The Deadly Substance

Written by Aarushi (2B)

Source: The Honeycombers

PLASTIC

Do you know how long it takes for a small plastic bottle to decompose completely? Well, it takes 450 to 1000 years. Another surprising fact is that the styrofoam commonly used in eateries never decomposes but instead breaks into small tiny bits. According to The Straits Times, Singapore goes through 1.76 billion plastic items a year and recycles less than 20%.

So why do we have to care? We had better care because some of these plastics are cancer-causing. Surprising, isn’t it? Plastic bottles are made of polyethene terephthalate and when this is heated or hot water is poured into these bottles it releases the chemicals antimony and bisphenol, commonly called BPA. 

According to Mayo Clinic, this chemical can cause negative effects on children’s health and has been linked to fertility problems, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity.

Not only is plastic harmful to humans but it is also detrimental to the Earth and marine life.

Let us have a look at the top 10 items found in beach cleanups.

Source: Channel NewsAsia

If you look carefully, the majority of the items found in beach cleanups are plastic objects. Styrofoam and plastic are often mistaken for food by sea creatures that die from choking on or ingesting them.  At least 1000 turtles die annually from being entangled in plastic waste. Last March, a whale washed up dead on a beach in the Philippines. Its stomach was filled with 40 kilograms of plastic bags. The infographic below shows how turtles are endangered by plastic.

Source: https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/plastic-pollution-is-killing-sea-turtles-heres-how#gs.ufvvap

If our generation takes the beautiful flora and fauna in our world for granted and carelessly destroys them, the next generation may well be deprived of the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature. Besides nature, we may be giving too little thought to the finite capacity of Semakau Island which is supposed to meet Singapore’s dumping needs until 2045, according to the Environment Ministry’s documents. However, the rapid increase in the use and disposal of plastic products has revised the ministry’s recent estimates which show that the limit of Semakau’s capacity could be reached a full decade earlier.

How can we reduce our use of plastic?

Choose paper cutlery over plastic ones

A major change that food vendors or food courts can make is to reduce the use of plastic products and change from the plastic and styrofoam tableware they are using with paper, biodegradable or bamboo ones. Food vendors could also stop using disposable cups. This would encourage customers to bring along their water bottles or reusable cups. The use of plastic straws can similarly be discouraged. Currently, over 270 eateries have stopped providing straws, but we still have a long way to go. Not only will these steps save a lot of money but also make a huge difference to our planet! We, the consumers can also play a part by buying only paper tableware for parties and celebrations instead of disposable plastic items. These can be easily purchased at any supermarket or party shop. Most of the time paper plates cost the same as plastic plates so it wouldn’t cost us (or eateries) an arm and a leg. You can also play a part by only buying paper cutlery for parties and celebrations. But remember that you choose the correct type of plate which has no plastic or wax coating as those will not decompose.

Bamboo toothbrushes

Have you ever thought of how many toothbrushes are used in Singapore annually? Well according to Statista, Singapore had 5.67 million inhabitants in 2019. Considering that people need to change their toothbrushes 3 or 4 times a year, this would mean that about 22 million toothbrushes are used in a year, adding to our plastic waste. So what should we do?

Switch to eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes! Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the Earth allowing it to be replenished easily. Only the bristles are made of plastic, thus reducing the amount of plastic used. So the bristles of the toothbrush can be easily removed with a tweezer and the body of the toothbrush can be composted in your manure or be recycled! The pricing of bamboo toothbrushes is almost comparable to plastic toothbrushes and is easily available online at many prominent stores. Bamboo also decomposes faster than plastic, making it a better material. It takes only one year for bamboo to decompose while plastic takes forever. Imagine getting a toothbrush that is the same price and yet so environment friendly. Isn’t it great! So it’s up to you if you want to enjoy the beautiful wildlife when you have retired or struggle with the difficulties of climate change with tons of plastic.

You Play A Part!

Remember - every small step we take can make a difference. Together, everyone in the world can do wonders! So buy a bamboo toothbrush today, switch to paper tableware and encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same!

Sources:

https://thehoneycombers.com/singapore/singapore-recycling-guide-sustainable-living/https://www.rd.com/culture/everyday-items-longest-decompose/

http://blog.nus.edu.sg/dirtyhumans/2016/11/08/a-toothbrush-dilemma/

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/cancer-causing-plastics/

https://www.alansfactoryoutlet.com/how-long-does-it-take-plastics-to-break-down

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-harmful-effects-of-drinking-hot-water-stored-in-a-plastic-bottle

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-waste/in-singapore-where-trash-becomes-ash-plastics-are-still-a-problem-idUSKCN1J20HX

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/over-270-fb-outlets-wont-give-out-plastic-straws-from-july-1