Plastic Pollution: Environmental Impact and Solutions

• Plastic items such as supermarket bags, straws, and stirrers have short usage times but persist environmentally for around 400 years.
• These plastics contribute to long-term environmental pollution.

Impact on Ocean Health and Biodiversity

• Plastics harm marine life like corals, seabirds, and endangered species.
• Microplastics are now found in fish, tap water, and even the air.

Plastic Production and Climate Change

• The plastic industry consumes fossil fuels equivalent to the entire aviation industry.
• This consumption contributes to climate change.

Waste and Recycling Statistics

• Singapore generated over 800 million kg of plastic waste last year, but only 6% was recycled.
• Packaging makes up a third of Singapore’s domestic waste.
• Recycling infrastructure is inadequate.

Global Action on Plastic Waste

• Over 40 countries, including China, Rwanda, and Italy, have plastic bag bans or taxes.
• 39 governments are committed to reducing plastic waste in the oceans.

Plastic Bag Consumption in Singapore

• A person in Singapore uses about 13 plastic bags daily.
• A reusable bag can replace 125 single-use plastic bags annually.
• Ireland’s plastic bag charge reduced use by 95%.
• A similar charge in Singapore reduced plastic bag use by 75%.

Reducing "Useless Plastics"

• Items like plastic straws, lids, cups, and stirrers are often used briefly and then discarded.
• Refusing these items reduces plastic consumption.

Need for Systemic Change and Business Responsibility

• 95% of plastics worth S$157 billion are discarded after one use globally.
• Japan legally requires businesses to recycle their products.

Recycling and Recovery

• Singapore excels in recycling materials like paper and water but lags in plastic recycling.
• Incineration is an expensive and polluting solution over-relied upon in Singapore due to the lack of effective recycling infrastructure.

The Role of Legislation and Incentives

• Mandatory recycling, like in Japan, and incentives for businesses to take responsibility for their plastic waste are needed in Singapore.
• Disincentives, like a plastic tax, could drive behavior change and reduce plastic consumption.

What Environmental Conservation Covers

• Environmental conservation protects natural resources and ensures sustainable ecosystems.

Climate Change & Carbon Footprint Reduction

• Focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industries, transport, and deforestation
• Promotes renewable energy adoption (solar, wind, hydro)
• Encourages carbon offset programs and carbon pricing policies

Deforestation & Habitat Loss

• Addresses illegal logging and unsustainable agriculture practices
• Manages urban expansion that encroaches on forests and wetlands
• Supports conservation of biodiversity and reforestation efforts

Pollution Control

• Controls air pollution from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning fossil fuels
• Manages water pollution from industrial waste, plastic waste, oil spills, and chemical runoff
• Tackles soil pollution from pesticides, heavy metals, and improper waste disposal

Waste Management & Recycling

• Seeks to reduce use of single-use plastics and packaging waste
• Manages disposal of e-waste (discarded electronics and batteries)
• Champions composting, circular economy practices, and sustainable production methods
• Aims to reduce littering

Water Conservation & Ocean Protection

• Prevents overuse of freshwater resources
• Works to prevent marine pollution from: plastic waste, oil spills, and microplastics
• Protects against coral reef destruction and ocean acidification

Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation

• Provides protection for endangered species
• combats illegal wildlife trade and poaching
• Promotes conservation of ecosystems (forests, wetlands, grasslands)

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

• Discourages overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• Protects against land degradation and soil erosion
• Supports sustainable farming techniques and agroforestry

Urban Sustainability & Green Infrastructure

• Promotes green buildings and energy-efficient urban planning
• Encourages sustainable transport (public transport, cycling, electric vehicles)
• Supports urban tree planting and air purification projects

Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

• Supports transition from fossil fuels to clean energy
• Encourages energy-efficient appliances and building designs
• Promotes smart grids and battery storage solutions

Environmental Education & Advocacy

• Raises awareness about conservation issues
• Encourages sustainable behaviors and policies
• Promotes community participation in conservation projects