Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic
Have you ever wondered why plastics are everywhere, from packaging to medical devices? What makes plastics so lightweight and durable, allowing them to replace metals, glass, and wood in many applications? And why do they take hundreds of years to decompose, and how do they impact our health and the environment? You will get all these answers by reading this article on advantages and disadvantages of plastic.
This Story also Contains
- Advantages of Plastics
- Disadvantages of Plastics
- Some Solved Examples
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer having unique properties. These materials are used in day-to-day life in a variety of applications. These plastics can be broadly categorized into 2 types, i.e., thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and PS (polystyrene) are some examples of plastics used for making plastic bottles, pipes, containers, etc. In this article, students will understand the various advantages and disadvantages of plastics.
Note: The Plastic synonym is elastic.
Advantages of Plastics
There are many advantages of plastics. Some of them include
- Many plastics have a long, reusable lifespan
Plastics must not be considered a throwaway or a product for single use. Many varieties of this substance have a longer life period than or the same as other materials. A well-maintained PVC pipe has a service capacity for up to a century. The average life expectancy of the plastics used in building is 35 years. This is one of the main advantages of plastic. - The processes of plastic manufacture compare favourably with many others
Although the plastics production process can be energy-intensive using fossil fuels, it is nevertheless an environmentally friendly resource in comparison with other materials. Methods of recycling can sometimes change the comparison. The advantage remains that when frequent reuse occurs, plastics can contribute. This is another advantage of plastic. - Plastics are space-saving in facilities
Although it takes a significant length of time for plastic materials to crumble into a site, the quantity of space plastics occupy in these areas of trash disposal is modest compared with other products. The volume of paper products is seven times higher. This includes another advantage of plastic. - Due to decomposition, methane does not build up
Organic compounds release greenhouse gases when they are decomposed. This approach often focuses on carbon dioxide, but it is extremely hazardous to the methane emitted. As a reflecting atmospheric component, methane is up to 20 times more effective than CO2. When the gas breaks down, plastics do not release it; therefore, the entire life-path impact of the consequence is easier to calculate. This constitutes another main advantage of plastics. - The safe mode of delivery of all required products is plastic
Since plastic keeps the product safe, it is best to use plastic for water-containing bottles and other drinks. People use the material to get vulnerable people around the world swiftly and economically. This is the main merit of plastics. - Plastics are an inexpensive material.
- The plastics industry plays a key role in the world economy
The world's plastics business generates more than 1 trillion dollars every year.
|
Related Topics, |
Disadvantages of Plastics
There are many disadvantages to plastics
- Typically, plastics are created from non-renewable resources. While plastic initial materials originated from plant-based fibres, most of the products today are produced based on fossil fuels. It is usually petroleum, but natural gas can also be used to produce this product. About 4% of these fuels continue to be used to manufacture new goods directly into the plastics sector. If you look at the amount of resources used during the process of refinement and the predicted increase in demand, the cost of plastics to fossil fuels might approach 20% in the next decade. This is the main disadvantage of plastic.
- The pollution in the world's waters is predominantly plastic. Plastic comprises up to 80% of all marine waste. This problem is caused by marine and terrestrial sources, which often build up in broad open areas where tides come together. The problem concerns us finding rubbish on land, on beaches, and even in freshwater sources. Stirrers, bottles, cables, food wrappers, and plastic straws are some of the items that are most common items. At a cost of 5 per kg, plastic pollution is removed from the sea surface water, while the reutilization of this product is only 0.30$. This is why the efforts to clean up marine environments are spearheaded by non-profit agencies. This is another disadvantage of plastic.
- Multiple economic costs could result from plastic pollution
Pollution from plastic packaging itself causes the global economy an annual loss of over 80$ billion. It accounts for around 50% of all trash from this industry, and virtually any other industry does this in any form. Building and plastics contribute to 16% of plastic use, whereas textiles account for approximately 15%. As many of the goods are not recycled, more of them are likely to alternatively progress to waste streams. - Unable to infinitely recycle plastic products
Metals may be repeatedly recycled into a variety of different items due to the qualities of the material. This is not the chance given by plastics. Only a handful of times can people retrieve or reuse it before it loses integrity and quality. This signifies that this product is more likely to be dumped or burned in a landfill. Some plastic products cannot be recycled, and hence, the impact of this disadvantage might be further enhanced. More than 93 billion plastic objects are produced annually; therefore, they come into our waste stream. This is a demerit of plastic.
Also Read:
Some Solved Examples
Example 1: Making new containers from recycled materials like crushed glass helps to
1) Conserve materials
2) Save fuel
3) (correct) Both of these
4) None of these
Solution
Waste management -
Organic waste – composted or employed in a biogas plant.
Paper, plastic, and metals – recycled
Agricultural waste- manufacturing of paper, hardboard, animal feed, etc.
Hence, the answer is option (3).
Example 2: Which of the following is not a source of water pollution?
