1. The impact of plastic packaging bags on the environment is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1.1 Soil pollution:
Plastic packaging bags are mostly made of non-renewable and degradable materials, with stable structures and not easily degraded by natural microorganisms. They are mixed in the soil and continue to accumulate, which will change the pH of the land, affect the absorption of nutrients and water by crops, lead to reduced agricultural production, and affect the sustainable use of land.
1.2 Water pollution:
About 22 million tons of plastic enter the environment every year, of which 6 million tons will flow directly into rivers, lakes and oceans, and most of them are plastic packaging. Plastics in the ocean account for more than 85% of the total amount of marine garbage. These plastic packaging bags will endanger the survival of marine life. For example, once corals come into contact with plastic, their risk of disease increases from 4% to 89%. At the same time, it will also affect the beauty and ecological balance of the water body.
1.3 Threats to animal survival:
Waste plastic products abandoned on land or in water are easily swallowed by animals as food, causing animal death. 118 of the 693 species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List are seriously threatened by entanglement and ingestion of plastic waste.
Visual pollution:
Waste plastic bags of various colors are discarded on city streets, tourist areas, waters, etc., seriously affecting the beauty of the environment and destroying people's visual experience.
1.4 Greenhouse gas emissions:
Greenhouse gases released during the production process of plastics account for 90% of its emissions throughout its life cycle. In 2024, the United Nations Environment Assembly pointed out that greenhouse gases generated by the production, use and waste management of plastics account for 4% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. Under the "business as usual" scenario, by 2040, greenhouse gas emissions generated by the life cycle of plastics will account for 19% of the global total.
2. In view of the impact of plastic packaging bags on the environment, the following solutions can be adopted:
2.1 Policy and Regulations
Improve the system: Establish and improve the sustainable development system such as ecological design system, prohibition and restriction management system, and extended producer responsibility system. For example, the "Packaging and Packaging Waste Act" implemented by the European Union sets requirements for the proportion of recyclable components in plastic packaging. my country should also study and formulate relevant policy documents and regulations to incorporate the sustainable development of plastic packaging.
Strengthen supervision and law enforcement: Local governments should strengthen the management of disposable plastic products according to local conditions, clarify the responsibilities and obligations of relevant entities, and strengthen supervision and punishment. For example, severely crack down on enterprises and individuals that illegally produce, sell and use non-degradable plastic packaging bags.
2.2 Production and consumption
Source reduction: Promote plastic packaging manufacturers to optimize design, reduce unnecessary packaging, and improve the durability and reusability of plastic products. Encourage consumers to reduce the use of disposable plastic packaging bags and bring their own environmentally friendly bags for shopping.
2.3 Green alternatives:
Scientifically and steadily promote alternatives such as degradable plastic packaging bags, increase R&D investment, reduce their production costs, and improve performance. At the same time, the use of recyclable and degradable packaging materials such as paper, glass, and metal is encouraged.
2.4 Reuse:
Develop a circular packaging model, such as promoting recycled packaging boxes and bags in express delivery, takeout and other fields. Establish a complete circular packaging system to increase the reuse rate of packaging.
Recycling and treatment
2.5 Improve the recycling system:
Reform and optimize the household waste classification system, and generally promote the "dry and wet classification" of household waste to create conditions for the sorting and recycling of low-value recyclables. Establish and improve the recycling network of plastic packaging bags to improve recycling efficiency and quality.
Promote high-value utilization: Strengthen the research and development of recycled plastic technology, improve the quality and added value of recycled plastics, and promote its recycling and utilization at the same level in more fields, especially in the field of food contact plastics.
2.6 Optimization of terminal disposal: Strengthen the management of terminal disposal links such as incineration and landfill of plastic waste, adopt advanced incineration technology, reduce harmful gas emissions, scientifically plan and manage landfills, and prevent plastics from polluting soil and groundwater.
