Plastic production has significantly increased over the past 60 years due to its inexpensive, lightweight, and durable nature, which allows for easy shaping to create various products used in diverse applications.
Unfortunately, current levels of plastic use and disposal generate numerous environmental and health problems. "According to global studies, plastic currently constitutes 85% of all marine litter worldwide, and by 2040, it is projected to nearly triple, adding 23-37 million tons of waste into the ocean annually," stated Dr Mohammed al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority.
As clarified by Dr. Al Kalbani, these figures imply that all marine life, including shellfish, birds, turtles, and mammals, face the risk of poisoning, behavioral disturbance, starvation, and suffocation. The human body is also vulnerable to this danger, as plastic waste is ingested through seafood, beverages, and even salt.
While the emergence of plastic pollution is linked to providing inexpensive and durable alternatives to high-priced products, plastic is slow to decompose and has negative impacts on lands, waterways, oceans, and living organisms.
The significant impact of plastic pollution is evident in landfills filled with numerous plastic products. "Many microorganisms in these lands accelerate the decomposition process of plastic, leading to the production of methane gas, a significant contributor to Earth’s rising temperature (scientifically referred to as increased global warming)," explained Areej al Musalami, Environmental Affairs Specialist at the Environment Authority.
Al Musalami added that due to the durability of plastic raw material, large quantities of end-of-life plastics accumulate as debris in landfills and the natural environment worldwide.
Every sector and individual plays a role in the fate of plastic waste. "Individuals can reduce the environmental impact of plastic by minimizing its usage, such as opting for cloth shopping bags instead of single-use ones, utilizing reusable containers like glass or stainless steel for storing oils, cheeses, nuts, and legumes while shopping, and using refillable stainless steel water bottles," she elaborated.
Moreover, people can reduce plastic waste in their kitchens by employing leather dining tables, silicone bags for food preservation, reusable food containers, and substituting plastic cups and spoons with glass cups and metal spoons.
Implementing plastic product recycling as a measure to support the principle of reduced purchase and consumption can significantly contribute to the health of the surrounding environment. "Individuals can, for example, repurpose plastic boxes as planters, which not only saves money but also serves as storage for various items like children’s toys," noted al Kalbani.
Recycling represents one of the available measures to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and is a dynamic area within the plastics industry today. "Plastic recycling offers opportunities to reduce oil usage, carbon dioxide emissions, and the amount of waste requiring disposal. The Sultanate of Oman hosts approximately 25 plastic waste recycling plants," she highlighted.
Product designers, developers, and materials engineers also play crucial roles in shaping the future of the plastics economy by rethinking the entire lifecycle of the materials they produce. This approach, as referred to by Al Kalbani, involves designing products with recycling in mind from the initial stages, as recycled plastic can be a valuable resource rather than being left to harm the environment, humans, and living organisms in general.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
