Central Question

How does plastic affect water quality?

Defining Plastic Pollution

• Because plastic is cheap and easy to make, it’s become an extremely popular material for basically everything we use in our daily lives, from water bottles to pens to the packaging of pretty much everything. Because of this overabundance of plastic, a lot of it has nowhere to go due to poor waste management systems worldwide, and is littered, often ending up in the ocean due to drainage systems.

Scientific Background

• Plastic pollution is a significant source of concern for ecologists and marine biologists globally, as much of the plastic in the ocean is mistaken for food by animals, who die as a direct or indirect result of consumption. Plastics also contain chemicals which can be released into their environments and harm the wildlife that resides there.

Impact on Water Quality

• Because of its harmful effects on plant and animal life, as well as the condition of the water itself, plastics can serve as extreme detriments to water quality. For example, if plastic’s chemicals infiltrate a certain water supply, that water may be very dangerous for consumption by humans or other animals.

Opinions on Pollution

Argument 1: Business and Production

• Some argue that, while harmful to the environment and those who drink water infected by it, plastic is a valuable part of the economy and business. Stricter regulations on plastic pollution, specifically by large corporations, would make them less effective. The key to this argument centers around the idea that economic benefits are ultimately  societal benefits, so loose or no regulations on plastic pollution is the best course of action.

Argument 2: Environmental Protection

• The argument that’s more cohesive with scientific evidence surrounding plastic pollution is that stricter regulations are necessary to protect the environment and people’s wellbeing. Because plastic negatively affects water, thus harming people, plants, and animals who rely on it, we should prioritize protecting the environment over corporations’ profit.

Final Question

Do you think plastic pollution should be viewed from an economic lens, and environmental lens, or both? Why?