Affordable, durable, and flexible, plastic pervades modern life, appearing in everything from packaging to clothes to beauty products. But it is thrown away on a massive scale: every year, more than 280 million tonnes of short-lived plastic products become waste.

This excessive plastic waste has severe consequences for the environment and human health. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, leading to the accumulation of landfill waste and pollution of the oceans. Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. Moreover, when plastic does break down, it releases harmful chemicals into the environment, further damaging ecosystems.

The production of plastic also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Plastic is primarily made from fossil fuels, such as crude oil and natural gas, leading to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases during extraction, refining, and manufacturing processes.

Reducing plastic waste requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, there is a need for improved waste management systems. Many countries lack proper infrastructure to collect and recycle plastic waste effectively. Investments in recycling facilities and public awareness campaigns are crucial in encouraging responsible plastic disposal.

Secondly, there is a need for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Many disposable plastic items, such as straws, bags, and cutlery, have readily available alternatives made from more eco-friendly materials like paper, bamboo, or biodegradable plastics. Encouraging the use of these alternatives can help reduce the demand for virgin plastic production.

Furthermore, governments and businesses should consider implementing policies and regulations to limit the use of unnecessary plastics. This could include banning certain single-use plastic items or introducing taxes on plastic products to discourage their use. Additionally, promoting the concept of a circular economy, where products are designed for reuse and recycling, can significantly reduce plastic waste.

Individuals also have a role to play in reducing plastic waste. By adopting sustainable habits like using reusable bags, water bottles, and utensils, as well as properly segregating and recycling plastic waste, individuals can significantly contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution.

To tackle the plastic waste crisis, it requires collective efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals. By prioritizing sustainable practices and promoting responsible consumption, we can work towards a future with less plastic waste and a healthier environment for all.

Overall, 46 per cent of plastic waste is landfilled, while 22 per cent is mismanaged and becomes litter. Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years to break down, so when it is discarded, it builds up in the environment until it reaches a crisis point. This pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil and poisons groundwater, and can cause serious health impacts.

Is pollution the only problem with plastic?

No, it also contributes to the climate crisis. The production of plastic is one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing processes in the world. The material is made from fossil fuels such as crude oil, which are transformed via heat and other additives into a polymer. In 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – 3.4 per cent of the global total.

Where is all this plastic coming from?

The packaging sector is the largest generator of single-use plastic waste ­in the world. Approximately 36 per cent of all plastics produced are used in packaging. This includes single-use plastic food and beverage containers, 85 per cent of which end up in landfills or as mismanaged waste.

Farming is another area where plastic is ubiquitous: it is used in everything from seed coatings to mulch film. The fishing industry is another significant source. Recent research suggests more than 100 million pounds of plastic enters the oceans from industrial fishing gear alone. The fashion industry is another major plastic user. About 60 per cent of material made into clothing is plastic, including polyester, acrylic and nylon.

I have heard people talk about microplastics. What are those?

They are tiny shards of plastic measuring up to 5mm in length. They come from everything from tires to beauty products, which contain microbeads, tiny particles used as exfoliants. Another key source is synthetic fabrics. Every time clothing is washed, the pieces shed tiny plastic fibres called microfibres – a form of microplastics. Laundry alone causes around 500,000 tonnes of plastic microfibres to be released into the ocean every year –the equivalent of almost 3 billion polyester shirts.

What is being done about plastic pollution?

In 2022, UN Member States agreed on a resolution to end plastic pollution. An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, with the aim of having it finalized by the end of 2024. Critically, the talks have focused on measures considering the entire life cycle of plastics, from extraction and product design to production to waste management, enabling opportunities to design out waste before it is created as part of a thriving circular economy

While this progress is good news, current commitments by governments and industry are not enough. To effectively tackle the plastic pollution crisis, systemic change is needed. This means, moving away from the current linear plastic economy, which centres on producing, using and discarding the material, to a circular plastic economy, where the plastic that is produced is kept in the economy at its highest value for as long as possible.

How can countries make that a reality?

Countries need to encourage innovation and provide incentives to businesses that do away with unnecessary plastics. Taxes are needed to deter the production or use of single-use plastic products, while tax breaks, subsidies and other fiscal incentives need to be introduced to encourage alternatives, such as reusable products. Waste management infrastructure must also be improved. Governments can also engage in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee process to forge a legally binding instrument that tackles plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

What can the average person do about plastic pollution?

While the plastic pollution crisis needs systemic reform, individual choices do make a difference. Such as shifting behaviour to avoid single-use plastic products whenever possible. If plastic products are unavoidable, they should be reused or repurposed until they can no longer be used – at which point they should be recycled or disposed of properly. Bring bags to the grocery store, and if possible, striving to purchase locally sourced and seasonal food options that require less plastic packaging and transport.

Should I lobby governments and businesses to address plastic pollution?

