Tackling the Plastic Waste Crisis: Understanding, Realities, and Solutions

Plastic, once regarded as a convenient commodity, now stands as a formidable threat to our environment. From ubiquitous plastic bags to bottles, straws, and packaging, its presence knows no bounds, infiltrating landscapes from urban sprawls to remote wilderness. The escalating concern over plastic waste has reached a critical juncture, demanding immediate attention and action. In this article, EQUO aims to explain the complexity of the plastic waste crisis, including what it is, the harsh truths, and practical solutions to help stop the "Plastic Waste Nightmare."

1. What is plastic waste?

Plastic is widely used nowadays, but its overuse has caused a growing problem with plastic waste. This issue is a clear warning sign for Earth's survival. Now, more than ever, it's crucial for people to fully grasp the dangers of plastic waste and work together to address it.

1.1. Definition

Plastic waste is items and objects made from plastic that are no longer used. We can easily encounter plastic waste in daily life such as:

• Plastic bags: The most common type of plastic waste, often used to store items in convenient stores, supermarkets, and restaurants, etc.
• Bottles: Soft drink bottles, mineral water, beer bottles, wine bottles, etc. made from PET, HDPE, PVC, etc.
• Plastic cups: Disposable plastic cups in cafes, bars, etc.
• Plastic straws: Used for drinking water, milk tea, etc.
• Styrofoam box: Used to store food, fast food, etc.
• And many other types of items such as: Toothbrushes, combs, toys, etc.

Source: Internet

>> Read More:

• Recycling Plastic Waste
• 10 Ways To Reduce Plastic Waste At Home
• 10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Use in Everyday Life
• Exploring the History of Plastic
• Zero Waste 101: Understanding the Basics and How to Start

1.2. Sorting plastic waste

Sorting plastic waste makes the recycling process easier and more effective. Plastic waste is classified into 2 main types:

• Recyclable plastic: Including PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, etc.
• Non-recyclable plastic: Including PS, EPS, PC, etc.

Source: Internet

Thus, plastic waste is a common and dangerous type of waste, existing in many different forms. Sorting plastic waste is the first step to handling it effectively.

2. Reality of plastic pollution

The reality of plastic pollution is at an alarming level. This problem comes from many causes, causing serious signs and consequences for the environment and human health.

2.1. Causes of plastic pollution

The current plastic pollution situation comes from many complex interwoven causes. This problem needs to be looked at thoroughly to find an effective solution. Below are some of the main causes leading to plastic pollution, which is becoming increasingly serious:

• Using too many plastic products.
• Lack of awareness in using and disposing of plastic waste.
• The plastic waste treatment system is not complete.
• Propaganda and education on environmental protection are not effective.
• Plastic waste management policies are not consistent.

Source: Internet

2.2. Signs of plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is an urgent environmental problem, seriously affecting the ecosystem and human health. Signs of plastic pollution appear in many places and are easily seen in life:

• Plastic waste appears everywhere (on land, in water, and in the air).
• Accumulations of tiny plastic debris, known as microplastics, persist in the environment and enter the food chain.
• Plastic waste pollutes water sources, affecting water quality and human health. Losing the beauty of the environment affects tourism and quality of life.

Source: Internet

2.3. Consequences of plastic pollution

Plastic pollution not only causes loss of environmental beauty but also leads to many serious consequences for the ecosystem and human health:

• For the environment: Causes soil, water, and air pollution; affects the ecosystem and climate change.
• For human health: Causes respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, cancer, etc.; affects the reproductive health and development of the fetus.
• For the economy: Causes economic damage due to the costs of treating plastic waste and overcoming the consequences of environmental pollution.

Source: Internet

The reality of plastic pollution is at an alarming level and needs to be thoroughly resolved. Protecting the living environment is the responsibility of each individual and community. Let's join hands to act to repel plastic pollution, and protect a green - clean - beautiful environment for ourselves and future generations.

3. Why is it important to reduce plastic waste?

Limiting plastic waste is an urgent issue that needs to be resolved because of the negative impacts it causes on the environment, and human and animal health. Plastic has persisted in the environment for hundreds of years, polluting soil, water, and air.

3.1. Minimize impacts on climate change

Plastic waste is one of the main causes contributing to climate change. The process of producing and processing plastic waste releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, increasing the Earth's temperature.

