How does use of Paper Bags help in reducing marine plastic pollution
Plastic pollution has a significant impact on the oceans, and the consequences can be devastating for marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Plastic pollution can cause harm to marine animals such as sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and birds, who can mistake plastic waste for food or become entangled in it, leading to injury or death. Plastic waste can also disrupt marine ecosystems by altering habitats and food webs. For example, plastic debris can clog coral reefs, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the coral, which can kill the organisms that depend on it.
Plastic releases harmful chemicals into the water, which can affect the health of marine animals and humans. These chemicals can also accumulate in the tissues of marine animals, eventually entering the food chain. Plastic pollution has a negative economic impact on industries that depend on the ocean, such as fishing, tourism, and recreation. It can also damage boats and other equipment. Not only this, Plastic waste in oceans creates an unsightly appearance, degrading the beauty of the oceans.
It is thus of great importance that steps are taken to reduce plastic waste and prevent it from entering the ocean to protect marine life, ecosystems, and human health.
Plastic waste is generated from a wide variety of applications including: packaging, building and construction, household and sports equipment, vehicles, electronics and agriculture. Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is used to create single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and straws.
Even if packaging materials are designed for multiple uses, they can still contribute to marine plastic pollution if they are not disposed of properly. When people litter or improperly dispose of packaging materials, they can end up in the ocean and contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste. While recycling can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean, many types of plastic packaging are difficult to recycle. When these materials are not properly recycled or disposed of, they can end up in the ocean and contribute to marine plastic pollution.
Many products are shipped using packaging materials such as plastic wrap, foam peanuts, and bubble wrap. These materials can easily become litter when they are not disposed of properly, contributing to marine plastic pollution. Overall, packaging plays a significant role in marine plastic pollution, and it is important to take steps to reduce the amount of packaging waste and ensure that packaging materials are disposed of properly. This can include use of biodegradable packaging, reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling programs, and promoting responsible disposal practices.
Paper bags or Kraft paper bags as they are commonly called (as they are made from bleached or unbleached kraft paper) are bio degradable and an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bags and can help reduce the amount of plastic packaging in several ways. Unlike plastic bags, kraft paper bags are biodegradable and can decompose naturally over time. This means they will not accumulate in the environment and contribute to the plastic waste problem. Paper bags are made from wood pulp, which is a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested. This means that the production of paper bags has a lower environmental impact compared to the production of plastic bags, which are made from non-renewable fossil fuels. Kraft Paper bags are recyclable and can be turned into new products such as tissue paper, cardboard, and other paper products. This reduces the need for new raw materials and conserves resources. Paper bags are less likely to become litter compared to plastic bags, as they are more easily recyclable and biodegradable. This reduces the amount of plastic waste that can end up in the ocean or harm wildlife.
While brown paper bags are not without their environmental impact, they are generally considered a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags. However, it is important to note that the sustainability of paper bags depends on several factors, including the source of the wood pulp, the production process, and the end-of-life disposal.