Vol. 5, Issue 3, Part D (2019)

Abstract
Plastic products are easily available everywhere in the world because of its use and affordability. We use plastic products not only in our home and offices. They are also used in educational institutions, industries, research laboratories, hospitals and all other places. The uses of plastic are so common that it’s almost impossible to imagine a place without plastics materials. According to an estimate, more than 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced worldwide since early 1950s. Research studies have also estimated that if the present scenario of usage of the plastic continues, then the plastic industry could account for almost 20% of the world’s oil consumption by the year 2050. The use of plastic has become a serious problem mainly because of the natural decomposition of plastics is nearly impossible due to its durable nature and non-degradation characteristics. As a result of which it never completely disappears and its particulates remain in the environment resulting pollution. The more threatening aspect is that only 9% of all the plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. The remaining 81% plastic has either been dumped in landfills, incinerated or burnt resulting into release of many toxic gases in the atmosphere and pollution of ground water. Research studies have also concluded that about 8 million tonnes of plastic goes into the world’s ocean annually, which has been drastically affecting the marine life. In order to curb the menace of plastic pollution, various initiatives needs to be taken to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic to minimize or stop usage of plastic products and dispose-off its wastes in an environment friendly manner.