Yes. One of the most important actions individuals can take is to ensure their voice is heard by talking to their local representatives about the importance of the issue and supporting businesses that are striving to reduce single-use plastic products in their supply chains. Individuals can also show their support for them on social media. If people see a company using unnecessary plastic (such as single-use plastics covering fruit at a grocery store) they can contact them and ask them to do better.

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Project sponsored by Zenith Global Media Services & Consultancy

Environmental degradation is an increasingly pressing issue that affects us all. It is caused by a variety of factors, ranging from human activities to natural disasters, and its effects can be devastating. Many of these effects can cause further degradation, which means that this impact works as a downward cycle. Fortunately, there are solutions, and we can all work together to mitigate its impacts. Plant With Purpose exists to help reverse this cycle and create a more sustainable future for communities all around our planet.

By empowering rural communities to restore their environment, Plant With Purpose is addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and promoting long-term solutions.

One of the main causes of environmental degradation is deforestation. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, yet they are often cut down for various reasons such as agriculture, timber, and fuel. This not only leads to the loss of biodiversity but also disrupts vital ecological processes. Plant With Purpose works with local communities to promote sustainable land management practices that help conserve forests, such as agroforestry. Through agroforestry, farmers can grow crops alongside trees, which not only prevents soil erosion but also provides additional income sources and improves food security.

Another significant factor contributing to environmental degradation is unsustainable agricultural practices. Many smallholder farmers rely on traditional methods that deplete soil nutrients, leading to decreased productivity over time. Plant With Purpose trains farmers in sustainable farming techniques such as terracing, contouring, and composting, which help to improve soil health and increase crop yields. By promoting sustainable agriculture, Plant With Purpose not only improves the livelihoods of farmers but also reduces the need for further deforestation for agriculture expansion.

Furthermore, Plant With Purpose tackles the issue of water scarcity, which is a result of environmental degradation. With the destruction of forests and the alteration of natural landscapes, water resources become depleted and polluted. By implementing watershed restoration projects, Plant With Purpose helps communities restore and protect their water sources, improving both water quality and availability. These projects often involve tree planting near rivers and lakes, which helps maintain water levels and filters pollutants before they reach water sources.

In addition to these on-the-ground projects, Plant With Purpose also advocates for sustainable policies and decision-making at the local and national levels. By raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and educating communities and policymakers, Plant With Purpose aims to create lasting change on a larger scale.

Mitigating environmental degradation is a collective effort that requires the involvement of individuals, communities, and governments. Plant With Purpose provides the tools and knowledge necessary to empower communities and reverse the cycle of environmental degradation. By restoring forests, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting water sources, Plant With Purpose is working towards a more sustainable future for communities all around the world.

Causes

Poverty: Poverty is a major contributor to environmental degradation. People living in poverty often experience hunger and food insecurity, which leads to over-exploitation of natural resources. For example, trees are frequently harvested to turn into charcoal, a product that can be sold for quick cash. This can lead to deforestation, air pollution, and other unsustainable practices that have a negative impact on the environment.

Poverty also affects environmental degradation in other ways. People living in poverty may not have access to education about environmental issues or the resources to invest in sustainable practices. They may also be more likely to engage in activities that are harmful to the environment, such as burning wood for fuel or dumping waste into rivers and streams. These activities can have long-term negative impacts on the environment, including air and water pollution, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

Deforestation: Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses. It is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation because it reduces biodiversity, disrupts the water cycle, and contributes to climate change.

Trees also play an important role in the water cycle by absorbing water from the ground and releasing it into the atmosphere. Without trees, the water cycle is disrupted, leading to droughts and floods. Deforestation also contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, deforestation can lead to soil erosion, which can lead to desertification and other land degradation issues. All of these effects of deforestation can have long-lasting impacts on the environment.

Climate Change:
Climate change is a major contributor to environmental degradation because it can cause soil erosion, which is the process of wearing away the land surface by the action of natural forces such as wind, water, and ice. Climate change can cause an increase in the intensity and frequency of storms, worsening erosion. This can be especially damaging in areas that are already prone to soil erosion due to their topography or land use.

Additionally, climate change can cause an increase in the intensity and frequency of floods. Floods can carry away large amounts of sediment, which is then deposited elsewhere, leading to changes in the landscape. Furthermore, climate change can cause an increase in the intensity and frequency of droughts, which can lead to soil erosion due to wind and water. In other cases, climate change can create longer periods of drought, which results in insufficient plant growth.

Soil Damage: Soil erosion can have serious consequences for the environment, as it can lead to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in sedimentation in waterways, and an increase in the risk of flooding. In addition, soil erosion can lead to the loss of valuable topsoil, which is essential for plant growth and food production.

Soil erosion can also contribute to environmental degradation in other ways. Soil erosion can lead to increased air pollution, as the dust particles are carried away by wind and deposited in other areas. Finally, soil erosion can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, as it can reduce the amount of habitat available for plants and animals. All of these effects can have serious consequences for the environment and should be taken into consideration when developing land management strategies.

