How effective is dissolvable plastic in reducing plastic Pollution? Problem: Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem since the 21st century. It is caused by littering disposable plastic instead of disposing it properly. In addition, plastic is composed of several different polymers, which makes it extremely hard to recycle, and the plastics stay there for decades because it is hard for the plastic to decompose. Every year, 14 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, killing thousands of animals, destroying their ecosystem, and causing immeasurable damage to the ocean. According to a report by the world economic forum, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 if we keep throwing away plastic and not recycling plastic. Which can pollute the ocean, and we are more likely to eat microplastic from fish that come from polluted oceans. And we must take this warning seriously and take action to prevent it as soon as possible. Solution The government and some significant organizations are already taking action to reduce plastic waste. And always encourage us to recycle. However, as I mentioned earlier, recycling plastic is a challenging task. Therefore, we need another solution that is way more effective than just recycling. 1 solution I find interesting is dissolvable plastic that can dissolve in water quickly and not leave a trace. This means we don’t need to recycle every plastic in the world, we can just put it in the water, and the plastic will dissolve. Dissolvable plastic can be made from various sources. It is usually made from Polyvinyl Alcohol that can dissolve in water within 1 hour of contact. But other dissolvable plastic can also be made from cornstarch. Soluble plastic can also be modified to dissolve water at a specific temperature or acidity. Pros and cons Although dissolvable plastic brings so many benefits to the environment and the convenience we get from dissolvable plastic can be a game changer. However, this innovation has a positive side and the negative side. Here are some pros and cons of using dissolvable plastic according to conserve-energy-future.com Advantages: - Environmentally friendly: Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources, and when they break down, they release organic matter, water, and carbon dioxide, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional plastics. They also do not release harmful toxins, making them safer for the ecosystem. - Reduces waste: Biodegradable plastics can break down naturally, reducing waste in landfills and oceans. This can also help conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. - Versatile: Biodegradable plastics can be used for various applications, from packaging to medical implants. They can also be blended with other materials to create hybrid products that are both durable and sustainable. Disadvantages: - Cost: Biodegradable plastics are often more expensive than traditional plastics because of the higher costs associated with sourcing renewable materials and developing new manufacturing processes. This can make them less affordable for some industries and consumers. - Limited availability: Biodegradable plastics are not yet widely available, making it difficult for businesses and consumers to switch to more sustainable alternatives. This limited availability can also limit consumer choice. - Contamination: Biodegradable plastics can only break down under specific conditions, and if they end up in the wrong environment, they can contaminate other materials and cause problems. This can reduce the quality of recycled materials and harm marine life if they end up in the ocean. Although there are also some disadvantages of dissolvable plastic, there are several things we can do to minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantages. Here are 4 things we can do: - Research and development: Improving manufacturing processes can reduce the cost of biodegradable plastics. - Education and awareness: Educating about the benefits of biodegradable plastics can increase their demand and reduce contamination. - Proper disposal: Encouraging proper disposal practices, such as composting, can reduce the amount of biodegradable plastics in landfills and oceans. - Innovation and collaboration: Encouraging innovation and collaboration can lead to new and more sustainable materials to replace traditional plastics. Proposal To Local Businesses This solution can is a first start to reducing plastic waste by promoting this innovation to local businesses in Indonesia. This fifth country produces the most plastic waste after The United States, India, China, and Brazil, according to worldpoppulationreview.com To promote the use of dissolvable plastic and reduce plastic waste in Indonesia, we propose local businesses replace single-use plastic products with soluble plastic alternatives. The goal of the initiative is to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of producing and using plastic products The objectives of the initiative are as follows: - Raise awareness: We will raise awareness about the benefits of soluble plastic and the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment, businesses, and society. We will use various media, such as social networks, flyers, and posters, to disseminate this information. - Encourage local businesses to switch to soluble plastic: We will engage with local businesses, including supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, and coffee shops, to encourage them to replace their single-use plastic products with soluble plastic alternatives. - Create a network of suppliers: We will establish a network of suppliers of soluble plastic products, such as bags, containers, cups, and straws, to ensure that local businesses can access these products. - Monitor and evaluate progress: We will monitor and evaluate the initiative's progress regularly. We will collect data on the amount of plastic waste reduced, the number of businesses using soluble plastic, and the level of community engagement. Impact of the Proposed Solution The proposed solution of using soluble plastic can significantly reduce plastic waste in the ocean and its impact on the environment, businesses, and society. Firstly, using soluble plastic will reduce the amount of plastic waste because it is easier to recycle, thus minimizing the harm to marine life and the local ecosystem. Secondly, the initiative will encourage local businesses to adopt sustainable practices, reducing their environmental impact and increasing their social responsibility. Finally, the initiative will promote community engagement and awareness, creating a more environmentally conscious society. In terms of environmental factors, the use of soluble plastic will reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the oceans, although it still can contributed to water pollution, but because it is way easier to recycle, it would reduce plastic waste that cannot or complicated to be recycled that might end up in the ocean. Thus, dissolvable plastic decomposes faster than traditional plastic and does not leave behind microplastics, which can take centuries to degrade and are often ingested by marine animals, causing health problems. In terms of ethical factors, the proposed solution promotes sustainable practices and social responsibility. By using soluble plastic, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. Furthermore, the initiative encourages community engagement and awareness, creating a sense of responsibility towards the environment and future generations. In terms of political factors, the proposed solution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, while SDG 12 promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. Using dissolvable plastic supports these goals and can contribute to achieving them. In terms of social factors, the proposed solution can have a significant impact on society. By raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices, the initiative can create a more environmentally conscious community. This can lead to a change in behavior, with people opting for more environmentally friendly products and supporting businesses that use sustainable practices. Additionally, the initiative can create new job opportunities in the production and distribution of soluble plastic products. In conclusion, using dissolvable plastic can reduce plastic waste in the ocean and its impact on the environment, businesses, and society. The proposed community-led initiative aims to promote the use of soluble plastic by raising awareness, encouraging local businesses to switch to soluble plastic alternatives, creating a network of suppliers, and monitoring progress. The initiative's impact can be evaluated in terms of environmental, ethical, political, and social factors, all of which support the use of soluble plastic as a solution to the plastic waste problem. Reference: Biodegradable Plastics: Advantages, Disadvantages and Various Uses of it. (n.d.). conserveenergy-future.com. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-disadvantages-usesbiodegradable-plastics.php Dissolvable plastic |Biodegradable plastic. (2021, August 19). Adreco Plastics. https://adrecoplastics.co.uk/dissolvable-plastics/ Goal 14 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal14 Plastic pollution by country 2022. (n.d.). 2022 World Population by Country. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/plastic-pollution-by-country
