While the previous two blog posts have highlighted the sources as well as the impacts of plastics on forests, this post will aim to explore a few methods in which these plastics can be removed from forest environments.

The simplest thing that everyone can start with right now is to limit, or if possible stop the consumption of single use plastics in order to target the issue at its roots. These plastics items like bottles, bags and containers undoubtedly makes life easier and more convenient, but only in the moment. Similarly, a shift to reusable items will also be a wise long term investment in order to reduce the need of plastics. Finally, recycling, and doing so correctly can also prevent instances of improper dumping, leading to pollution in our forests. These are just the few lifestyle changes that if everyone could make, effectively pull the plug or at least start to limit the deposition of plastics into our environment (World Wildlife Foundation, 2019). Individual responsibility also plays a crucial role when reducing plastic pollution in forests, especially in efforts to replant trees. As treeguards are often used to protect young saplings from being eaten, it is also imperative for tree planters to remove these tree guards promptly, in order to prevent its degradation into the environment (Thomson, 2020).

Here is a good point to discuss the issue of biodegradable plastics as well. Whilst the word “biodegradable” often comes with positive connotations, in actuality, they may not be as environmentally friendly as suggested. Though the idea sounds good, there exists a few different types of biodegradable plastics, namely – compostable plastics, bioplastics and oxo-degradable plastics (Oakes, 2019). Whilst all of these sound similar, they are not synonymous in its usage. Compostable plastics breakdown into their organic constituents, but it requires strict control of its environmental factors that are often achieved in dedicated facilities. Bioplastics on the other hand are those that are classed to be made with biologically sourced polymers, and is only considered biodegradable if it can degrade into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. Lastly, and perhaps the most controversial are oxo-degradable plastics. Whilst they are able to degrade through exposure to sunlight and oxygen, they persist as huge amounts of microplastics instead (Oakes, 2019). The issue with biodegradable plastics are there exists misinformation of what they are capable of, and oftentimes, companies might subject to greenwashing, through promoting their products as “biodegradable” when they are not, thus still contributing to the plastic pollution to forest environments.

The easiest way to stop plastic pollution to forests, would be to plug the source. This begins with education, to let everyone recognise, understand, and be conscious of their consumption patterns, and make lifestyle choices that reduce the reliance on single use plastics. This is the first step of removing plastics from forests.

 

References:

Oakes, K. (2019, November 5). Why biodegradables won’t solve the plastic crisis. Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191030-why-biodegradables-wont-solve-the-plastic-crisis

Thomson, A. (2020, January 22). The drive to stop plastic pollution growing in new forests. Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-51206456

World Wildlife Foundation. (2019, June 06). The problem with plastic in nature and what you can do to help. Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/the-problem-with-plastic-in-nature-and-what-you-can-do-to-help