packaging producer, after which, Europe and Japan follow, as presented in Fig. 2 .

Global production of plastic in 2015 (Hussain 2020 )

If the production, management, and use of plastic waste management practices do not modify drastically, it is predicted that around 11–12 billion tons of plastic waste and debris will be part of the ecological and environmental waste by 2050 (Geyer et al. 2017 ). Energy recovery processes are the most preferred alternative to improper waste and waste management. However, setting up energy acquisition infrastructure would require more and more indirect investment without undermining advanced plastic waste minimization policies. Waste management and the prevention of plastic waste pollution must always be a priority. The countries are involved in the production of large and poorly controlled waste products for plastic and plastic products (Jambeck et al. 2015 ).

Emerging methods of polythene treatment

Global commitment emphasizes a broader perspective against single use to meet such problems of pollution caused by plastic. Various measures may be taken by public and private companies aimed at reducing the production and use of plastic bags and Styrofoam (Schnurr et al. 2018 ) such as improvements in waste management, enhancement of alternative ecosystems, public awareness, voluntary agreements and mitigation strategies, rehabilitation (Denison and Ruston 1990 ), permanent ban on plastics and polystyrene, solar energy use, waste disposal waste (Blackstone Jr 1996 ), and the increase in compost in houses, restaurants, and restaurants.

Advances in waste/dump management systems

Permanent bans on the manufacture and application of Styrofoam products and polythene bags may effectively solve most of the harmful effects. However, new and effective waste management methods, combined with critical thinking may help to obtain a permanent solution to the problems of plastic bags and their negative impact on our surroundings and environment (Caruso et al. 1993 ). The waste management plan to reduce landfill (Demirbas 2011 ) (as shown in Fig. 3 ) and the circular economy (ten Brink et al. 2016 ) and its stakeholders in Fig. 4 .

Schematic dump and waste management system to minimize negative effects such as landfilling

Circular economy and stakeholders

Impact of polythene bags

Environmental impacts.

Several studies have reported that the deterioration of Styrofoam containers, as well as polythene bags, requires a hundred or a thousand years. There are various dangerous effects of plastic bags on the environment (Zaman 2010 ) including pollution and water pollution, and the soil of the earth thus poses a major trapping, intrusion, and risk of waterlogging (Laist 1987 ); domestic and wild animals, due to negligible weight and balloon shape, may fly easily and end up in a distant land, at sea, and on the beaches. Environmentally friendly shopping bags may be identified in the form of fossil fuels, photochemical oxidation, global warming, eutrophication, water, and land use (Tudor et al. 2019 ).

Animal life impact

The high environmental quality of plastic materials poses significant risks to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, especially plastic shopping bags, considered to be the cause of the closure of air passages during respiration and is called carcinogenic. They have effects on animals and humans especially affecting breathing, panic, digestion, reproduction, and other important processes, and may cause liver and kidney damage (Okunola et al. 2019 ). Carcinogens present in Styrofoam and polystyrene, may be transmitted through beverage and food containers. Household waste containing plastic items is regularly burned. Non-combustible plastic heating enhances the toxic gases and fumes having furans and dioxins. In numerous countries, improper handling and regulation of garbage, garbage and plastic bag exacerbate the epidemic. Sewage closures provide excellent reasons for breeding insects such as mosquitoes; therefore, plastic bags may also increase the risk of vector-borne diseases, like dengue and malaria (Clapp and Swanston 2009 ). In the maritime ecosystem, plastic bags in the water look like jellyfish; this results in the introduction of plastic bags by dolphins and many tortoises that erroneously take them as food (Joyner and Frew 1991 ). Diversity is dangerous chemicals and toxins that are mixed during the production of plastic by many animals and then transmitted to their bloodstream, and various important tissues eventually form part of the food chain (Stachowitsch 2019 ). Damage to plastic bags transforms them into tiny pieces called small plastic particles. The small plastic due to its size and intricate design makes it difficult to even find or extract from marine and marine environments (Ryan et al. 2009 ). Thus, the main intervention for result-oriented mitigation is to reduce the inclusion of plastic in the water.