Effects

Poverty In many rural areas, people rely on the environment for their livelihood. Right now, 8 in 10 people living in poverty are rural, reflecting the severity of our environmental crisis. Environmental degradation is a major contributor to poverty. Deforestation, overgrazing, pollution, and climate change all contribute to environmental degradation and can lead to decreased crop yields and water shortages. These factors can all contribute to poverty, as people are unable to produce enough food to feed their families.

As extreme weather events damage crops and reduce crop yields across Eastern Africa, people have grown increasingly unable to produce enough food to feed their families.

Deforestation: As environmental degradation worsens poverty, it drives people towards overharvesting of resources, namely, trees. When land is degraded, people are more likely to deforest an area in order to access the fertile forest soil for agricultural and other uses. Deforestation can also occur when land is cleared for agricultural or industrial purposes, or when forests are burned to create space for urban development. All of these activities can lead to a decrease in the amount of forested land available, which can have a devastating impact on the environment.

Soil Damage: Environmental degradation damages soil in a variety of ways. It furthers erosion, which removes topsoil and reduces the fertility of the soil. It can also cause an increase in salinity, which affects the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients. Environmental degradation can lead to compaction, which reduces the amount of air and water that can be held in the soil. Finally, it can lead to a decrease in organic matter, which affects the ability of the soil to retain nutrients and water and to support plant growth.

Climate Change: Environmental degradation is a major contributor to climate change. Deforestation, overfishing, and other unsustainable practices lead to the destruction of habitats, the release of greenhouse gasses, and the disruption of natural carbon sinks. As habitats are destroyed, fewer plants are available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to an increase in atmospheric concentrations of the gas. The destruction of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems also leads to a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide that is absorbed by the ocean, further contributing to climate change. Additionally, unsustainable practices such as overfishing can lead to a decrease in the number of organisms that consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, further exacerbating the problem.

Further Vulnerability When people living in rural areas experience environmental degradation and increasing poverty, they resort to desperate actions. Many times, children are taken out of school to work on their farm, and this disproportionately applies to girls. As a result, gender equality and education suffer.

Many people resort to migration, either to more urban areas or other countries, in search of sufficient work opportunities. Unfortunately these journeys are often dangerous, and displaced rural people in new cities or countries are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Environmental degradation is a significant contributor to human trafficking and violent activity.

Solutions

Challenges like poverty, soil erosion, and climate change are both causes and effects of environmental degradation. This means that when one of these problems grows out of control, it sets off the other problems, and they all grow more severe together. It can lead to a very difficult life for someone living in a rural area that has been degraded.

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Project sponsored by Zenith Global Media Services & Consultancy

Environmental security awareness involves understanding and acknowledging the interconnectedness between environmental issues and national security. It recognizes that environmental threats such as climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity can have significant impacts on human health, economies, and political stability.

It is important to be aware of these threats and take appropriate action to mitigate risks and build resilience. This can involve implementing policies and practices that promote sustainability, investing in clean energy technologies, and supporting international cooperation to address global environmental challenges.

Individuals can also contribute to environmental security by being mindful of their own impact on the environment, reducing their carbon footprint, and advocating for policies that protect natural resources and ecosystems.

Overall, environmental security awareness is essential for safeguarding the well-being of both present and future generations, as well as ensuring a stable and secure world for all.

Environmental security awareness is important because it helps individuals and communities understand the interconnectedness of their well-being with the health and balance of the environment. It means recognizing that environmental issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and resource depletion can have profound impacts on human societies, economies, and overall quality of life.

Protection of ecosystems: Increased environmental security awareness leads to a greater understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting the various ecosystems that provide essential services to humans, such as clean air and water, fertile soils, and biodiversity.

Mitigation of climate change impacts: Environmental security awareness involves recognizing the links between human activities and climate change. By understanding the causes and consequences of climate change, individuals and communities can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt sustainable practices, and adapt to the changing climate.

Conservation of natural resources: Awareness about the finite nature of natural resources such as water, fossil fuels, and minerals is crucial for their sustainable use. By recognizing the need to conserve these resources, individuals can make informed decisions about their consumption patterns, leading to reduced waste and increased efficiency.

Preservation of biodiversity: Environmental security awareness emphasizes the importance of biodiversity for the stability and resilience of ecosystems. By understanding the value of diverse species and their interdependencies, individuals and communities can support conservation efforts and reduce activities that contribute to habitat destruction and species loss.

Health and well-being: Increased environmental security awareness helps individuals understand the potential health impacts of environmental degradation, such as air and water pollution, exposure to toxic substances, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. This awareness encourages individuals to take measures to protect themselves and their communities from these risks, such as advocating for clean energy sources and supporting public health initiatives.

Overall, environmental security awareness means recognizing the importance of a healthy environment for sustainable development, human well-being, and the protection of future generations. It leads to informed and responsible actions to address environmental challenges, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future for all.

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Project sponsored by Zenith Global Media Services & Consultancy