Constant use of plastics in all our day-to-day living will definitely pass down microplastics in sizes of micrometre into our food chain as well as the water we consume, which can cause plastic contamination. The use of plastics should be curtailed, as its uncontrolled use and presence in every part of our lives will prove to be fatal in the long term for our bodies entering through the food chain.
Plastics cause harm globally; they fill the environment with debris, contaminating critical ingredients for survival. They cause a wide range of tangible known and unknown illnesses. Microplastic traces are known to have been found in human blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, and placenta. They can enter the body through inhalation, consumption of contaminated food and water, and skin contact with cosmetics and clothing. These are known to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell death, respiratory disorders, neurological symptoms, and bowel diseases, like bloating and changes in bowel habits. Larger plastic pieces can leave the body by natural elimination. Smaller ones are absorbed and are toxic.
Plastic pollution reduces our waterways by decreasing the depths and widths of river streams. It interferes with navigation and disrupts commercial and recreational fishing. It is cheap, strong, light, and versatile, but all of it eventually ends up in the ground, air, and sea. Unlike other materials, plastic is not biodegradable. It builds up in the environment until it reaches a crisis point.
This pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil, and poisons groundwater. It contributes to a substantial climate crisis. It is made from fossil fuels, transformed via heat and other additives into a plastic polymer. Plastics, when burnt, generate 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Goa rates high in national consumption of plastics, which should be scaled down. Industries that heavily consume should make a consolidated effort to reduce the use of plastics. Carrying plastic bags should be phased out in favour of cloth, cardboard, or paper products.
Ways to detox are to add organic food to your diet plan, engage in physical activity to stimulate sweating, and incorporate breathing exercises. Contingency plans for the reduction and use of plastics should be formulated and put in place to avert further damages, which are currently at phenomenally higher levels.
