WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MAY 13, 2021 13
Gen Z: Why the plastic industry is killing our generation
BY VICTORIA LU
Throughout the entirety of my life,
plastic has been integral. It is littered
amongst my neighborhood,
chokes the rivers in the parks, and is
wasted in tons on supermarket aisles.
But there seems to be no relief from
the burden of plastic.
Human consumption spans anywhere
from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic
particles a year, and with added
estimates of how much micro-plastic
might be inhaled, that number is more
than 74,000.
The inhalation of micro-plastics is
proving to be the silent killer of our
generation. Research confi rms that
micro-plastics entering the human
body account for a multitude of diseases
and disruptions to the bodily
systems such as cancer, auto-immune
conditions, and neurodegenerative
diseases, to cite a few.
Despite the persistent health crisis,
the Global Plastic Industry is booming,
with a projected growth from the
current value of $344 billion to $412
billion in 2024. There is a complete
disregard for social and corporate
accountability, and thus persistent efforts
must be executed in resolving the
extremity of the plastic crisis for the
sake of our generation’s survival.
Companies force the use of plastic
plates, cups, utensils and unwrapped
packaging, consequently leading to
excess plastic waste. Because of this
everyday plastic use, we hardly stop
and refl ect on our waste.
A toss of a simple plastic straw will
take a century to decompose, and thus
a neglected straw is representative of
the idea of plastic.
The plastic bottle we quench our
thirst from releases toxins such as
BHA from heated plastic.
The packaging on a box of sliced
fruit carries a risk of an inhalation of
micro-plastic particles and hundreds
of toxic substances.
The nourishing food we consume
for energy is littered with plastic
contaminates.
The accumulation within our soil,
air and aquatic food chains lends increased
opportunities in plastic waste
exposure.
The air we breathe is arid with
micro-plastics and the eff ects of poor
plastic waste management.
The carcinogenic exposure ensues
the impairment of the nervous system,
endocrine system, reproductive and
developmental issues and cancer.
Micro-plastics that enter the human
body through direct ingestion or
inhalation may cause infl ammation,
toxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis and
necrosis, among other health eff ects.
As a member of our plastic-crazed
OP-ED
society, I have unknowingly consumed
roughly 5 grams of plastic each week
in the course of daily life, or about the
weight of a credit card, according to
Australian researchers. Roughly a half
pound of plastic per year. We are evidently
amongst a public health crisis,
and at 16, I am at a high risk of plastic
induced illness.
The fossil fuel industry is directly
responsible for 99 percent of plastic
produced and over 170 chemicals
are used in the process. In order to
decrease plastic waste, the fossil fuel
industry needs to be heavily reformed
with an increase in the transparency of
plastic production and chemicals from
major corporations and companies.
Moreover, research is imperative
to evaluate the eff ect of thousands
of toxins, micro-plastics and fi bers
within consumer goods. Legal framework
should also be adopted in order
to ensure that frontline communities
are protected and to increase reform
and research.
When it comes down to it, holding
the industry and legislators accountable
is the only path toward change,
and as youth, we need to educate and
involve ourselves in eff orts to revolutionize
the industry.
Lastly, social media is a useful tool
and by reposting, liking and sharing
information, you are educating
hundreds and potentially thousands
of people on the eff ects of the plastic
crisis and who consumers must be
holding accountable. If there continues
to be an abhorrent neglect, it will
leave little hope for the health of our
generation.
Victoria Lu is a junior at Forest Hills
High School.
SNAPS
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