Our plastic future
We need to be more flexible
There is a surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy, where an artery is opened to remove fatty plaque. This is a deposit that causes narrowed arteries and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. (An alternative is stenting which involves the placing of a support structure inside the artery).
Italian surgeons carrying out this procedure in March were finding small fragments of microplastic in the fatty deposits surgically removed from patients. Out of 257 patients, nearly 60% of them had measurable amounts of polyethylene in the plaques removed from their arteries. 12% also had polyvinyl chloride in them.
This follows on from a USA study twelve months ago, that found microplastics had found their way into the human brain. These were mostly composed of polyethylene, which is used in the manufacture of bottle cups and plastic bags.
The use of plastic bags in the United Kingdom has risen 7% in 2 years, from 407 million to 437 million. It is the first time it has risen, since the UK imposed a £0.05 ($0.07) charge on plastic bags, later increased to £0.10 ($0.14).
The rise is being blamed on the increase of online shopping, which frequently makes use of single-use plastic bags. Supermarkets are responsible for the highest sales of plastic bags overall, although some have started to implement a take-back policy. This works like a closed loop system, in that the supermarkets take back the equivalent empty bags for the bags that they deliver. The returned bags are then recycled to produce new bags. Some supermarkets are moving to bag-less deliveries or reverting to paper bags.
Although supermarkets are the main users of plastic bags, they are not the only ones. Online fashion retailers frequently use plastic bags for their deliveries and are currently exempt from any levy.
The global plastic production is 450 million tonnes, of which only 9% is recycled. Every year, 280 million tonnes is short-lived and becomes waste. Plastic production is also one of the most energy intensive manufacturing processes in the world. An alternative form of “plasticity” is required if we are to combat the growing menace of plastic pollution.
Alternatives to plastic
There are several alternatives to oil-based plastics that are gaining traction not just for their sustainability but environmental benefits as well. Coming under the term of bioplastics, these are created through a chemical reaction, that converts sugar from organic materials into the compounds that go into plastic polymers.
Bioplastics:
There are two definitions of bioplastic which need clarification
Bio-based refers to the origin of the source materials as being derived from biological sources, such as plants.
Biodegradable designates whether the plastic can break down naturally in the environment.
Starch-based Plastics: These are made from natural sources such as corn or potatoes. They are biodegradable and are used for food packaging, disposable items such as single use cutlery and disposable medical items.
These can be blended with polylactic acid (PLA) which can improve their mechanical properties, thermal stability and water resistance
(PLAs are formed by the fermentation of plant starch)
One caveat, potatoes and corn are both food sources and some acknowledgement of the inevitable competition needs to be noted.
Cellulose-based Plastics: These can be made from cotton fibres or wood pulp and can be used in photographic films and clothing. Plant based cellophane is also produced in this way.
Protein-based Plastics: These are made from milk or soy protein, and can be used in food packaging.
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): These are produced by microorganisms from plant materials. PHA is biodegradable and can be used in a variety of applications, especially medical implants, which are designed to dissolve as the body heals, such as pins and screws. They are also widely used in disposable packaging
Natural Fibre Composites:These materials combine natural fibres (like hemp, jute, or bamboo) with biodegradable resins, making them suitable for automotive parts and construction materials.
Mushroom-based Plastics:Made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, this relatively new material is biodegradable and can be moulded into various shapes.
Plastics have been a boon to our society for years, but only in the last maybe 10 years have we become aware of how lasting and indestructible they really are. They are now more than a headache and causing real harm to our environment. The sooner we move into recyclable / degradable plastic, the better.
Currently, we can send it abroad and wash our hands of it, but the Third World countries where it normally ends up, cannot properly deal with it, and end up burning it, with deleterious effects on the environment.
Locally, we can use landfill or incineration, but neither of these is helpful to the environment or the climate. It’s likely that from landfill they leach into the waterways, the ocean, enter the food chain, and ultimately into our bodies. Incineration just increases the CO2 load in the atmosphere.
We need governments to start to restrict the production of oil based plastics, by legislation if necessary, and promote recyclable, degradable plastic.
(Not necessarily ‘plastic’ as such, but an even more environmentally friendly compatible material).
Only then can we start to reduce the hazards posed by plastic pollution.
“We are being choked to death by the amount of plastic that we throw away. It’s killing our oceans. It’s entering into our bodies in the fish we eat.” — Kevin Bacon, actor
If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting me on Ko-fi! Every little bit means the world! https://ko-fi.com/wordpainter.
