Parvez Babul
Do you know that we ingest plastic? May be or may not? Ok, let us explore how do people consume plastic. For example, at a high level, there are many different vectors for us to ingest microplastics through our diet. Those include fish and shellfish, salt, honey, sugar, beer, and drinking water – both tap and bottled.
Several studies show that starting about five years ago, the press began reporting about the hazards of microplastics in our environment. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, less than half a centimeter across. For the most part, plastic doesn’t decompose like organic matter, though large pieces can break up into tiny pieces.
Since humans started fabricating various forms of plastics about 70 years ago, we have generated enough of the stuff and enough microplastic to infiltrate pretty much every corner of the planet. Those are: soil, oceans, lakes, and even the air. From there, it moves up through the food chain into the plants and animals we eat and the water we drink; we also inhale plastic into our lungs.
In 2019, research study of the ‘World Wide Fund for Nature’ (WWF) repeatedly echoed that humans, on average, ingest about 5 (five) grams of microplastic every week, which is about the size of a credit card.
In 2021 more studies revealed that adults ingest plastics about 900 particles per day, and defecate about 200 particles per day; the other 700 are not currently accounted for. Some, we breathe in and back out. And a few leave in our urine. So, researchers still need to track down what happens to the rest.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLASTIC WASTE
Climate change and plastic pollution are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing the plastic production that is largely from fossil fuels. And releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle, worsening climate change.
In turn, a warming climate accelerates plastic degradation, increasing the release of microplastics into the environment. And climate-driven events like extreme weather can increase single-use plastic consumption. It creates a vicious cycle that harms ecosystems and human health. Plastic production emissions are potentially doubling by 2060 if unchecked.
SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC RECYCLING PLASTIC WASTE IS A GLOBAL CONCERN
Initiatives like the World Economic Forum’s, Global Plastic Action Partnership are promoting circular economy models to tackle plastic pollution. Plastic recycling is crucial because it reduces the demand for virgin plastics, thereby conserving non-renewable resources like oil and saving energy.
It also helps mitigate the significant environmental threat of plastic pollution by diverting waste from landfills and oceans, protecting wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, recycling lowers greenhouse gas emissions, combats climate change, and supports the economy by creating jobs in the recycling sector.
Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), an intergovernmental organization based in Singapore that engages media industry stakeholders in different events enabling a diverse exchange of perspectives. It also facilitates dialogue and cooperation.
ASEF in collaboration with the NGO Alliance to End Plastic Waste, organized an international workshop for journalists of Asia and Europe in May 2025 in Singapore. Title: Challenges of Dealing with Plastic Waste.
It brought together journalists from Asia and Europe to deepen their understanding of plastic pollution, its impacts, and potential solutions. And covering topics like the global plastics treaty, circularity, waste management innovations, and financing. This writer had the opportunity to join the workshop.
PLASTIC WASTE IS A GLOBAL CONCERN
Kian Seah further said, “Countries that integrate informal collectors with fair pricing, safety, and digital traceability see cleaner feedstock and lower leakage to rivers and seas. Two tracks are needed: mechanical recycling for well-sorted plastics, and chemical recycling for harder, mixed streams both supported by investment in pre-sorting, washing, and decontamination for food-grade use.”
Scientists forecast that the amount of plastic entering the ocean, approximately 11 (Eleven) million metric tons each year, could triple by 2040. “Policy should make this viable: producer responsibility that funds collection, standards that reward quality, and public procurement that buys recycled content. For Bangladesh and its neighbors, the opportunity is to build community-centered ‘feedstock hubs’ that link street collection to certified plants, then sell traceable recycled resin to regional brands. Do this, and you cut pollution, create dignified jobs, and keep materials in the economy instead of the environment,” Mr. Kian Seah recommends.
Science provides strong evidence that Greenhouse gases are emitted throughout the entire life cycle of plastics, estimated as between 3.8 and 4.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. It was clearly mentioned in the papers of UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
The writer is a Media Fellow at Asia-Europe Foundation
