From mobile phones and computers, to bike helmets and hospital IV bags, plastic has shaped and developed our society to make life easier and safer. Though, it has become evident that too much plastic is being used in the modern world and it needs to be put to a stop. We have become a throwaway society, for the sake of convenience. But is it worth risking our health, and the future of our environment all for a bit of plastic?
Shocking results have been released stating that chemicals used to make plastics, are the same components causing a decline in human health. BPA is one chemical added to plastic and can be found in the lining of cans and beverage bottles. It is absorbed by the human body and is a likely culprit for hormone alteration and devastating birth defects. 93% of people have traces of BPA in their urine. 93%! Though further research is required, scientist David Barnes is almost certain that high levels of BPA in the human body causes cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Who are we to blame for this catastrophe? This catastrophe leading to earlier deaths for future generations? This catastrophe we can no longer ignore? Ourselves! We have created this monster and unfortunately, in the air, dust, water and food, we can never escape plastic and its destructive behaviours. But we can perhaps slow down the effects of plastic by choosing alternatives and using less of it in the modern world.
The complications of plastic extend beyond the human body. It's devastating effects can be seen everywhere in the environment. From lifeless birds with plastic in their stomachs, to turtles being trapped in bottle rings, the damage is drastic. Plastic bags for instance are easily mistaken for food by marine animals when they are brightly coloured, and animated by moving water. Creatures can be choked to death by plastic, poisoned by the chemicals, but more commonly, when pieces of plastic are swallowed by fish or birds, it prevents real food from being digested...