Not for the Present, but for the Future

By Sr. Vocata

  People believe that one of the most efficient inventions in the world is plastic. Because of the cheap cost to produce ease of molding, and  its light in weight, we can find out everywhere. On the other hand, extensive usage of plastic causes a diverse variety pollution: Landfill problem, water pollution and air problem.

  Tatiana Schlosseberg, the author of The Immense, Eternal Footprint Humanity Leaves on Earth: Plastics, noticed, since the 1950s to 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced, with around a half of it made since 2004(2017). Every day the amount of plastic products pour out from companies: pens, water bottles, plastic bags, cups etc. Can you imagine living without these daily necessities? In the past, we used to use metal as the main material of manufacture goods. However, heavy weight and the high price from mining to molding made the invention of plastic and attractive alternative. Products made of plastic are light and convenient to carry, and it is easy to make multiple forms.

 On the other hand, plastic causes serious problems. According to the article about microbeads, "eight trillion microbeads pollute aquatic habitats every day. Microbeads are used to add scrubbing action to tons of products." When microbeads are poured out into the sea, the plastic does not naturally degrade, but becomes ocean pollution, and this occurs when the plastic in the microbeads enters landfills too. Moreover, when plastic is burnt, it makes toxic fumes which is a factor in air pollution. These kinds of pollution directly impact human life.

  It is clear that it would be difficult without plastic, so reducing usage could be an answer to the disadvantages. In most markets in Korea, when customers buy something, if they don't bring any kind of bag, they have to buy paper bags, or plastic bags which become garbage bags of that region. However, the plastic garbage bag is easy to degrades. Eco-bags are one of the alternatives to the negative effect of none degradable plastic in nature.


  In sum, plastic usage is like double-edged sword. We can't not ignore the positive sides, but we must focus on nature, not only for us, but also for the next generation. For this reason, it is important to reduce the use of microbeads and study alternatives.