A video that has been doing the rounds on the internet shows doctors helping a bird vomit plastic that it had ingested. Several plastic pieces can be seen in its vomit. This has shocked viewers who have commented that the non-biodegradable material will be the cause of the Earth’s destruction. There is a lot of truth in their words which is why it is important to be aware of the effects of plastic. 

Plastic is being increasingly used in our daily lives. We have become dependent on the products which are harming us and the environment more and more every day. Plastic items take up to 1000 years to decompose. When dumped into landfills, the toxins it contains enters the soil and groundwater. These toxins can enter the plants through the water. This is harmful to the thousands of organisms that feed on the plants. 

Though efforts to recycle plastic bags are in operation, they are not on a large scale yet and thousands of products continue to be dumped into the sea or burned. This harms sea creatures and birds which may strangle on the plastic. Recently whales were found to have consumed more than 50 kgs of plastic bags. These bags which appear like jellyfish are also dangerous to other marine life. 

As seen in the video, birds and animals may also mistake plastic bits for food. Humans are not an exemption to the negative effects of the material, though they themselves invented it. The plastic used in food packaging, cosmetics and toys can cause cancer, birth defects, vision failure and liver dysfunction among several other ailments. 

It is high time that we reduce, recycle and reuse this deadly material. With the plastic ban in Tamil Nadu, the smallest Elaneer stalls to the biggest supermarkets have been opting for biodegradable options. But the battle doesn't end here. Don’t forget to do your bit.