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Abhaya Sumanasena
2 minute read time.

Now, this probably sounds like a big research project, which you plan on doing, but never get to it. Well, this time we got to it!

A massive project. So without any further ado, lets begin a great debate on life without plastic...

Plastic has gone from the greatest invention of the modern era to one of the most challenging materials to manage. Plastic waste is a growing issue that we face everywhere around the world. Even though it is undeniable that plastic provides various benefits to our society, it is not enough to say that we overuse it without thinking about the consequences.

Unfortunately, the truth is that recycling plastic is extremely inefficient – only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, and around 60% of plastic is discarded in landfills and oceans. Reducing the use of not needed plastic is essential because it prevents pollution and reduces the demand for fossil fuel consumption while saving natural resources and energy. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which are contributing to climate change.

The UK government has announced what they have planned so far, they  introduced a plastic packaging tax on any product that contains less than 30% recycled plastic, a ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products and measures to restrict the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds. The UK Government is also working towards a goal of eliminating avoidable plastic waste by 2042.

What would it be like to have a life without plastics? I feel it’s not a big deal. Unlike in the past I have learnt to minimise the use of plastics, probably due to increased awareness, but what do others think?  Would life without plastic be fantastic? Leave your thoughts in the comments! 

The 6 Learned Societies of Thames Valley are planning for a hybrid event to discuss this topic at the Great Debate 2023. The aim of this year’s Great Debate, organised for the 18th year by 7 institutions, is to update the audience on these issues and provide a forum for those attending to ask questions to experts.

If you'd like to find out more, join us for the Great Debate 2023 - Life without plastics: 

Missed the event? You can now watch the event below! 


Parents

  • I try to recycle as much plastic waste as I can but unfortunately our local authority doesn't allow certain types of plastic to be added into our recycling bins so they have to go in the general waste if they can't be reused elsewhere. Fortunately my local garden centre has a 'pot recycling' bin where you can leave or take pots to your hearts content. 

    I think there's a lot more we could do to minimise 'single use' plastics especially when it comes to food packaging. I love my refillable water bottle and always take it to the airport with me to fill up at the water fountain (after security of course) rather than having to buy yet another plastic bottle at the airport. I also love buying things that started out as something else such as those wonderful shopping bags that started life as a plastic bottle and of course fleece blankets made from recycled plastic too. 

    I've also just bought myself a 3D printer to have a play around with and was heartened to see that the plastic filament that comes with it is PLA which is biodegradable plastic made from corn starch Slight smile

    Could we live a life without plastic? Probably not 100% without plastic as it's a very versatile material but we could do so much more with recycling what we already have rather than using up our precious resources in manufacturing new. 

Comment

  • I try to recycle as much plastic waste as I can but unfortunately our local authority doesn't allow certain types of plastic to be added into our recycling bins so they have to go in the general waste if they can't be reused elsewhere. Fortunately my local garden centre has a 'pot recycling' bin where you can leave or take pots to your hearts content. 

    I think there's a lot more we could do to minimise 'single use' plastics especially when it comes to food packaging. I love my refillable water bottle and always take it to the airport with me to fill up at the water fountain (after security of course) rather than having to buy yet another plastic bottle at the airport. I also love buying things that started out as something else such as those wonderful shopping bags that started life as a plastic bottle and of course fleece blankets made from recycled plastic too. 

    I've also just bought myself a 3D printer to have a play around with and was heartened to see that the plastic filament that comes with it is PLA which is biodegradable plastic made from corn starch Slight smile

    Could we live a life without plastic? Probably not 100% without plastic as it's a very versatile material but we could do so much more with recycling what we already have rather than using up our precious resources in manufacturing new. 

Children
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