Science Communication: Mitigating Plastic Waste Through Science

This essay explores the critical role of science communication in addressing the escalating problem of plastic waste. It highlights the pervasive use of plastics, their non-biodegradable nature, and the detrimental effects of improper disposal methods such as dumping, incineration, and release into water sources. The essay emphasizes the severe environmental consequences, including air and water pollution, harm to marine life, and the entry of microplastics into the human food chain, leading to potential health risks. It advocates for the dissemination of scientific knowledge regarding recycling and reuse as effective strategies to minimize plastic pollution. Furthermore, it references legislative efforts, such as those by the European Commission, to reduce plastic usage. The essay concludes that effective science communication is essential to inform the public and encourage the adoption of science-based solutions for a healthier environment and future.

Running head: SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Science Communication
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

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SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Introduction
In todays world, the role of science is very crucial as it not only brings about significant
changes in the life but also has the means to preserve life as well. Science is very important as it
touches every aspect of life and therefore plays a significant role in human life from individual
health to global issues (Popper 2014). In certain situations, people are not aware of certain
application which are pointed out in science which can be beneficial not only to the individual
but also to the society. One such concern which can be solved by science is the disposal of
plastic wastes which can severely affect the environment and also the health of humans.
Discussion
The use of plastics in modern times has increased exponentially and has application in
day to day life. The plastic is durable substance and therefore are used extensively by businesses
and also in packaging for products. The concern regarding the use of plastic is the disposal of the
same as plastics are not biodegradable in nature which means that they are not easily
decomposed. A recent study suggest that plastic wastes takes almost 450 years to break down
and decompose fully and therefore the matter is of serious concern for countries.

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The disposal of such plastic waste is serious concern as in most cases, plastics are
dumped or incinerated or directly disposed in a water source. The incineration of plastics can
affect the atmosphere and definitely affect the air quality index while dumping in water can
affect the marine life and the same would flow back to the humans through the food chain and
also from water (Bergmann, Tekman and Gutow 2017). Dumping of Plastics products is also not
an good option as decomposition of plastics involves breakdown of chemicals which can mix
with the ground water and affect the water supply.
A recent study which was conducted in Australia suggested that most of microplastics
find its way to humans by either through the food chain or through direct water supply or any
recreational activity. In addition to this, studies have also suggested that marine food such as
fishes and crabs, shell fish have been affected by such microplastics which ultimately reach the
humans and is cause for serious disease in humans (Agrawal 2014). This knowledge needs to be
shared across the globe so that use of plastics which take lot of time of biodegrade can be used to

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a minimum extent. This can be done by spreading knowledge about science and its application in
the society.
Science has already suggested a possible method of reducing the impact of plastics in the
natural resources of the world and health of humans by recycling and reusing the products. Most
of the Scientists are of the opinion that around 70% of the dumped plastics can be reused and
recycled which would systematically reduce the pollution which is caused by plastic products
(Dijstelbloem et al. 2014). While in countries such as Europe, the European Commission has
passed a legislation to reduce the use of plastics in day to day life with the aim to reduce around
90% of the plastics wastes which is entering ocean bodies.
Conclusions
Therefore, it is essential that the measures which are suggested by science can reach
people in every dimension so that application of the same can be beneficial to all. The
communication can be done through science journals, newspapers or can even be included in the
curriculum of students which is mostly done by counties. Thus, it can be said that the knowledge
which is provided by the field of science should be known to everyone and countries should take
steps in this regard for a better future for the next generation and preservation of health for all.

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Reference
Agrawal, A., 2014. Indigenous and scientific knowledge: some critical comments. Antropologi
Indonesia.
Bergmann, M., Tekman, M.B. and Gutow, L., 2017. Marine litter: Sea change for plastic
pollution. Nature, 544(7650), p.297.
Dijstelbloem, H., Huisman, F., Miedema, F. and Mijnhardt, W., 2014. Why science does not
work as it should. And what to do about it.
Popper, K., 2014. Conjectures and refutations: The growth of scientific knowledge. routledge.