Perishable plastics

Perishable plastics include mineral-based residues and bio-based residues based on microbial assimilation and biodegradability degree. The chemical composition of plastic sometimes slows down the natural process of degradation. This factor leads the plastic pollution in land, waterways, and oceans. This pollution is mainly caused by household waste, which is recycled poorly or dumped in landfills.

Management strategies and recommendations

The management methods that may be used for proper reduction and management of plastic waste are as follows:

Waste management

Permanent banning of used plastic, Styrofoam materials, and polythene bags may effectively solve many of the harmful results due to excessive use of plastic. However, new and efficient waste management methods, combined with circular thinking may help to attain long-term solutions and implications for addressing problems related to plastic bags and their impact on the environment (Patil et al. 2019 ).

Environmentally replacement promotion

The introduction of economic incentives and supporting projects that may help revitalize the process of recycling plastic bags and used materials, and encouraging the establishment of small-scale industries in the private sector and government may ensure the use of plastic space for single use (Ryan et al. 2009 ).

Community education and awareness

Community education and awareness are key factors in changing consumer perceptions and behavior regarding the use of plastic bags. Sustainable, efficient, and transformational sustainability is critical to achieving the intended goals. Changes in cultural attitudes and behaviors concerning pollution issues are not only achieved through short awareness campaigns (Stachowitsch 2019 ). We need to spread it by messages and campaigns in general practices and school curricula from the start. Public awareness interventions should not only focus on recycling and/or re-use but also promote the reduction and responsible use of plastic and waste management (Patil et al. 2019 ).

Implementation of applicable policies and social pressure

If governments, the public, the private sector, and the sector work together to support the development and promotion of efficient policies against plastic and polythene bags and the use of other plastic methods, disposal of used plastic bags may be achieved effectively and continuously. In making policy decisions, public pressure may also create a response. The social campaign “Bye Plastic Bags” was launched in Bali, which has led to encouraging young people not to use plastic bags. It took 4 years until plastic bags were closed on the island (Nielsen et al. 2019 ). In New Zealand, high school students have filed a $ 10.10 tax bill on the market using plastic bags that 17,000 people signed after a complaint was lodged. This leads to recommendations for enforcing the use of plastic bags across the country by the government (Tawhid 2004 ). Social pressure is also known as option that limits the private sector.

Plastic waste and its proper management can only be ensured with strict rules and regulations imposed by the regulatory agencies. Awareness among the people about usage in masses especially uneducated and underprivileged areas to use and properly dump in proper containers or bins fixed specifically for plastic waste disposal. A research on large amount of bacteria which are involved in bioremediation that may rot polythene should be tested to see how much damage has been done.

It is highly praiseworthy that with the increasing awareness during the past year about the hazard’s plastics pose to the environment, many brands, big shops, and marts in urban areas and big cities have started replacing plastic bags with jute/cotton reusable bags which are environmentally friendly. This is a very positive step towards a better ecosystem and a healthier environment.

Our review was destined to appraise the major stake holders and policy makers that despite this important change at some point/part of the world, there is still a long way to go and a lot more awareness that is needed to be spread to bring a change at a global level. The under discussion issue has been highlighted and yet it still needs to be taken more seriously with more allocation of resources and funds on projects like waste management, media awareness, communication, volunteer work, etc.

Data availability

Not applicable.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the faculty staff of the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan for their guidance and moral support in the completion of this article.

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Raheel Suleman, Adnan Amjad, Amir Ismail & Sameem Javed

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Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou Hainan, 570228, China

Department of Agronomy, The University of Haripur, Haripur, 22620, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Conceptualization, writing original draft, Raheel Suleman; methodology, Adnan Amjad; formal analysis, data curation, Amir Ismail; figures formation, Sameem Javed; tables formation, Umber Ghafoor; review and editing, Shah Fahad. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Suleman, R., Amjad, A., Ismail, A. et al. Impact of plastic bags usage in food commodities: an irreversible loss to environment. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29 , 49483–49489 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-21091-3

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Write an essay in about 150-200 words on the following: Hazards of the Use of Polythene Bags.