1) Agricultural runoff
2) Industrial discharge
3) (correct) Use of environmentally friendly products
4) Plastic Overuse
Solution
The use of environmentally friendly products helps in preventing water pollution. Agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and domestic sewage are all major sources of water pollution.
Hence, the answer is option (3).
Example 3: Which of the following is a major advantage of plastics over metals?
A) Biodegradability
B) High density
C) Corrosion resistance
D) Poor insulating property
Solution:
Plastics are resistant to corrosion, unlike metals, which can rust or oxidize. They are also lightweight, have low density, and good insulating properties, making them suitable for multiple applications.
Hence, the answer is option (3).
Example 4: Plastics are widely used in packaging materials mainly because they are:
A) Expensive and brittle
B) Lightweight, durable, and flexible
C) Reactive with most chemicals
D) Conductors of electricity
Solution:
Plastics are preferred for packaging due to their low weight, durability, and flexibility, which reduce transportation costs and prevent product damage.
Hence, the answer is option (2).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Plastic pollution can contribute to the spread of invasive species by providing a means of transportation across bodies of water. Floating plastic debris can carry organisms, eggs, or seeds over long distances, introducing them to new ecosystems where they may become invasive. This "rafting" effect can disrupt local ecosystems and biodiversity, as the introduced species may outcompete native organisms or alter habitat conditions.
Plastic pollution can significantly impact the tourism industry, particularly in coastal and marine destinations. Littered beaches and polluted waters can deter tourists, leading to economic losses for communities dependent on tourism. The presence of visible plastic waste can damage the reputation of tourist destinations, affecting their long-term viability. Additionally, efforts to clean up plastic pollution can incur substantial costs for local governments and businesses in tourist areas. The impact extends beyond aesthetics, as plastic pollution can also harm wildlife and ecosystems that are often key attractions for tourists.
The relationship between plastic pollution and environmental justice is significant. Often, the negative impacts of plastic production, waste management, and pollution disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. These communities are more likely to be located near plastic production facilities or waste disposal sites, exposing them to higher levels of pollutants. Additionally, developing countries often bear the brunt of plastic waste exported from wealthier nations. Addressing plastic pollution thus becomes an issue of social and environmental justice, requiring equitable solutions and policies.
Different types of plastics vary in their environmental impact based on factors like durability, recyclability, and the chemicals they contain or release. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely recycled, while expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) is rarely recycled and persists in the environment. Some plastics, like PVC, can release harmful chemicals when degrading. Biodegradable plastics may have less long-term impact but can still cause short-term pollution if not disposed of properly. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about plastic use and disposal.
Plastic credits are similar to carbon credits but focus on plastic waste. They represent a quantity of plastic waste collected or recycled. Companies can purchase these credits to offset their plastic footprint. The concept aims to fund plastic waste reduction and recycling initiatives, particularly in areas lacking proper waste management infrastructure. While plastic credits could potentially drive investment in waste management and recycling, critics argue they might not address the root cause of plastic pollution and could be seen as a form of "greenwashing."
The presence of plastics in the environment can significantly alter wildlife behavior. Marine animals may mistake plastic debris for food, leading to changes in feeding patterns and malnutrition. Plastics can also affect nesting behaviors, with some birds incorporating plastic into their nests, potentially harming chicks. In aquatic environments, the presence of microplastics can alter the behavior of small organisms, affecting their movement and feeding habits. These behavioral changes can have cascading effects throughout ecosystems.
Plastic pollution can affect global food security in several ways. In marine environments, plastic ingestion by fish and other seafood sources can reduce their populations and potentially introduce toxins into the human food chain. In agriculture, plastic pollution in soil can affect crop yields and soil health. Microplastics in water sources used for irrigation can also impact food production. Additionally, plastic packaging, while often beneficial for food preservation, contributes to waste if not properly managed.
In the circular economy concept, plastics play a complex role. The ideal is to design plastic products for reuse, recycling, or biodegradation, minimizing waste and resource consumption. This involves improving recycling technologies, developing more sustainable plastic alternatives, and rethinking product design to facilitate easier recycling. However, the current prevalence of single-use plastics and challenges in recycling certain types of plastics present significant obstacles to achieving a truly circular plastic economy.
Plastics can interact with other pollutants in complex ways. They can absorb and concentrate toxic chemicals present in water, such as pesticides and industrial pollutants. When marine organisms ingest these contaminated plastic particles, they are exposed to higher concentrations of these toxins. Additionally, as plastics break down, they can release additives and chemicals into the environment, potentially interacting with and exacerbating the effects of other pollutants.
"Plastic leakage" refers to plastic waste that escapes from waste management systems and ends up in the environment, particularly in oceans. This leakage can occur at various points, from improper disposal by consumers to inadequate waste collection and management infrastructure. Understanding plastic leakage is crucial for addressing ocean pollution, as it helps identify key intervention points to prevent plastics from entering marine environments.