The Truth on Single-Use Plastics

By Peggy Weng, 2025

Published 9/19/22

We ALL know about recycling as it is common all around the world. In the wake of new environmental issues, large corporations are striving to recycle plastic more than before. The extent of plastic production has been increasing every year to meet the demands for medical supplies, consumer goods, appliances, food service needs, and packaging. I agree that plastic is a major part of our lives and that its use is almost inevitable. Single-use plastics make everything easier, but much of it ends up in oceans where marine life suffers from our actions.

People regularly think that the solution to this plastic problem is to recycle. It is a process widely supported by the people as it decreases the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. But the issue is that plastic is way harder to recycle than other products like paper or metal. This would mean that the growth of plastic production would outpace the recycling rate, proving detrimental to our planet. Well, you might be asking, why are plastics a challenge to recycle? It is because there are many different types. Each is composed of its own mixture of substances and add-ons to make them specified for a purpose. This includes the color of the plastic, melting point, or density. Therefore, the separation of all these unique kinds of plastics makes it virtually impossible to keep pace with their manufacturing. Many plastics also get contaminated easily, deterring them from being recycled. Moreover, companies actually spend more money if they decide to recycle rather than create new plastic.

With these obstacles, most plastics continue to end up littering oceans, streets, and shores. Bottles, trays, utensils, cups, and bags still are found countlessly scattered among our planet, slowly deteriorating the health of various ecosystems. The only solution: cut down on the excess amounts of plastic material. Some companies and governments are already taking action to significantly reduce unnecessary packaging, impose a ban on plastic bags, or facilitate a switch to reusable items but more effort is definitely required for a noticeable change.