The day starts with the morning milk supply which arrives in a trendy plastic cover. fruits, vegetables, oil, cloth, shoes, pens, tools etc. are all wrapped by the polythene covers. if we look around, they are everywhere. due to its light weight, high strength, good flexibility, performance, low economic cost plastics have gained wide-spread acceptance. polythene bags are the agents of air pollution, cancer, and skin diseases. it is used like a slow poison in daily life. in the process of recycling poly bags, the producers use a large number of hazardous chemicals which are injurious to our health. calcutta medical college hospital says that taking tea in poly cup can be the cause of ulcer. experts say, polythene bags and other plastic materials, if burnt below 7000 degree celsius, create poisonous gas which can cause cancer and skin diseases. the polythene wrapped fish, vegetables and meat are infected by anaerobic bacteria which is responsible for skin disease and cancer. plastic bags choke drainage system and water supply channels. the blocked drainages lead to dangerous diseases like filariasis, dengue and malaria. plastics pollute rivers, canals and lakes as also other water-resources. the environmentalists feel that poly bags are a serious threat to the environment and also release toxic gases in to the atmosphere. it is a simple issue which can be solved easily, but if neglected can lead to serious consequences. so, we must follow precautions and initiate measures to save our environment as well as our life..

Class 11 & 12 Report Writing No.31 Say No to Polythene Bags

You are Rajan / Leela. As a responsible citizen, you have organised a campaign on ‘Say No to Polythene Bags’, in your locality. Write a report in not more than 125 words for publication in a magazine.

Ans:- SAY NO TO POLYTHENE BAGS

New Delhi: 15 March 2003.

The Manav Seva Samiti of Ashok Vihar organised a campaign (from the 9th to the 14th of this month) to create awareness about the hazard of polythene bags. The campaign was named ‘Say No to Polythene Bags’. Banners bearing this slogan were displayed at various places in the locality. Members of the Samiti divided themselves into groups of four. Each group visited the people in their homes. People were told how the use of polythene bags polluted the environment. They were told that polythene was not biodegradable. These bags could choke the sewers. They could also spoil the fertility of the soil. Shopkeepers in the locality were requested to give up the use of polythene carry-bags. People showed great interest in the campaign. Many of them promised never to use polythene bags in future. The campaign was a great success. Everyone in the locality praised the Samiti members for their good work.

Rajan

(Secretary)

Manav Seva Samiti

Ashok Vihar, Delhi.

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Short article on plastic hazards.

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This article provides information about Plastic hazards!

Plastic is widely used in our day to day life. Starting from a pen to a polythene bag in which we carry fruits and books are forms of plastic. Though convenient in our day to day use, it has posed an alarming threat to the environment.

Image Courtesy : pipin.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/EntanglementHazards.jpg

Non biodegradable:

Plastic is non-biodegradable and do not decay by biological actions of microbes. They remain in the same state as we throw them. So, dumps or garbages are created making our cities and soil polluted.

Harmful Chemical:

To destroy plastics, we can either recycle or burn them. If we burn plastic, they emit harmful chemical gases like carbon dioxide (CO,), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide (NO), methane (CH4), sulphur dioxides (SO2), etc. These gases pollute our environment, though in negligible content, they add to green house effect and endanger our environment.

Damage Sanitary System:

The wastes of plastic block pipes and sanitary lines so that dirty water came out on roads. This cause fear of malaria, cholera and other diseases.

Ocean Pollution:

The wastes of plastic bags, bottles, etc. are drawn to a sea or an ocean by rivers and they are deposited in them. They pollute and disturb the eco-system of the sea or the ocean.

Ecosystem Imbalance:

Due to wide scale use of plastic, water, soil and air pollutions are caused. These polluted components of environment lead to imbalance of various ecosystem of the Earth.

Only solution to this plastic hazard is to take preventive measures and for that,

a. To reduce use of plastic wherever possible

b. To use recyclable bags and things

c. To recycle the used plastic

d. Not to throw used plastic here and there

e. To collect the used plastic by the Government and then to recycle them

f. Only recyclable plastics should be allowed to use

g. Some legal norms should be declared.

