How long does it take for a plastic bag to decompose?
The answer to this question may surprise you. While plastic bags are a convenient and accessible item in our daily lives, they can have a severe impact on the environment if not disposed of correctly. Plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, meaning that when they are disposed of improperly, they can remain in the environment for a considerable period, causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
Why do plastic bags take so long to decompose?
Plastic bags are made of polyethylene, which is a synthetic polymer that does not biodegrade easily. Conventionally, in order for plastic items to break down, they need to be exposed to UV radiation and oxygen, which triggers a process called photodegradation. The main problem with plastic bags is that they are not exposed to enough oxygen due to being buried under piles of waste, which retards the degradation process.
How long does it take for a plastic bag to break down naturally?
Research shows that plastic bags can take up to 500 years to decompose under natural conditions, which is a concerning fact when you consider the 160,000 plastic bags used globally every second. These figures highlight the gravity of the situation and the drastic measures we need to undertake to resolve it.
What happens to plastic bags once they are discarded?
When plastic bags are discarded, they can end up in landfills or as litter in our oceans, where they can cause significant damage to marine life. Unfortunately, plastic waste is now found in every corner of the earth, and its impact on our environment and natural resources cannot be underestimated.
How can we tackle the problem of plastic bag pollution?
One of the most effective ways to tackle the problem of plastic bag pollution is by launching initiatives to encourage people to use reusable bags instead. In addition, companies must take a proactive approach to managing their waste and adopting a “Reuse, Reduce and Recycle” policy. Governments can also play a role in raising awareness about the negative impact of plastic bags on the environment and implement policies that prohibit the production and sale of single-use plastic bags.
