BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

When we go to the market, we usually get things wrapped in plastic or packed in polythene bags. That is one reason why plastic waste keeps getting accumulated in our homes. Ultimately, plastic finds its way into the garbage. The disposal of plastic is a major problem. Why?

A material that gets decomposed through natural processes, such as action by bacteria, is called biodegradable.

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK

NON-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

NON-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

A material which is not easily decomposed by natural processes is termed non-biodegradable.

Since plastic takes several years to decompose, it is not environment friendly. It causes environmental pollution. Besides, the burning process in the synthetic material is quite slow and it does not get completely burnt easily. In the process, it releases lots of poisonous fumes into the atmosphere causing air pollution. How can this problem be solved?

Avoid the use of plastics as far as possible. Make use of bags made of cotton or jute when you go for shopping. The biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be collected separately and disposed off separately. Practise this in your homes. Can you suggest some other ways in which you can contribute towards reducing the use of plastic materials?

It is better to recycle plastic waste. Most of the thermoplastics can be recycled. Make a list of items that can be recycled. However, during recycling certain colouring agents are added. This limits its usage especially for the storage of food.

More to know

Have you ever seen a garbage dump where animals are eating garbage? In the process of eating food waste, they swallow materials like polythene bags and wrappers of food. Can you imagine the consequences? The plastic material chokes the respiratory system of these animals, or forms a lining in their stomachs and can be the cause of their death.

The polybags carelessly thrown here and there are responsible for clogging the drains, too. Sometimes we are very careless and throw the wrappers of chips, biscuits and other eatables on the road or in parks or picnic places. Should we not think twice before doing so? As a responsible citizen, what measures do you suggest to keep public places clean and free of plastic?

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK

5R PRINCIPLE

5R PRINCIPLE

As a responsible citizen remember the 5 R principle. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover and Refuse. Develop habits which are environment friendly.

More to know

*  Do not throw plastic bags in the water bodies or on the road.
*  Take a cotton carry bag or a jute bag while going for shopping.
*  Try to minimise the use of plastic materials e.g., use a steel lunch box instead of a plastic one.

Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK