For years, many countries have been trying to find a solution to the plastic bag menace surrounding the environment. With some countries banning the use of plastic bags, there are people that still don’t understand the negative impacts of the use of plastic bags on the environment.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s on land or in water; plastic bags have been known to cause harm to different ecosystems.
The harm brought by plastic bags to the environment is vast and its effects cause more harm than good. The extent to which plastic bags have damaged the environment are wide and in case you are unaware, below are four ways that plastic bags harm the environment.
Litters ecosystems
The different ecosystems within the environment have been greatly affected by the use of plastic bags. Plastic bags that have not been well disposed of correctly are seen on trees and trapped both on land and water littering places everywhere.
Many people are not willing to burn plastics after using them and they dispose of them as they see fit which makes it difficult to control their spread. Because most plastics are not biodegradable, it is difficult to get rid of them and they tend to litter so many places. Those blown by the wind remain stuck on trees and roads, making the environment look dirty.
Death of animals
Both marine and terrestrial animals are greatly affected by plastic bags through ingestion. Plastic bags cannot be digested by the digestive system and most animals that end up eating any pieces of plastic bags end up dead due to tangling in their digestive tracts. This is evident from animals and birds that have been found and dissected whose intestines have been found to contain accumulated pieces of ingested plastic bags.
Plastic can be eaten by any animal that comes across it preventing the absorption of nutrients, leading to suffocation and causing injuries which can lead to infections and even death. This poses a risk to most wildlife, especially marine life that is slowly becoming extinct like sea turtles.
Relocation of important and beneficial species
One of the negative impacts of plastic bags is the interference of natural resources and littering which affects even the habitat in which animals live. This can lead to the relocation of animal species, such as marine life, whose homes have been affected.
For instance, a plastic bag that destroys a coral reef makes the area not conducive for animals and plants to live, which can lead to the death of the plants. The animal food chain can also be affected, making them relocate to find better places to live, interfering with the ecosystem.
Cause floods
Plastic bags that are blown can stick with the drainage system, causing clogging of pipes which can have further damage. Due to the lack of the proper flow of drainage can lead to floods, which in turn cause more severe effects. With a lack of proper drainage systems, this can also harbor diseases caused by the accumulation of dirty water, affecting the environment and the people living within the area, damage buildings, and causing pollution.
By better educating yourself on the harmful effects of plastic bags, you can know how to effectively prevent harm to the environment. Use reusable bags following the Recycled Bags Complaint with Proposition 65 and help save the environment.
