PLASTIC POLLUTION Plastic is lightweight, flexible, moisture resistant and relatively inexpensive. Packaging based on synthetic polymers has allowed supermarkets to offer a wider range of fresh produce that stays fresh longer. Computers, toothbrushes and synthetic clothing contain plastic. Modern medicine has also greatly benefited from the disposable plastic syringe. Unfortunately our dependence on plastic is problematic. Microplastic has been found in Antarctica and the Arctic, not to mention also in tap water worldwide. A study from 2016 has warned that unless the world takes drastic action to recycle, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050.
www.dw.com • Is it possible to stop the over-consumption of plastic goods? • Should companies be more environmentally responsible for what they produce?
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