Source: Internet

3.2. Protect human and animal health

Plastic waste causes many serious harms to human and animal health in many different ways:

• Contaminates water and food sources

Plastic released into the environment will gradually decompose into tiny fragments called microplastics. These microplastics creep into the food chain, from tiny plankton to fish, and finally humans. Ingesting microplastics into the body through water sources can lead to many serious health problems such as digestion, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

• Causes injury and death to animals

Animals often mistake plastic waste for food and swallow it, leading to gastrointestinal blockage or poisoning. Sharp pieces of plastic can cause internal damage. Getting trapped in plastic waste can also cause injury or death to animals. Plastic waste also affects the ecosystem, reducing biodiversity and animal food sources.

Source: Internet

Limiting plastic waste is an urgent and necessary task to protect the environment and human and animal health. Reducing plastic waste will help reduce the impact of climate change, protect water and food sources, and prevent the risk of poisoning and injury to humans and animals.

4. Measures to limit plastic waste

Limiting plastic waste is the shared responsibility of each individual, organization, and government. We need to change our habit of using plastic, prioritizing environmentally friendly products to protect the health of ourselves, the community, and the environment for future generations.

4.1. Use environmentally friendly products to replace single-use plastic

Instead of using disposable plastic products such as plastic cups and plastic straws, we should use environmentally friendly alternative products such as natural biodegradable straws (made from rice, coffee, grass, etc.), bagasse food containers, paper cups, etc. These products are made from environmentally friendly materials, are safe, and self-decompose in a short time, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste released to the Earth every day.

EQUO is proud to offer a variety of environmentally friendly products, helping you easily replace disposable plastic products in your daily life.

• Plant-based straws set that decomposes itself: Made from coffee, bagasse, coconut, grass, and rice, safe for health, and completely compostable in the natural environment.
• Food containers: Made from sugarcane bagasse, which is a sustainable natural resource that is renewable and decomposes quickly. The outstanding characteristics of bagasse fiber lie in its durability, flexibility in packaging, and breathable and waterproof qualities.
• Utensils: This is a great choice for eco-friendly and durable tableware sets.

• Paper cups and lids with water-based coating: Using a water-based coating, instead of plastic (PP, PE, or PLA), helps the production process emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) and minimizes negative impacts on the environment during decomposition compared to regular paper cups. These cups completely decompose in the natural environment within 18 weeks and come in various sizes, suitable for a wide range of uses.

Let's join hands with EQUO to use environmentally friendly products. For more information about EQUO product lines, please visit the following link:

>> https://shopequo.com/collections

4.2. Reuse plastic items safely

Reusing plastic is an effective solution for the environment, but it needs to be done safely to protect health. You should choose safe plastic (recycle symbol and numbers 1, 2, 4, 5), check thoroughly before use, clean thoroughly, do not use for hot food or in the microwave, and limit reuse many times.

Source: Internet

4.3. Sorting and recycling plastic waste

Sorting plastic waste is the first step to effective recycling. Sorting helps to collect different types of plastic, process them properly, and create new raw materials. Recycling plastic waste helps reduce waste, save resources, and protect the environment. Many types of plastic can be recycled such as PET bottles, HDPE boxes, LDPE plastic bags, and PP boxes. However, it should be noted that some types of plastic cannot be recycled such as PVC, PS, and PC.

Source: Internet

4.4. Propaganda to raise people's awareness

Plastic waste is a burning problem, causing serious environmental pollution. To solve this problem, raising public awareness of limiting plastic waste is extremely important.

Effective propaganda measures need to be implemented such as:

• Introduce content about the harmful effects of plastic waste into school curricula, and organize seminars and training for people.
• Broadcast television programs, news, and articles about the harmful effects of plastic waste and the benefits of limiting its use.
• Encourage the use of environmentally friendly products.
• Organize plastic waste collection and recycling activities.

Source: Internet

Limiting plastic waste is the shared responsibility of each individual and the entire society. Change your usage habits, choose environmentally friendly products, reuse, and properly classify plastic waste. Join hands to protect the environment, and build a green future for yourself and the next generation.

Plastic waste is a painful problem, causing serious environmental pollution. To solve this problem, the cooperation of every individual, organization, and government is needed. Each individual needs to raise awareness, change usage habits, limit single-use plastic items, use environmentally friendly products, and reuse and properly classify plastic waste. Organizations and governments need to have policies to encourage the use of environmentally friendly products, invest in plastic waste treatment systems, and promote public awareness. Limiting plastic waste is a shared responsibility, let's join hands to protect our living environment.

Join hands with EQUO to protect the environment!