Plastic is the villain we must confront head-on, don’t you agree?

Introduction

In the ever-evolving narrative of environmental conservation, it’s the raw and genuine viewpoints of our younger generation that often harbor the deepest wisdom and foresight. One such promising young author is Shiva R. from India, whose imaginative storytelling offers a novel lens through which to view our ongoing struggle against environmental degradation.

At just 12 years old, Shiva creatively illustrates the peril embodied by plastic waste through his narrative “Plastic – The Villain”. His story, although fictional, echoes a reality we confront daily. In truth, Shiva’s engaging narrative invites us to understand the real-world implications of plastic pollution and take decisive action against it. 

Let’s learn together how plastic became an environmental adversary and how children can transform themselves into Earth’s Superheroes by combating this crisis.

The Story “Plastic – The Villain” by Shiva R.

“Imagine if there were three planets. The first being our own Earth on which humans reside. The second, Plastasia, on which plastics lived. The third, the World of Cloth, which was inhabited by everything made out of cloth.

Once a war was declared. Back then, every planet had a leader. Mother Earth stood for humans. The evil Lord Plastic was the ruler of Plastasia. Cloth Man was the leader of the World of Cloth. The humans won the war. But Lord Plastic begged for mercy and promised that they would never betray them and be their slaves. Still, as days passed, Lord Plastic started ruling over the humans. Mother Earth got furious. She asked Cloth Man for help. He agreed. They won and Lord Plastic was killed.

This was unfortunately a fictional story. But I wish this was a real story. That would have made humans understand better that, in real life, plastic is the villain. I request to everyone that we should take the initiative and get this villain out of our lives to make our city, our India, our Earth, better.”

The Birth of Plastic – A Double-Edged Sword

Plastic was once celebrated as a marvel of modern convenience, due to its durability and versatility. But it is primarily made from fossil fuels in a process that consumes substantial energy and emits greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change​​. Unfortunately, the same characteristics that made plastic essential in our daily lives have turned it into a foe for our environment.

Plastic Waste – An Environmental Issue

Plastic waste is a pressing environmental challenge. In fact, the increasing production and improper disposal of plastic have led to its accumulation in our environment, from the peaks of Mount Everest to the abysses of the ocean​​. Plastic waste is not just an eyesore. It has in truth severe consequences:

Air Pollution: The incineration of plastic releases harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to air pollution.

Water Pollution: A significant amount of plastic ends up in our oceans and other water bodies, releasing toxins and harming marine life.

Soil Pollution: Plastic fragments infiltrate the soil, releasing chemicals that can be taken up by plants, entering the food chain.

Climate Change: The breakdown of plastic in the environment releases greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

Human Impact

The repercussions of plastic pollution extend to human societies as well. It’s estimated that plastic pollution affects the livelihoods, food production, and social well-being of millions globally. By altering natural habitats and ecosystems, plastic waste hinders our ability to adapt to climate change, showcasing that the problem of plastic pollution doesn’t exist in a vacuum but impacts us all​.

Circular Economy – A Beacon of Hope?

To solve the plastic crisis, experts propose transitioning to a circular economy, emphasizing the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics. This approach promotes the sustainable management of plastic waste, aiming to curb its production and encourage recycling and reusing, thus reducing the amount of new plastic entering the system.

Kids to the Rescue!

However, children, with their innate curiosity and adaptability, can be significant agents of change in battling plastic – the villain. By cultivating eco-friendly habits like using reusable containers and avoiding single-use plastics, our young can significantly contribute to addressing the plastic waste issue. Moreover, engaging in local clean-up activities and spreading awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic can make a substantial difference.

FAQ about Plastic – The Villain

Conclusion

As illustrated by young Shiva R., understanding the detrimental effects of plastic is crucial in combating this environmental issue. However, hope is not lost. With collective efforts and a shift towards sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce the plastic burden on our planet.

It’s through the actions of every individual, particularly our young, that we can rewrite the narrative of “Plastic – The Villain” into one of hope, resilience, and a cleaner, greener future.

If you enjoyed Shiva’s story, I invite you to explore the writings of other young environmental ambassadors, such as Nishtha Jaiswal from India or Kiersten from Switzerland. You can learn more about Kiersten by reading her interview on the topic of deforestation. Another young ambassador you can get to know is Baran from Iran.

And don’t forget to visit 4TinyHands’ Facebook page and Instagram account to stay updated on the environmental challenges for kids that I am organizing, such as the drawing competition ‘Celebrating the Animal Kingdom’ or ‘Mother Earth’.