Most Useful Synthetic Polymers: Plastic, Rubbers and Adhesive and Lubricants
The Utilization of Plastic in Indian Agriculture – Explained!

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Ban on polythene bags in Multan from June 5

MULTAN - Use of polythene bags will be prohibited in Multan from June 5 here in the city. Commissioner Maryam Khan highlighted the bad effects of excessive use of plastic, citing its harmful effects on biodiversity, human health and the climate.

While presiding over a meeting on banning use of plastic within domain of the city, the Commissioner said that plastic pollution was a central theme of Earth Day and for this the survival of the planet is crucial for human life.

Pollution has severely disrupted Earth’s ecosystems as evidenced by climate changes. Collaborative efforts are necessary to eliminate pollution, ensuring a clean environment for future generations, she maintained.

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Hazards of Polythene Bags essay
Hazards of Polythene Bags Essay 150 words: Polythene bags, also known as plastic bags, are a common sight in our daily lives. They are used for a variety of purposes, including carrying groceries, storing items, and disposing of waste. While they may seem convenient, polythene bags can pose serious hazards to both the environment and human health.
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The humble plastic bag is a common commodity often used for shopping, but is also an important item in the global litter network. A policy of education should be undertaken to teach the general public about the detrimental effect on the ecosystem of careless use of plastic bags. intensifying the drive by highlighting the danger plastic bags pose to affect our climate, safety, marine life and ...
The Environmental Impact of Polyethylene Bags
Single-use plastic bags pose a global threat to the environment with over 1 trillion plastic bags used and disposed of each year. In the United States, over 500 million plastic straws are used each year; the number across the world is beyond count. Plastic overwhelms landfills, clogs gutters and poses a risk to animals when improperly disposed.
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The usage of plastic and polythene bags is one of the major reasons for the environmental and health hazards. This study was done to find out the current status of awareness level of the environment and health hazards associated with the usage of plastic and polythene bags among people who live in Trincomalee town area.
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Readers are encouraged to refer to the above review articles. In this work, we attempt to review the recent studies on the degradation of polyethylene polymer by using non-biological and biological methods, overall. We also focus on polyethylene's properties and environmental toxicity, and suggest future research directions. 2.
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Plastic waste has started attracting public attention due to the various environmental and health hazards. They are hazardous to terrestrial and aquatic life. The marine environment is largely affected by the plastics. ... Polythene bags and plastic cups were buried in mangrove soil to assess in situ degradation. It was observed that in a span ...
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Abstract. Waste polythene has an adverse effect in human's health as well as to the environment around us. Naturally with an increase use of plastic bags, the fertility of the soil gets reduced ...
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To save cities from this demon, the government declared a ban on the use and production of all polythene bags from January 2002 in Dhaka and it was further enforced in other cities of from 1st ...
Polythene and Its Impact on Environment
The usage of plastic and polythene bags is one of the major reasons for the environmental and health hazards. This study was done to find out the current status of awareness level of the environment and health hazards associated with the usage of plastic and polythene bags among people who live in Trincomalee town area.
Environmental risk, toxicity, and biodegradation of polyethylene: a
Polyethylene is the second-most-commonly-used commercial polymer. It is used in various industries, including agricultural mulches, composite materials, and packaging. Since polyethylene is not biodegradable, it can persist for a long time in water and soil, strangling otherwise fruitful land. The ecological and toxicological consequences and the fate of polyethylene have only recently been ...
Impact of Polythene Bags Disposal
While plastic bags are beneficial in our daily lives, and we often feel we can't live without them, they also significantly contribute to environmental pollution, animal fatalities, risks to human health, and other adverse effects. 1. Animals' deaths. Every year, over 100,000 animals are killed by plastic bags.
Characteristics of plastic bags and their potential environmental hazards
