Six reasons to avoid plastic bags. Life without plastic. Environmental pollution and climate change

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia will host a meeting with representatives of retail chains, at which they will also consider the issue of refusing to sell plastic bags.

As the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia Viktor Yevtukhov explained to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, his department was instructed to work out the issue of the production of paper bags and their use in stores along with plastic ones.

At the end of 2017, a large meeting was held with representatives of the forestry, chemical, pulp and paper industries, as well as manufacturers of plastic and paper bags. It was noted that in Russia, according to expert estimates, polyethylene accounts for 0.5 percent of the total volume of solid household waste... It may not seem like much, but scientists have long proven that plastic bags are a source of sustainable pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), more than a million seabirds, over 100,000 marine mammals and a huge number of fish die from polymer debris a year.

As the activists of the "Green Movement of Russia ECA" calculated, on average we use a plastic bag for 20 minutes. This is the time in which purchases from the store are carried home. The discarded package can take from 50 to 500 years to decompose. In 2015, a resolution of the European Parliament was adopted, according to which the EU countries must either reduce the release of such packages by an average of one citizen to 90 pieces per year by 2019 and to 40 pieces by 2025. Or ensure that no free plastic bags are provided to customers by the end of 2018.

Of all European countries France became the leader in this direction, banning plastic bags completely. In the UK, a 5p tax on the use of packages was introduced in 2015. As a result, in the first half of 2016, the British used only 500 million plastic bags, whereas before the ban, shops distributed up to seven billion of them a year.

In China and Australia, since 2008, the production, use and sale of ultra-thin plastic bags(up to 0.025 mm thick), as well as their free distribution in retail chains. A ban on them was also introduced in several provinces of Egypt to preserve the unique ecosystem of the Red Sea, in which coral reefs suffer from the plastic thrown into the sea.

A discarded package can take from 50 to 500 years to decompose

In Russia, according to Yevtukhov, it is not yet possible to completely exclude plastic bags from circulation. Consumers still need to be taught how to use paper packaging. Now the Russians do not like her very much, since she is more expensive, and tears, and gets wet. But, nevertheless, a gradual transition to environmentally friendly types of packaging is inevitable, they are confident in the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Russian buyers, who are accustomed to shopping in hypermarkets, already felt this for themselves in November last year. Some of them have stopped giving out free packages, now offering customers biodegradable, for which there is an additional charge.

There is no talk of a complete ban on the use of plastic bags in Russia. As the minister told RG earlier natural resources and ecology Sergey Donskoy, for plastic in general, not only for packages, - the recycling standard has been increased and a ban on burial has been introduced since 2019. "The question is how to make the use of paper bags more efficiently. The main complaint about plastic bags is that they decompose for a long time," he said.

According to the UN, the world now produces 20 times more plastic than 60 years ago, when it first began to be used in large quantities. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, in Russia in last years the volume of production of primary plastic containers is approximately 600 thousand tons. Plastic is a product of petroleum refining and releases hazardous substances when decomposed or burned.

"When buying a plastic bag, many people think that the" plastic problem "does not apply to them, let someone else do the sorting. But the landfills are already overflowing. Cities are expanding their territory, approaching the once distant landfills. , - Sergei Donskoy is sure.

BS plastic was great for the time being, says Miles Scott, but we need to move on. There are materials that are less toxic, more printable and less harmful to the environment.

Before you grab your 100 micron ABS forks and start resenting, let me assure you, I don't think ABS is bad at all. But, with the development of the 3D printing market, many companies have invested heavily in R&D. So we now have access to more high-strength materials than we did in the early days of the RepRap project. This in turn means expanding the range of easy-to-print, strong and versatile plastic filaments.

What does this mean for ABS?

Reason # 1: ABS poisons you ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastic. And inherently more toxic than PLA plastic. As soon as you smell ABS, it is immediately triggered internal signal anxiety: this is not good for me. Often, people have to build additional ventilation to remove vapors from the room.

The long-term effects of fumes from ABS plastic are not fully understood. However, a 2015 study published on 3Dsaftey.org found that “both gaseous molecules and nanoparticles are inhaled by humans through the olfactory system. Ultrafine particles are deposited mainly in the cells of the respiratory system and through the olfactory nerves of the nasal mucosa, they reach the brain. A single exposure through the skin gives partial absorption. ”

The Solidoodle Wiki has written an article titled "ABS Safety". It states that “none of the components present in this material is not a carcinogen. Under normal processing conditions, this product does not contain toxic chemical substances". However, you may also read that "the fumes from the melting can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can cause nausea and headaches."

Will it kill you instantly? Probably no. Is this good for you? Absolutely not. But do you really need research to figure this out? I will trust in evolutionary instinct and keep my nose out of this thing. Unless you want to become the unwitting subject of a long-term clinical study "Is it harmful to breathe melting plastic?"

I spoke to a friend of mine who is in medical school right now as I write this article. I immediately received a 15 minute lecture on why this is terrible for my health, and why I definitely shouldn't. It's good to know that she cares.

