PLASTIC
PLASTIC
PLASTIC
1 Since its commercial development in the 1950s, plastic has been a real
success. Its global production has been growing rapidly. Its success comes
from its remarkable qualities: ease of shaping, low cost, physical strength, etc.
Being the ideal material for packaging, plastic can be found basically
everywhere globally. However, too much plastic in the world is causing
several problems where plastic waste is polluting (i.e. introducing a harmful
material into the environment) global lands and waterways. One of the
reasons that plastic pollution is such a problem is that it does not go away:
plastics are forever. Instead, plastic debris simply breaks down into ever-
smaller parts or particles, known as microplastics, whose negative
environmental effects have already been recognized.
2 The problem of plastic pollution in the world’s seas and oceans has
attracted increasing scientific concern by researchers in diverse academic
disciplines. First, there are five large ocean patches, called “gyres”, in the
world where plastic gathers due to water-current circulation. Plastic in the
ocean has been shown to follow ocean currents which eventually form into
what is known as Great Garbage Patches. For instance, the Indian Ocean
Garbage Patch is estimated to be about five million square kilometers (for
comparison, the territory of the country India is 3.29 million sq. km). In
addition, there have been demands by several representatives for an
international agreement that will address this urgent issue. Reactions to the
problem of marine (sea) plastic pollution will need to involve and link state
and non-state participants, business, and civil society, in an effort to integrate
solutions that move away from the traditional state-based, sector-focused
responses to oceans' issues that are common today. This is called “ocean
governance”, which is about managing and using the world's oceans and
their resources in ways that keep our oceans healthy, productive, and safe.
This paper investigates the serious issue the world faces today of marine
plastic pollution.
14 These initiatives add to more globally focused actions at the state level.
Civil society actions influence the economy since changing consumer
demands result in a reduction of the amount and type of plastic that is being
manufactured/produced.
Industry can be encouraged to develop and support codes of conduct in order
to support and strengthen corporate social responsibility. This in turn links
back to appropriate and effective government regulation, particularly in
dealing with the management of single use plastics and tiny plastic particles.
Global Questions
5. One of the issues raised concerns how the oceans are controlled. What are
the other 2 issues discussed?
a.
b.
6. What is the author’s opinion about plastic marine pollution?
He is (circle 1) for/against/neutral towards it.
7. What is the conclusion of the article? Use the Word Bank below:
Close-reading Questions:
11. How does the plastic waste get into the waterways? Complete the cause &
effect flow chart below.
12. What are 3 ways that marine pollution can affect wildlife?
a.
b.
c.
13. Why does the behavior of citizens in specific areas of the world cause a
problem that affects marine pollution?
14.Why is IMO an important international body? Use the Word Bank below:
16. What is suggested as the best way to reduce plastic pollution in general?
17. What things are suggested to reduce plastic marine pollution? Check 5
____ Reduce “single-use” plastics
____ Use plastic every day
____ Increase awareness through education
____ Reuse or use differently plastic items
____ Keep our mindsets and habits
____ Community action
____ Using re-useable products