Plastic waste is now a serious problem in many parts of the world. This essay will explain why plastic waste has increased so much and what steps should be taken to reduce it.
The main reason for the rise in plastic waste is that plastic is very cheap, since many companies can make plastic bags , bottles, and packaging wraps at a low cost, so they prefer plastic over paper and glass. For example, many shop owners give free plastic bag with every purchase, As a result, the waste keep building up every year. Another reason is that it is durable as it does not break or rot easily so it stays in the environment for hundreds of year as it is. For instance, plastic bags can stays as it is for hundreds of year in all environments, such as land and water.
The last reason is that plastic is more convenient. It is light weight, easy to carry and ready to use, so people and business owners prefer plastic items over paper or glass items for shopping, food delivery, and drinks. Many companies sell drink in plastic bottle rather than glass bottle or aluminium can in result most of this items are use ad throw which quicky adds to the waste.
This problem can be reduced if the government makes strong rules on how plastic items are made and use for such as it can ban single-use plastic bags and give fines on the companies that break the rules. In compare, Public awareness and support are also responsible to control this problem. If people understand the harm of plastic, they will use cloth bag , reuse plastic bottles and recycle waste, since rule will work well only when people follow them. Such as, people can use reusable items such as cloth bags.
In conclusion, plastic waste has increased because plastic are cheap ,durable and convenient. However, Strong rule and regulation by government and public support can reduce it and protect environment for the future.