Although it's one of the most useful and abundantly used materials in the world, plastic has had a negative impact on the environment over the years. The role it plays in our day to day lives is vital – it's used in so many applications we could barely live without it. From the cars we drive to gadgets we use, storage solutions that organize our lives to packaging our food comes in, plastic is undeniably useful and integral to everyday life.
As with every industry, there's a negative flip-side to the mass production of anything and the impact it can have. When it comes to plastic, unfortunately, the environmental impression is extremely visible. There are three main areas that contribute to this – the first is that plastics degrade slowly, which means that the same qualities that make them durable and useful also make them resistant to degradation over time. The second is the disposal of plastics – and while many people choose to burn them, the toxic fumes that are released when doing so can be dangerous. The third is that the mass manufacture of plastic can lead to high levels of chemical pollutants being created too.
While these affects on the environment can be devastating, there are solutions and steps that can be taken to ensure things move in the right direction. Certain processes and items have been banned in the plastic making process, which has already contributed to more responsible production. Additionally, plastic recycling is a vital ingredient needed to combat the negative effects of plastic on the environment. While the recycling process is a labor intensive and difficult one, new progress is being made to better the system and create viable solutions. Plastic is becoming increasingly expensive to manufacture and this also means that people have to think outside the box for solutions. Scientists are already experimenting with alternatives to petroleum based plastics, such as fructose.