Environmental Science Report: Plastic Pollution in Singapore

This report examines the issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the context of Singapore. It begins by defining the problem and highlighting the significant amount of plastic waste generated annually, with a specific focus on the low recycling rates. The report then explores the sources of the pollution, including the widespread use of plastic bags, and the limited recycling infrastructure. The report also discusses the environmental impacts of plastic waste, referencing statistics on hazardous waste generation and municipal waste management. The report suggests solutions such as promoting recycling, using biodegradable plastics, and implementing government policies to reduce plastic consumption. Finally, the report emphasizes the need for increased government action and public awareness to address plastic pollution, including the need to involve residents and consider plastic bans. The report references several sources to support its claims.

Running head: GEOGRAPHY
Introduction to Environmental Sciences
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1GEOGRAPHY
Answer 1
The major environmental concern that is prevalent in the local area is plastic pollution
that refers to the accumulation of different plastic objects like bottles and bags in the
environment, which in turn creates an adverse impact on the habitat, animals, plants, and
humans (UN Environment 2019). Only 20% of the plastic generated in Singapore each year
gets recycled in an appropriate manner (Hong 2018).
Answer 2
The environmental issue was quite surprising since it was found that almost all people
living in the locality took plastic bags from the supermarkets, which when dumped in the
environment, added to the severity of the pollution. In addition, there was only one
organisation in the area that recycled these bags and other plastic items, with less than one-
third of the residents turning up for the recycle process.
Answer 3
In order to reduce plastic pollution, the concept of plastic recycling needs to be
promoted by the government. Use of biodegradable plastics that can be broken down in
industrial composters and incineration of the plastic waste, in place of disposing them in a
landfill will help in reducing pollution (Jambeck et al., 2015). In addition, the government
needs to formulate and enforce appropriate policies for preventing plastic pollution.
Answer 4
39 units of hazardous wastes are generated in Singapore per capita, and 56% of
municipal waste are recycled, with the rest being disposed inaccurately that leads to
pollution, and a severe impact on the environment (United Nations Statistics Division 2018).
Answer 5

2GEOGRAPHY
There is a need to increase government action and awareness for preventing the
environmental concern of plastic pollution. In addition, the local government must invite all
residents in order to make them responsible and accountable for their social responsibility,
besides urging them to prevent the usage of plastics. Implementation of plans that ban plastic
in the locality will also prove highly effective for addressing this population.

3GEOGRAPHY
References
Hong, J. (2018). Singapore goes through 1.76 billion plastic items a year, recycles less than
20%. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-goes-
through-167-billion-plastic-items-a-year-recycles-less-than-20-per-cent-of
Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., ... & Law,
K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-
771.
UN Environment. (2019). Asia and the Pacific. Retrieved from
https://www.unenvironment.org/regions/asia-and-pacific
United Nations Statistics Division. (2018). Environment Statistics Country Snapshot-
Singapore. Retrieved from
https://unstats.un.org/unsd/environment/envpdf/Country_Snapshots_Dec_2016/
Singapore.pdf