HARMFUL EFFECTS &
FEASABLE/ADORABLE ALTERNATIVE TO
PLASTICS
LETS MAKE THELETS MAKE
WORLD THEAND
PRETTIER WORLD PRETTIER AND CLEANER
CLEANER
GROUP PROJECT BY
ANISHKA
ISHIKA
SUHANI
Some common plastic
WHAT IS PLASTIC ?
products that we use
in daily life:
Plastic bags
bottles
Plastic is a synthetic material made from toothbrush
natural resources like oil and natural gas. It Comb
was first created in the early 20th century Milk pouches
and became widely used because it is
lightweight, durable, flexible, and inexpensive.
Plastics are used in nearly every part of daily
life—from water bottles and food packaging to
clothes, furniture, and electronics. They can be
molded into many shapes and used in both
simple and complex products. However, most
plastics are not biodegradable, meaning they do
not break down naturally in the environment.
This leads to pollution and environmental
damage, especially when plastic waste ends up
in oceans or landfills.
Why Is Plastic Harmful?
Impact on Wildlife Environmental Effects
Wildlife is significantly impacted by plastic Plastic is harmful to the environment because it
waste. Many animals, including marine is non-biodegradable. Unlike organic materials,
creatures such as turtles, whales, and seabirds, which break down naturally, plastic can take
mistake plastic for food. When ingested, these hundreds or even thousands of years to
plastics can block their digestive systems, decompose. This long lifespan leads to plastic
leading to malnutrition, injury, or death. waste accumulating in our landfills, oceans, and
Additionally, plastic debris, such as fishing nets, rivers. As plastic breaks down into smaller
can entangle animals, restricting their particles, known as microplastics, it spreads
movement, causing wounds, and even across ecosystems, polluting not only land and
suffocating them. The ingestion of plastic also water but also entering the food chain. These
causes chemical contamination, as plastics particles are harmful to both wildlife and
often contain toxic substances that can leach humans, as they can be ingested by animals and
into an animal’s system, further harming their contaminate the environment. Furthermore,
health. The cumulative effect of plastic waste is plastic pollution can damage habitats, disrupt
devastating, threatening the survival of various natural processes, and pose a serious threat to
species and disrupting ecosystems worldwide. biodiversity.
FEASIBLE & ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES
Reusable Bags, Glass Containers, Bamboo Products
Using reusable bags made from cloth or jute helps reduce
single-use plastic waste. They are durable and can be
reused many times. Glass containers are a great alternative
for storing food and beverages since they are non-toxic,
durable, and recyclable. Bamboo products, like
toothbrushes and straws, are biodegradable and a
sustainable alternative to plastic items. Bamboo grows
quickly and doesn’t require harmful chemicals, making it an
eco-friendly option.
Compostable Materials (Cornstarch Bags, Paper)
Compostable materials like cornstarch bags break down
naturally and are a better option than plastic bags. These bags
decompose in weeks, unlike plastic that lasts for centuries.
Paper products, including bags and plates, are biodegradable
and can be recycled. Both materials help reduce plastic waste
and support a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.
HOW WE CAN HELP – SMALL POSITIVE
CHANGES
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Start by using less plastic. Choose reusable items instead of
disposable ones. Reuse containers, bottles, and bags
whenever possible. Recycling helps turn old plastic into
something new, reducing waste in landfills and oceans.
Support Clean-Up Drives, Use Sustainable Items
Join or organize clean-up drives in your school or
neighborhood to help remove plastic waste from the
environment. Use sustainable products like cloth bags, steel
bottles, and bamboo items in daily life.
School-Friendly Ideas for Plastic Reduction
Carry a reusable lunchbox and water bottle to school. Avoid
plastic covers and wrappers for notebooks. Encourage eco-
friendly projects and raise awareness among classmates
about plastic pollution.