Reason # 2: There are materials that are stronger and easier to print. When the early days of consumer 3D printing were in full swing, there was no multi-million dollar global plastic filament market. Thus, the community had to tap into the markets that were available at the time. For thermoplastics, this meant ABS.

ABS plastic is used in large quantities in the manufacturing world. Thus, there was a constant supply of materials at affordable prices. We now have real research and development on plastic filaments and specialty polymers that are being developed for 3D printing. Their main advantage is the almost complete absence of defects when printing on any machine. PET and PETG are much easier to print and have similar properties to ABS, just grab a reel next time you buy ABS. You will thank me long before you get to the end of the reel.

Reason # 3: Crooked, crooked, crooked! If you want more proof that ABS was not originally designed for printing, see how it behaves at high temperatures.

ABS is mainly used for injection molding technology, where its temperature changes only towards rapid cooling. But the opposite is true when it comes to 3D printing. Small changes in temperature cause parts of the ABS to rise right off the work surface, which immediately ruins the models. This is why those who use ABS make extensive use of forced ventilation, as heat dissipation from the work surface increases your chances of successful printing.

If you don't want your models to deform, you need a closed case. Just isolate the heat in any way you can. I've seen people use everything from a laundry basket to a blanket thrown over a printer; which I still think is dangerous, to put it mildly. If you intend to do this, please make sure it is fireproof or you may burn your house on fire. If you don't have a heated work surface, don't even start ABS printing, it has more chances to fly away than stay on the table.

Reason # 4: Environmental issues ABS is not biodegradable. Your 3D boat will still be here 1000 years after we all die. This is not how it all works. It's not only about production from non-renewable resources, but also about recycling. Just imagine the piles of consumables and defective items that accumulate over time. Where will it end up? As a species, we will face huge environmental issues in future. Even if you think climate change is a Chinese conspiracy, the price of fossil fuels directly affects ABS pricing, so you can see the price of filament going up if oil prices go up.

Reason # 5: Using hazardous chemicals in post-processing Acetone is used to polish ABS specimens and is very effective. I never understood why people do this.

First, prolonged exposure to acetone vapor can seriously damage the respiratory system, not to mention being extremely flammable and dangerous to store.

And the main advantage of ABS plastic is its strength and heat resistance. So why would you use this material for decorative prints when you have PLA? And for polishing items, you should spend money on Polymaker Polysher.

You’re probably thinking, Miles, why do you hate ABS so much, it has a legitimate use, and for all its flaws, it’s good stuff ... and you’re right. I just hope that from reading this article, you will realize that you do not need to use it to get durable parts or the finish you want. With the mature materials market we have now, you can find something better to get the most out of your printer (while maintaining your health and wellness).

Today all over the world celebrate the International Day without plastic bag... People refuse to use bags, carry out cleaning and give the collected polyethylene for recycling.

Many countries are not only recycling plastic bags, but also taking steps to reduce their use. V The European Union On April 16, 2014, a directive was adopted to reduce the number of plastic bags by 50% by 2017 and by 80% by 2019. In some places, in particular in Los Angeles and San Francisco imposed a ban on their sale. Many cities are introducing additional taxes to reduce the consumption of plastic bags.

Greenpece decided to tell you why it is worth giving up buying regular plastic bags for at least one day.

1. The average lifetime of a packet is 20 minutes, and death and decay is 400 years. Probably, it can decompose much longer, because plastic was created not so long ago and humanity can only guess about the lifetime of its invention.

2. Plastic packaging and plastic bags, in particular, are the cause of the death of marine animals and birds. According to the latest data, about 100 thousand marine animals and a million birds die a year. With plastic, we kill all those animals that we usually love to be touched by: whales, dolphins, turtles, seals. Scientists have shown that 80% of seabirds cannot distinguish plastic from their prey.

3. The amount of plastic waste is increasing every year, due to the fact that more and more goods are wrapped for sale. In the last five years alone, plastic packaging has grown by 25% compared to previous years. As the population grows, so will plastic waste.

4. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls can adhere to plastic fragments. Then they enter the food chain through the representatives of the marine fauna, which swallow pieces of plastic.

5. The so-called biodegradable bags will not save the world. Most often, they just disintegrate into small pieces of plastic, which decompose for hundreds of years and have all the same properties. Carry a reusable cloth bag with you!

6. The package price is not just a few rubles or cents at the checkout. Plastic for bags is made from oil, the extraction of which is very often accompanied by spills, destructive for plants, animals and people. Thousands of Russians have already suffered from oil production. Now in Russia, Gazprom is making an extremely dangerous project on oil production in the Arctic, citing its shortage.

Plastic waste has become a real epidemic both on land and in the oceans. What can one person do in this global problem?

These seemingly simple actions will help to reduce that which enters the environment around us.

1. Avoid buying items packed in plastic. Buy food in glass jars, not plastic, and detergents in boxes, not bottles. Not only are you shrinking the plastic you use, but you're also sending a loud message to the manufacturers of those products plastic box which you are not satisfied with.

2. Use fabric bags for shopping. Store reusable bags somewhere in your car or on your nightstand next to your keys so you don't forget them before you go shopping. Using regular shopping bags is the easiest, but effective method avoid plastic in routine matters.

