Effective Utilisation of Plastic Trash
turning adversity into prosperity
Plastic trash whether on the grounds or in the waters causes serious threats to life. Humans, livestock, crops, and marine life are widely compromised. Also, it contributes to water pollution.
The top 5 rivers responsible for plastic emissions are the Pasig River (the Philippines), the Tullahan River (the Philippines ), the Ulhas River (India), the Klang River (Malaysia) and the Soai Rap River (Vietnam).
In this article, I will give a few case studies of the countries that are effectively utilising plastic trash.
1) Plastic Roads:
Plastic trash is recycled to construct plastic roads as has been seen in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the American continent. Plastic bags, bottles, snack wraps, and empty sachets are utilized in this regard.
This is the best way to avert the happening of plastic trash burning, burying, and ending up in the oceans.
Studies have proved that the roads made of plastic waste are stronger, and have more potential than the traditional roads. Their lifespan is longer and such roads are better resistant to temperature and potholes.
The countries like the USA, the UK, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Ghana etc. are following this technique.
2) Plastic Slippers:
The Philippines produces around 60,000 tonnes of trash every day, 24% of which is plastic waste. According to the study conducted by the Ocean Cleanup (Dutch-based) in 2021, the Philippines is the biggest contributor to plastic trash that ends up in oceans. Its Pasig River is the most plastic-polluter in the world.
To handle it, the country has started an initiative to make slippers from the plastic trash it collects. Thus, it offers good insights for the other plastic torn countries to end their trash up effectively.
3) Marvellous Furniture from Plastic Waste:
Parks, playgrounds, landmarks and public places offer outstanding views. To add beauty to such spots, furniture, including benches, tables, dustbins and even carpets can be made using plastic waste.
Indonesian-based Sungai Design collects plastic waste from rivers, recycles it and transforms it into precious furniture. It makes Omnak lounge chairs. Similarly, Herman Miller, an American furniture company, sells Eames lounge chairs — made of plastic waste. So, plastic waste can be used for constructive purposes.
4) Power Generation from Plastic Waste:
Some studies reveal that we pollute our oceans with plastic trash more than what we recycle. It would take 500 years to decompose, threatening marine ecosystems widely.
Generating power from plastic waste is much cheaper than the traditional ways. The pyrolysis technique plays its role in converting plastic trash to energy. Where plastic waste is heated at a very high temperature and the melted material is used to generate electricity.
Similarly, the hydrothermal technique puts polypropylene (a chemical compound) into a water-filled reactor and heats it at a high temperature and pressure. In this way, water breaks plastic into oil. Plastic wastes can also be used to produce petroleum and diesel by dissolving bonds of polyethylene plastic. Kenya is pursuing this technique.
5) Other Finished Products:
Caps of plastic bottles are recycled to make cutting boards used in the kitchen. Both Matt and Johnny, the US-based siblings are offering their services in this regard. A company in the USA makes deck boards from plastic bags that add beauty to buildings in residential areas.
It can be concluded that everything has both advantages and disadvantages at the same time. Where plastic causes numerous disasters, it also brings various useful products. It is in the hands of human beings to convert such looms into the betterment of human beings, fields, and marine life.
