Question

Write two harmful effects of using plastic bags on the environment. Suggest alternatives to the usage of plastic bags.

List any two practices that can be followed to dispose off the waste produced in our homes.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Biodegradable waste-

1. The type of waste which is generated from plant and animal and that can be broken down or can be decomposed easily by micro-organisms is called bio-degradable waste.
2. Example- Food waste, paper waste.

Non-Biodegradable waste

1. The type of waste which cannot be broken down or decomposed by micro-organisms is called non- biodegradable waste.
2. Example- electrical waste, plastic bags, etc.

Harmful effects of using plastic bags on environment

1. Plastic bags are the non-biodegradable wastes which cannot be decomposed or broken down and it creates pollution in the environment.
2. Littering plastic in public places produces unsanitary conditions as it serves as a breeding ground for insects and mosquitoes that spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
3. Accumulation and burning of such non-biodegradable waste release harmful and poisonous gases in the environment, making it unfit for every living organism.
4. As plastics are non-degradable, they therefore, remain in the soil for a long time, affecting soil fertility and degrading the soil.
5. If animals like cows consume polythene bags together with vegetable wastes, it can choke their wind pipe or food pipe and can lead to death.
6. The waste from the plastic processing industry is dumped directly into water bodies, altering the chemical properties of the water and posing serious health risks on a wide scale.
7. If plastic objects are thrown in sewage and the drainage system, leading to clogging of pipes and drains.
8. The clogging in turn leads to flooding.
9. Also, as they end up in rivers and other bodies of water, they are eaten by fish, seabirds, and other marine animals, resulting in suffocation and death.

Alternatives to the usage of plastic bags-

Plastic bags can be replaced by paper or jute bag as they are biodegradable substances.

Practices that can be followed to dispose off the waste produced in our homes-

1. Household waste, chemical waste and hospital waste should be properly segregated.
2. These waste should be disposed properly in low-lying areas called as landfilling.
3. Wastes can also be disposed by incineration, composting.
4. Broken or waste or dumped off plastic materials such as bowls, polythenes, cups, buckets etc. must be sent to plastic recycling factories.