3. Do not buy water in plastic bottles. Replace it with a reusable flask or thermos. Plastic bottles are one of the five most common types of waste found on beaches. Since bottled water is much more expensive than regular tap water, you will also save money and avoid the potential dangers of leaching plastic toxins in your drink.

Get in the habit of carrying your own spoon that fits easily into your purse or backpack. Then at work or in a cafe, you can have a snack of yogurt or dessert without plastic cutlery.

4. Discard plastic toys. No dinosaur or robot beats a toy made from natural materials.

5. Processing. Think of new ways to use old items instead of throwing them away or buying new ones. For example, glass jars can easily replace plastic boxes. Our "" section will provide some interesting ideas.

6. Order coffee in a regular cup, avoid disposable plastic cups. If there is a cooler at work, give up the plastic cup, use your regular mug.

7. Give up the plastic straw for your cocktail, if you figure it out, it serves as a decoration and is simply not needed. Plastic straws are one of the 10 things that end up in the world's oceans most often.

8. Wear clothing made from natural, non-synthetic materials. Using and washing clothes made from fabrics such as polyester, which are made from plastic, cause the fibers to flake off. This way, tiny microplastics from our clothes end up in water bodies.

9. Avoid disposable plastic utensils. Do not be lazy to take a “tourist's set” with you to a picnic - light, convenient kitchen utensils, this is a more convenient and economical option.

10. Do not throw away electrical equipment. Try to repair or upgrade your devices rather than buying new ones. Sell ​​gadgets and computer parts, or find a place to recycle them.

One person, giving up plastic bags for a year, saves 50 liters of oil, thereby reducing the number of new oil developments and, therefore, reducing the risk of pollution environment.

The term of the final disintegration of polyethylene is more than 100 years. When burned, they emit harmful substances that are dangerous to nature and human health. If many of us stop using plastic bags, refuse them in supermarkets, where they are supposedly free, then the demand for bags will fall.

According to the United Nations Committee for Conservation of Nature, plastic waste causes the death of 1 million birds, 100,000 marine mammals and countless numbers of fish every year.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (Eastern Garbage Patch) is a whirlpool of man-made garbage in the North Pacific Ocean. This area contains extremely dense deposits of plastic and other waste brought by the waters of the North Pacific Current System.

"Island" of garbage in the Pacific Ocean has already exceeded twice the territory of the United States

Roughly 14 billion pounds of garbage (6 million 300 thousand tons) of garbage, most of which is plastic, is dumped into the world's oceans every year.

Almost every piece of plastic EVER produced still exists today.

A study commissioned by the Association by the British Marketing Research Bureau says that packaging accounts for 5% of the weight of an average shopping cart.

As a result of the action in Japan on the refusal of 5 million people to use plastic bags per month, it was possible to save more than 100 million bags and thus reduce the volume of carbon dioxide emissions from the production of plastic bags by 10 thousand tons. According to ecologists, this corresponds to the amount of carbon dioxide that a city with a population of about 60 thousand people emits monthly into the atmosphere, and to absorb this volume requires the entire forest area covering the fourth largest Japanese island of Shikoku.

Recycling plastic is more difficult than other materials as there are several different types plastic. Each type must be processed separately. Less than 1% of plastic has ever been recycled.

Approximately 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bottles are consumed annually in the world. The figure reaches 1 million bottles per minute. Billions of bottles end up in landfills every year.

Plastic bags are among the 12 most commonly found waste types in coastal clean-ups, according to the Marine Conservation Center.

According to environmentalists, plastic bags make up 7-9% of all human waste.

On average, 323 plastic bottles enter our home every year, and it takes about 500 years for a bottle to disintegrate after entering the soil.

Plastic bottles are made from polymers made from petroleum. The amount of oil used to make 1 plastic bottle would allow the car to travel about 11 meters (according to the CUA). Recycling 1 ton of plastic saves 750 kg of oil.

Scientists have discovered that the substance from which they are made plastic bottles and disposable tableware, increases the risk of developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Plastic Death on Midway Island

The Midway Islands is an atoll (a coral island that looks like a continuous or ruptured ring surrounding a lagoon) with an area of ​​6.2 km⊃2; located in the northern half of the Pacific Ocean.

Albatrosses hover over the sea in search of food. Sometimes they mistake plastic trash for food. It settles in the gizzards of birds, not being digested, or overlaps gastrointestinal tract so that the birds are hungry. Sometimes nursing parents regurgitate pieces of plastic to their chicks with food.

In a study of the lorsal albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) in Midway Atoll, bird watchers have found that chicks that have died of natural deaths have more debris than those that have died in accidents. Although plastic does not directly affect mortality, it causes physiological stress and makes the chicks not feel hungry, require less food, thereby reducing their chances of survival.

Some researchers claim that chicks die of hunger, toxicity, and suffocation.

To capture this phenomenon as truthfully as possible, not a single piece of plastic in any of these photographs has been moved, placed on purpose, removed. These images show the actual content of the chicks' belly in one of the world's most remote marine habitats, more than 2,000 miles from the nearest continent.