It’s time for all to ‘Be the Change’
Let’s start with ourselves today and combat ‘poison plastic’ for a greener, safer tomorrow
Let’s face it; plastic has taken over our lives to the extent that we cannot imagine an existence without it. From the handy water bottle in our bag to leftovers in the fridge saved from last night’s dinner, plastic has made our lives less complicated. Or has it?
The use of plastics for consumer products has become increasingly dominant, and production has steadily increased since the material was first used some fifty years ago. Research on plastic waste is encouraged worldwide. Why? Because the distressing levels of plastic waste in the world is becoming a menace, especially in developing countries. Plastic waste causes surface and groundwater pollution ultimately finding its way to our oceans. According to latest research 8 million tons of plastic are dumped in oceans every year, with eight of the top ten contributors being Asian countries in which Sri Lanka ranks 5th. For a tiny island nation this is a big contribution in comparison to India whose population is the second highest in the world but contribution in plastic waste remains half of Sri Lanka’s.
How can we manage our plastic waste so that this small country doesn’t contribute to one of the gravest crimes committed against the world and its inhabitants?
The Centre for Sustainability – Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura believes that the answer lies within ourselves, paving way for “Be the Change” an initiative spearheaded
Scientists believe that nearly every piece of plastic created still exists on Earth, regardless of whether it’s been recycled, broken down into microscopic bits or discarded in the ocean. sPlastic doesn’t go away. But there are simple things we can do to stop making it worse before we have to pay the price if we start with ourselves, start today and be the change for a greener, safer tomorrow.
by this group to curb the adverse effects of plastic waste.
A programme to emphasise the need and responsibility of proper solid waste management organised by the Centre for Sustainability was held at Jaic Hilton recently, with the aim of creating informed, responsible communities and spearheading change ourselves.
Speaking at the event Dr. Priyan Perera, senior lecturer at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura explained the hazards of uncontrolled solid waste disposal. According to Dr. Perera the issues caused by Polythene and plastic waste are endless and pose a grave threat to society. He explained that not only does plastic waste degrade aesthetic value in an area but also causes change of social structures inviting a wealth of other socio-economic issues as witnessed in areas such as Karadiyana, Meethotamulla and Bloemendhal.
NEGATIVE IMPACT OF PET AND PLASTIC PACKAGING MATERIAL
Every bit of processed food we eat has to be packed. Packaging protects food on its journey way from the processing plant to shops and supermarkets, and to our homes. ‘Just look at your shopping cart on your next trip to the supermarket or the bag of rice you bring home from the grocery store. Day to day activities without plastic is almost impossible.’ said Dr. M.A.B Prashantha, of the Department of Chemistry at Sri Jayawardenapura University. ‘We are not trying to scare the public away into stop using plastic completely but to review our daily practices and uses of plastic and to encourage alternatives and responsible uses of plastic’ he added.
It’s too late to try and get rid of plastic and it’s simply impossible because people choose convenience over sustainability.
‘Would your wellbeing be a good enough reason to consider the pros and cons?’ questions Dr. Prashantha. ‘Synthetic polymers used in plastic manufacturing are a concoction of various chemicals. Plastics are the end result of chemical additives, plasticizers, pigments, fillers and processing aids’ he explains. ‘There are also non-intentionally added substances finding their way into the plastic as a result of chemical migrations, resulting in impure synthetic polymers’ Clarifying further Dr. Prashantha said that printing ink used in plastic food packaging find their way into the food we consume in microscopic particles. The consequences aren’t felt immediately and that is where the danger lies’
‘The commonly used PVC plastic is also knows as the poison plastic for its toxic nature.’He explains. ‘They contain compounds capable of altering hormonal systems. Their developmental toxicity has been linked with cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, cancers, and neurological effects.’
Bisphenol A, a compound deeply embedded in plastic products we use such as water bottles and lunch boxes made headlines worldwide for it was found that baby feeding bottles contained hazardous levels of this compound. Dr. Prashantha says that its danger lies in the ability to mimic the action of estrogen hormones in the body, thereby effecting thyroid and testosterone functions. Teflon coated cookware (non-stick pans), microwave popcorn bags and stain resistant carpets are no less detrimental and can cause adverse effects on multiple organs including liver and pancreas, he added. ‘It’s a slow process. These effects can only be seen and felt after some time. There are plenty of cases where people contract diseases previously unheard of with no traceable reason. Research suggests that our lifestyle and this ‘plastic-era’ are to blame’ he said.
A programme to emphasise the need and responsibility of proper solid waste management organised by the Centre for Sustainability was held at Jaic Hilton recently, with the aim of creating informed, responsible communities and spearheading change ourselves.
Dr. Perera and Dr. Prashantha are both of the view that we are already bound to plastics and cannot erase its existence. But they believe that awareness of their harmful effects and addressing practical issues in recycling plastic waste can be a solution to lessen the permanency of damage. ‘Use plastic responsibly. Use recyclable material every time you can. Progressive countries like India are going back to their roots by up-cycling waste material and lessening their use of plastic packing material. We need to inhibit such practices in our country as well.’ Dr. Perera said.
Scientists believe that nearly every piece of plastic created still exists on Earth, regardless of whether it’s been recycled, broken down into microscopic bits or discarded in the ocean.
Plastic doesn’t go away. But there are simple things we can do to stop making it worse before we have to pay the price if we start with ourselves, start today and be the change for a greener, safer tomorrow.