Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic

Pollution on our globe is rapidly rising for various causes, one of which is the widespread use of plastic. Although plastic may have a few advantages, it is also causing pollution, directly affecting the human species. A moment may come when humanity will be embarrassed about its use of plastic. Still, if we do not address the pollution created by plastic at the appropriate time, we may have to suffer the brunt of plastic pollution in the coming years. We will discuss this issue in this post, so let's start now.

The Government of India is fully aware of the damage caused by plastic pollution, which is why the government has debated a lot that plastic should be stopped for many years. During this period, the government has done a lot to boycott polythene. Slogans, quotations, poetry, and other works of art have been made. Some of these are like this "remove polythene preserve environment" by utilizing these lines to say no to plastic, we may make others around us aware of the harm caused by plastic.

Classification of Plastics

Plastic is broadly classified into two types:

1. Thermosetting plastics

Thermosetting plastics are polymeric polymers that cannot be formed again using heat. These are also referred to as thermoset polymers. Thermosetting polymers are utilized in the manufacture of utensil handles, switches, and fire-resistant fabric, among other things. Bakelite, melamine, and other thermosetting plastics are examples.

2. Thermoplastics

A thermoplastic polymer is a form of plastic. Thermoplastics are polymers that may be moulded repeatedly by using heat. Thermoplastics include polyethene, polystyrene, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Thermoplastic polymers are utilized in the manufacture of carry bags, bottles, and other items.

Advantages of Plastics

The advantages of plastic may be expressed in various ways, and they have been grouped into phases, such as:

• Plastic production processes compare favourably to many other elements

Plastic manufacturing might be energy-intensive due to the use of fossil fuels, yet it is still a more ecologically benign resource than other materials. At times, recycling processes might alter the comparison, and when plastics are reused consistently, they still have a significant edge.

• Decomposing organisms do not produce methane

When organic things begin to decompose, they emit greenhouse gases. The focus of this approach is frequently on carbon dioxide, but the methane emitted is very hazardous. When opposed to CO2, methane is up to 20 times more effective as a reflecting atmospheric product. Plastics do not emit this gas when they degrade, making it easier to quantify the whole lifespan impact of the product.

• Plastics provide a secure means of transporting any required items

Using plastic for water and other beverage bottles is preferable because it keeps the product safe. People use the material to bring water to needy communities worldwide in an affordable and timely manner.

• Plastics take up less space in landfills

Even though plastic materials can take a long time to degrade in a landfill, the amount of space that plastics take up in these trash disposal places is little compared to other products. Paper goods have seven times the volume.

• Many polymers have a long lifespan, encouraging reuse

Plastics do not have to be considered disposable or a one-time-use item. Wide varieties of this substance have a lifespan larger than or equal to other materials. A well-maintained and well-constructed PVC pipe may provide service for up to a century. Plastics used in buildings have an average lifespan of 35 years.

Disadvantages of Plastics

Plastic has several disadvantages, which have caused it to be a source of worry. There are several reasons for the loss of plastic. For example:-

• Plastic items cannot be recycled indefinitely

Due to their characteristics, metals may be recycled several times into various goods. Plastics do not provide such an option; they can only be recovered or reused several times before losing their integrity and quality. This suggests that individuals are more inclined to reuse, recycle, or incinerate this product. Some plastic objects and products cannot be recycled, which compounds this disadvantage's impact. Every year, almost 93 billion plastic goods go unnoticed, which means they end up in our trash systems.

• Produce foul and toxic gases on burning

One of the most severe drawbacks of plastic is that when it is burned, it emits an extremely nasty and poisonous gas that can severely pollute the environment. And if someone inhales it in the surroundings, he is driving his entire body towards death because unclean and deadly gas is not beneficial for the body in any manner. Instead, it gives birth to major diseases such as cancer.

• Less soluble

Plastic also has a significant disadvantage because it is highly insoluble since we discard it when we use it. As a result, it cannot dissolve in the ground or water; if it does dissolve in water, it takes a very long period. As a result of its involvement in the elimination of subsurface species and the weight of plastic thrown into the oceans, it can entirely eradicate saltwater organisms. This is a concerning loss. A regular tree leaf will decay in 2 to 3 months, while a plastic bag will not decompose for 200 to 300 years.

• Get in the way

The most serious disadvantage of plastic is that it might obstruct our path. Water may suffocate life, even human life. Plastic does not dissolve in water or acids, and it is not an environmentally friendly solvent. As a result, anytime it becomes clogged in drains or vast areas, it acts as a barrier. As a result, it can only be eradicated by human intervention. There is no other method to get rid of it.

Comparison Table for Plastic's advantages and disadvantages

How to Stop Using Plastic

We must progressively reduce our use of plastic if we are to rescue our environment and health. To reduce our use of plastic, we should take the following steps.

• Take your bag to the market, and refrain from bringing goods in plastic polythene from the market.
• Resist buying products made of plastic.
• Make everyone aware of the need to prohibit the purchase of plastic.
• After using plastic, recycle it so that it does not pollute the environment.
• Instead of plastic bags, use cloth or paper bags.
• Plastic should be made so expensive that people will not buy or use it.
• The government should take significant measures to reduce plastic usage so that people know about it.

Conclusion

Plastic is a chemically produced material. As a result, utilizing it implies damaging the environment. As a result, both the lives of animals and people are jeopardized. As a result, we also ask that you refrain from using plastic to preserve yourself and the earth from the pollution it causes.