Thermal degradation behaviour of plastic bags with air flow was determined. The main environmental and health concerns for plastic bag (PB) consumption are the release of heavy metal (HM) and chlorine (Cl) during its service life and disposal. The objective of the investigation was to characterize different PBs made of commonly used polymers ...
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Polypropylene (PP). Polypropylene is a highly versatile, food safe plastic made from propylene monomers. Its high-temperature resistance suits it for hot-fill liquids and microwaveable food ware. Polypropylene demonstrates excellent chemical inertia, making it ideal for food storage containers and yogurt cups. Nylon.
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3. How effective and sustainable is the landfilling method of disposing off Plastic and polythene bags. 4. What are bioplastics, content of bioplastics material and type of bioplastics 5. How effective is the impact of bioplastic in eradicating polythene and plastic bags waste from loads of waste generated in Lagos state. 6.
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What to do. Collect a plastic supermarket bag. Cut two pieces from the bag - one vertical (up and down) and one horizontal (left to right). If you use pieces with writing on them it is easy to remember which is which. The pieces should be approximately 10 cm x 3 cm and roughly the same size as each other. You do not need to measure them exactly.
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Firstly, plastic bags are a major source of plastic pollution. As they are non-biodegradable, they take years to decompose. They contribute to a lot of waste which keeps collecting over the years. Plastic takes thousands of years to break down and decompose. It remains in the land which contributes to the rising problem of land pollution.
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Permanent banning of used plastic, Styrofoam materials, and polythene bags may effectively solve many of the harmful results due to excessive use of plastic. However, new and efficient waste management methods, combined with circular thinking may help to attain long-term solutions and implications for addressing problems related to plastic bags ...
Write an essay in about 150-200 words on the following:
Question. Write an essay in about 150-200 words on the following: Hazards of the Use of Polythene Bags. Solution. Verified by Toppr. The day starts with the morning milk supply which arrives in a trendy plastic cover. Fruits, vegetables, oil, cloth, shoes, pens, tools etc. are all wrapped by the polythene covers.
Class 11 & 12 Report Writing No.31 Say No to Polythene Bags
Ans:- SAY NO TO POLYTHENE BAGS. New Delhi: 15 March 2003. The Manav Seva Samiti of Ashok Vihar organised a campaign (from the 9th to the 14th of this month) to create awareness about the hazard of polythene bags. The campaign was named 'Say No to Polythene Bags'. Banners bearing this slogan were displayed at various places in the locality.
Short Article on Plastic Hazards
ADVERTISEMENTS: This article provides information about Plastic hazards! Plastic is widely used in our day to day life. Starting from a pen to a polythene bag in which we carry fruits and books are forms of plastic. Though convenient in our day to day use, it has posed an alarming threat to the environment. Non […]
Write an essay in about 150-200 words on the following:
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Ban on polythene bags in Multan from June 5
MULTAN - Use of polythene bags will be prohibited in Multan from June 5 here in the city. Commissioner Maryam Khan highlighted the bad effects of excessive use of plastic, citing its harmful effects on biodiversity, human health and the climate.

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Usage of Plastic Bags and Health Hazards: A Study to Assess Awareness Level and Perception about Legislation Among a Small Population of Mangalore City

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Impact of Polythene Bags Disposal

What are the impacts of Polythene bag disposal?

1. Animals’ deaths

2. Plastic bags don’t decompose

3. Petroleum-based materials are used to make plastic bags

4. Hazardous chemicals are used in plastic food storage containers

5. Plastic production releases harmful substances

6. Large-scale plastic bag accumulations obstruct drainage systems

7. Groundwater becomes contaminated by plastic bags

8. The natural food chain is disrupted by plastic pollution

What are the alternatives to plastic bags?

2. Jute bags

3. Other Biodegradable bags

To Conclude

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Food Grade vs Food Safe Packaging: What is the difference?

Why you Should be Using Food-Grade Packaging

Consequences of Using Non-Food Grade Packaging

What Makes Packaging Food-Grade

Chemically Inert Materials

Specifically Designed and Tested for Food Contact

Proper Thickness to Prevent Leaks

Clear Labeling for Food Use

Food Grade Plastics Used In Packaging

How and Where Food-Grade Bags Can Be Used

Storing and Transporting Food

Cooking and Reheating

Portion Control

Organization

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