The Dual Challenge of Plastic and Water

James Lam

The Scale of the Plastic

The global reliance on plastic has reached critical levels, with over 9 billion metric tons produced since 1945. Nearly all the plastic created since then still exists in some form, as the plastic persists in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems due to its resistance to biodegradability. If these trends continue, the weight of plastic in waterways will surpass that of fish by 2050. 

Another issue is that most of the world’s plastic waste is exported to developing nations where there are poor waste management systems. In 2018, China had banned any type of imported plastic waste with a contaminant level above 0.05%. Since China’s plastic waste import ban in 2018, countries like Malaysia have become beacons of illegal plastic waste shipments. This illegal and messy plastic shipment has had ripple effects, contributing to environmental struggles, degradation, and destruction.

The Plastic in the Water

Increased usage of plastics has led to infiltration of water systems, an alarming consequence of the plastic crisis. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a commonly used material in plastic bottles, is known to leach over 150 chemicals into water, including endocrine disruptors and carcinogens like BPA and antimony. These chemicals have significant health implications, such as increased cancer risk and reproductive issues.

Microplastics, formed from the breakdown of larger plastics, are another concern. Recent research has detected rising levels in human blood, lungs, placentas, and breast milk. Additional research has suggested that microplastics can impair organ function and cause inflammation.

Plastic bottles, often regarded as a cleaner alternative to tap water, are not safe from these plights. Plastic water bottles are expensive, costing $7-$8 per gallon compared to $0.002-$0.008 per gallon for tap water. Additionally, bottled water is less rigorously tested, allowing more contaminants to be present in the bottle. In fact, some bottled water is simply untreated tap water poured into plastic.

Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The challenges of plastic and water pollution require extensive, innovative, and sustainable approaches. One option that experts recommend is shifting to filtered tap water over bottled water for clean drinking water. Household water filter systems certified to the NSF/ANSI Standard 53 effectively remove lead and other contaminants. These systems are cost-effective, ranging from $10 to $300, and they eliminate the environmental harm caused by single-use plastic.

Infrastructure improvements are also crucial. Replacing lead pipes with non-toxic, sustainable materials such as recycled copper is a more durable, safe alternative to plastic. Copper does not leach harmful chemicals into the water and has a much longer lifespan than its plastic counterparts.

In communities, initiatives created by the people have helped pave the way for change. Large cities like Seattle have implemented extensive precautions and restrictions on single-use plastics while also researching solutions such as bacteria that digest plastic.

The Harsh Cost of Plastics

Plastic’s impact extends beyond its immediate danger to the environment. Plastic production relies heavily on fossil fuels, which are a main contributor to climate change. The extraction, refining, and manufacturing of plastics release harmful pollutants that seep into the soil, water, and air. These contaminants disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized communities who are most harshly affected by production pollution. 

Disposal of plastics is another challenge to tackle. Most plastic waste ends up in landfills, incinerators, or illegal dumping sites. In their wake, plastics release methane and other greenhouse gases, and even incineration produces air pollutants that harm nearby cities and communities. In reality, only 9% of plastic is recycled globally each year. 

Action Against the Plastic

The linked problem of plastic and water pollution demands urgent action from higher authorities such as industries and governments, but also from individuals. The implementation of banning single-use plastics and improving waste management systems are crucial steps toward a more sustainable future. We must also ensure access to clean, safe drinking water, which requires long term investments in infrastructure and a commitment to protecting public health.

With the help of coordinated efforts and innovative solutions, the possibility of tackling these challenges and paving the way for a healthier planet is high. The choices we make today, whether it be using a water filter instead of plastic bottles, will determine the legacy we leave for future generations.

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Citations

1. PBS News. (2019). The Plastic Problem. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-plastic-problem

   
   

2. PlasticPollutionCoalition. (2023). Toxic-Free Water: Filters as a Solution to Protect Your Health from Plastic and Other Pollutants. Retrieved from https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2023/3/23/toxic-free-water-filters-as-a-solution

   
   

3. PlasticPollutionCoalition. (2023). Filtered Not Bottled. Retrieved from https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/projects/filterednotbottled