The Debate (no.16); Plastic Pandemic: Advocating for a Ban to Save Our Planet

Introduction

In recent times, the demand for plastic has skyrocketed because plastic has become an integral part of our lifestyle. In the urban areas, plastic is largely used for packaging items, it is convenient and its cost effective for manufacturers.

source

But despite this advantages, there have been serious advocacy against the use of plastic because of the way it has polluted the environment. In fact, according to research, Approximately two hundred billion pounds of plastic are produced worldwide every year. The enormous rise of plastic haven’t only polluted the land but also the seas as well. You see it littered everywhere.

This is why I’m in support of the the topic that says “the use of plastic be banned to protect our environment”

Before we go ahead with this debate, let me use the opportunity to invite @johnmitchel, @emmy01 and @stemoot for this contest.

Let’s begin:

Good day moderators,
Panel of judges
Co debaters and
My fellow steemians… 😊

I’m here to support the motion that says; “The use of plastic should be banned to protect our environment” with this following point of mine.

Health threat:

No doubt plastic has been one of the way we use to preserve our foods in the market from dust but we should have it at the back of our minds that some of this chemical used in production process of some this plastic mix with our food or water, therefore causing cancer and other health hazards in our body.

Environmental impact

source

The plastic pollution of the environment is unbearable. Everywhere you go, you see plastic littered everywhere including in the sea. Some sea animals might mistake the plastic for food and eat it, in return damaging their system. The worse part of this plastic is that it takes hundred to thousands of years before is been decomposed…. Even when it manages to decompose, during the process, it breaks down into tiny particles called “micro plastics” that contaminate the soil , water and even air we breathe.

Challenges in Waste management.

source

How is it possible to manage 200 billion pound plastic that is produced every year worldwide?? It is definitely not possible and this has posed as a challenge to our environment. A greater percentage of this plastics end up been thrown away in landfill or burnt in incinerators which contribute to environmental degradation and toxic air pollution.

Blocked drainage:

source

As a result of the excessive plastics in our drainage system, during rainy season, the places becomes flooded making that particular environment inhabitable for people living around there, a breeding ground for mosquitoes and reptiles and also destroys the road. This is one challenge, that a lot of Nigerians can relate with, especially people living within the urban areas.

I hope with this few points of mine, I’ve been able to convince and not confuse you…. That, the use of plastics should be banned to protect our environment.