You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic: 

Plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic packaging are bad for the environment. What damage does plastic do to the environment? What can be done by the governments and individuals to solve this problem? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

It is a fact that plastic is posing a greater threat to the environment in this 21st century, when compared to the past. The biggest environmental concern with its use is pollution in multiple ways, and this can be solved by regulating its production, use and disposal.

The worst concern most plastic products pose is that they are non-biodegradable. To be precise, the extent of time the nature takes to decompose is far beyond the human expectation. Studies have shown that on an average, it takes between 200 to 500 years. All this time, the used plastic which is irrationally disposed can adversely impact the life on land, water and atmosphere.

In land, non-biodegradable plastic products affect the soil texture, and the land starts to degrade. This affects the cultivation adversely. When plastic wastes get in touch with water, micro-plastics dilute in it, which makes the water quality poor. This directly affects the aquatic life and all those who consume such water either directly or indirectly. Plastic, which is incinerated or burned irrationally affects the air quality and leads to a range of respiratory problems like asthma and lung cancer.

‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’: this is seen as the best solution for the crises which are caused by the plastic. This means the production and use of plastic have to be reduced significantly. Another measure is to stop the production of single-use plastic products such as disposable plastic bags, and instead paper and cloth bags can be promoted. The reuse of good quality plastic bags and bottles should be promoted. Finally, used plastic can be segregated and be sent for recycling for reuse.

To conclude, it is clear that plastic, one of the most preferred human products, can question the mean existence of a healthy life on the earth. If measures are taken to produce, use and recycle it rationally, such issues can be mitigated.