What is Plastic Pollution? – Causes, Effects & Solutions

It’s high time for CHANGE! Our planet is choking and so are we. Plastic pollution is a grieving issue associated with every living individual. With the rapidly increasing production of plastic products, there are millions of tons of debris floating around.

Table of Contents

• Effects of Plastic Pollution
• How to Reduce Plastic Waste
• Sustainable Initiatives at Sterling 

What Makes Plastic A Problem & What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Plastic Pollution

To begin with, it is nonbiodegradable and therefore sticks around for a lot longer (up to 1,000 years) than other forms of trash. It’s not just about the recycling process. Studies suggest that  80 per cent of marine litter originates on land—either swept in from the coastline or carried to rivers from the streets during heavy rain via storm drains and sewer overflows.

One of the major causes of plastic pollution is the single-use module for which most of the production takes place. As per a recent study, out of over 7 billion tonnes of plastic waste generated globally so far, less than 10 per cent has been recycled. The estimated annual loss in the value of plastic packaging waste during sorting and processing alone is US$ 80 – 120 billion.

Here are the immediate effects of plastic pollution:

• Impact On Wildlife And Marine Ecosystems:

  Our flora and fauna are directly impacted and millions of animals are killed every year. A lot of aquatic species, especially fish and shrimp, have particles of microplastics in them.

• Soil And Land Contamination:

  Around one-third of all plastic waste ends up in soils or freshwater. It may take up to 1,000 years for it to degrade which can make the soil less fertile and reduces its quality. This also increases the risk of such particles entering the food chain.

• Air Pollution – The Often Overlooked Consequence of Plastic Waste:

  Burning of plastic releases toxic gases into the air. These gases settle into crops and waterways, which ultimately enter our bodies.

• Human Health Implications:

  Most plastic items never entirely disappear; they just break down into smaller and smaller pieces. Microplastics can enter the human body through inhalation and absorption and accumulate in organs. 

How to Reduce Plastic Waste?

A collective effort is required to combat plastic pollution. Self-awareness and lifestyle changes are the start of a new beginning. Carrying your own water bottle, cooking more, and buying groceries from emerging zero-waste stores are some of the small steps which can lead to a bigger movement. 

• Individual Actions:

  Switch to reusable & sustainable options such as carrying your own travel mugs, cutlery set, and canvas bags.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

  Most of the plastic in our daily life are recyclable. DIY ideas are the best way to repurpose plastics, a plastic bottle can be used as a planter or a bird feeder.

• Do A Trash Audit:

  A trash audit also allows us to find substitutes for the most regularly discarded items. Analyse your trash and come up with personalised solutions.

• Innovative & Collective Approaches:

  Some brands are coming up with unique approaches by making high-grade fibres/materials from recycled PET bottles. The new term is coined as ‘Conscious Fashion’ and the garments are made from recycled polyester.

• Choose Sensibly:

  Be it buying a piece of clothing or a house, choose brands that you know are environmentally conscious. For instance, Sterling Developers are one of the pioneers in real estate that work on reducing their carbon footprint with eco-friendly practices.

To sum it up, we encourage you to spread the word among your friends, families, peers, and coworkers to adjust their lifestyles and make a difference. 

Sustainable Initiatives at Sterling

We, at Sterling Developers, are committed to a better plastic-free future. Here is a sneak peek into a few steps we are taking towards a greener future #ASterlingEarth.

#TogetherWeClean

It is saddening to see a park or lake polluted with plastic bottles, chocolate wrappers and whatnot. We, at Sterling Developers, are taking a step towards eradicating this problem. #TogetherWeClean is an initiative to help clean up and improve public spaces.

#SmallEffortsBigImpacts

This initiative will focus on inculcating sustainable living with a cause. For every step you take towards sustainability, Sterling Developers will plant a tree. All you need to do is take a picture of what change you have made towards sustainable living and post it on social media with the hashtag #SmallEffortsBigImpacts.

#ASterlingChoice

While it is crucial to do whatever you can to achieve a sustainable lifestyle, you should first understand how sustainability plays a role when choosing a home. We will share educational posts on sustainability and the importance it plays in a home.

#AGreenSterling

We are committed to educating people on why sustainability is important. #AGreenSterling is an initiative where we will showcase a Sterling house and convert it into a Green Home. We will also share educational cards about why sustainability is crucial.

We, at Sterling Developers, engage in sustainable measures and actions from building the foundation of your future home to continued efforts while you create fond memories within the walls of your Sterling home. Join us in making the planet a better place.