Begin Your Board With An Explanation Of Your Topic And Th ✓ Solved

Begin Your Board With An Explanation Of Your Topic And Th

Begin your board with an explanation of your topic and the information you've already found. You can then place citations for your articles. Then, ask the following questions. 1) In what way have you experienced or have been impacted by my topic? (Directly or indirectly) 2) What do already know about its history and/or current problems? (Readers should reply with a list of 3-4 things)

Paper For Above Instructions

For this board, I will focus on the topic of plastic pollution, a critical global issue that affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Plastic pollution is defined as the accumulation of plastic products in the environment, which adversely impacts wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. According to the United Nations, plastic pollution forms a significant part of oceanic and terrestrial waste, leading to dire consequences for the environment and life on Earth (United Nations, 2020).

In addressing this topic, I have gathered information from various scholarly articles, reports, and statistics. One of the primary findings indicates that, since the 1950s, the world has produced over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic, of which approximately 6.3 billion metric tons have become waste (Geyer, Jambeck, & Law, 2017). Without substantial intervention, projections suggest that by 2030, global plastic waste will reach 25 million metric tons per year (Parker, 2021). This alarming trend necessitates a deeper understanding of the topic's history and current ramifications.

Before delving into my personal experiences and insights, it’s vital to recognize some significant historical facts and ongoing issues related to plastic pollution:

  • Plastic was invented in the early 20th century, with the first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, created in 1907, marking a significant turning point in material science (Baker, 2019).
  • In the 1960s, plastic manufacturing began to proliferate, leading to its extensive use in consumer products, but it also marked the beginning of extensive environmental contamination (Thompson et al., 2009).
  • Current problems include the ingestion of microplastics by marine life, which can accumulate in the food chain and eventually impact human health (Smith et al., 2018).
  • As of 2020, it is estimated that around 1.5 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, posing significant threats to marine ecosystems (Jambeck et al., 2015).

As for how I have experienced or been impacted by plastic pollution, the effects of plastic waste are evident in my daily life. Living near a coastal region, I often encounter plastic debris on beaches, which serves as a reminder of the pollution crisis. These situations have made me more aware of the importance of reducing plastic use and seeking alternatives. The impact on marine life is heartbreaking; documentaries and news reports often showcase the suffering of sea creatures entangled in plastic or ingesting microplastics. This visual evidence strengthens my resolve to advocate for environmental changes and raise awareness about the issue.

Furthermore, witnessing the gradual degradation of our beaches and natural surroundings has made me reflect on the historical context of plastic use and its rampant proliferation. It's astonishing to consider that plastic, once hailed as an innovative material, has become a lasting pollutant that poses a serious threat to biodiversity and human health.

Discussing what I know about the history and problems associated with plastic pollution has made me more proactive in identifying solutions. This acknowledgment is essential for addressing environmental issues at both the individual and community levels. It has encouraged me and many others to prioritize sustainability and to consider eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products.

In conclusion, plastic pollution is not only a pressing environmental concern but a personal one that affects communities across the globe. In understanding its history and ramifications, we can start engaging in more substantial discussions and actions toward mitigating its effects on the planet. A collective effort is essential to forge the path to a more sustainable future and protect our planet for future generations.

References

  • Baker, J. (2019). The History of Plastic: A Timeline. Plastic Pollution Coalition.
  • Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7).
  • Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegel, D., & Lavender Law, K. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.
  • Parker, L. (2021). Plastic pollution is getting worse. National Geographic.
  • Smith, M., Love, D. C., & Ribbink, A. J. (2018). Microplastics in seafood and human health. Environmental Pollution, 240, 301-310.
  • Thompson, R. C., Swan, S. H., Moore, C. J., & Vom Saal, F. S. (2009). Our plastic age. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 1973-1976.
  • United Nations. (2020). Tackling plastic pollution. United Nations Environment Programme.

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