In various nations, the usage of plastic containers by companies and individuals have been increasing significantly. While this allows food and drink industries to make more profit, the disadvantages are more significant as it is detrimental to the health of both people and sea creatures.
On the one hand, the advantage to this trend is that it contributes to businesses becoming more profitable. This is mainly because plastic is much cheaper than most materials such as wood or glass. Thus, many restaurants tend to allow customers to take away food when they are not able to finish their meals without lowering the owners’ budget considerably. For instance, a huge number of large food companies and restaurants such as Foodpanda use food containers to store and deliver their ordered food.
On the other hand, one of the major disadvantages is that it can harm sea creatures’ health and safety. In some developing countries, people tend to throw away their trash and wastes, including plastic containers, into the sea or large water bodies. Many sea animals mistake these for food and consume them. Over a period of time, this can lead to them developing serious diseases and strange behaviours, which can limit their success in catching their prey. Sea turtles are one of the prime victims.
Another drawback is that individuals can also develop illnesses due to utilizing plastic items. There are many industries in the world that manufacture low-quality plastic containers and plastic items in order to make more profits. These items are distributed to restaurants and food companies, which in turn are used by customers. When staff in restaurants put food in those containers, the heat from food can more easily break down plastic materials, causing toxic plastic particles to mix in with food. The consumption of these dishes can lead to gut related problems and in extreme cases cancer in the long term.
In conclusion, the disadvantages are more considerable as accidental consumption of plastic materials can damage the health of humans and sea animals although it enables businesses to gain more money. Given this situation, it is ideal that the government oversees the process of plastic production in each industry in order to maintain public safety and health.