Plastic waste has become one of the world's biggest environmental challenges, especially in densely populated urban areas. Large cities generate huge volumes of plastic waste every day, and most of that waste comes from conventional plastics that are difficult to decompose. As a result, the buildup of plastic waste threatens the cleanliness, health, and ecosystems around us. However, amid these challenges, eco-friendly plastics are emerging as a promising solution to reduce the negative impact of conventional plastics.

Conventional Plastic Problems

Conventional plastics are made from petroleum raw materials, a non-renewable resource and are getting thinner. This type of plastic has a very long durability, and can even last hundreds of years in the environment. This resistance makes plastics difficult to decompose naturally, so they accumulate in various ecosystems.

In urban areas, poorly managed plastic waste causes a variety of problems. Plastic waste clogs waterways, triggering flooding during the rainy season. In addition, plastics carried into rivers and seas damage aquatic habitats and threaten the food chain. Microplastics formed from plastic degradation are also beginning to be found in drinking water and food, raising serious concerns regarding human health.

Uncontrolled burning of plastic waste is also a source of air pollution. This process releases harmful substances such as dioxins and furans that can cause respiratory distress, cancer, and other health problems. Therefore, poor conventional plastic waste management becomes a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive solution.

Types of Eco-Friendly Plastics

To overcome this problem, various types of eco-friendly plastics began to be developed and used. These eco-friendly plastics are designed to reduce negative impacts on the environment and are more easily decomposed.

Bioplastics

Bioplastics are made from organic materials such as corn starch, cassava, sugarcane, or agricultural waste. Unlike conventional plastics, bioplastics can decompose naturally in a relatively short period of time, usually in a matter of months to several years depending on environmental conditions. Bioplastics also reduce dependence on petroleum and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, bioplastic production must be carried out sustainably so as not to sacrifice food land. The use of agricultural waste as a raw material for bioplastics is one of the solutions so that there is no competition for land use.

Degradable Plastics

Decomposable plastics are designed to decompose faster through chemical or biological processes. There are different types of biodegradable plastics, including oxodegradable plastics and biodegradable plastics. Oxodegradable plastics contain additives that accelerate the degradation of plastics under the influence of oxygen and sunlight, while biodegradable plastics can be decomposed by microorganisms.

It is important to ensure that this type of plastic completely decomposes in the environment and does not leave any harmful residues. Some decomposing plastics require special conditions such as certain temperatures and humidity for the degradation process to run optimally.

Recycled Plastics

Recycled plastic comes from plastic waste that has been reprocessed into new raw materials. The use of recycled plastics helps reduce the consumption of new raw materials and reduces plastic waste that ends up in landfills. In addition, plastic recycling also saves energy and reduces carbon emissions compared to the production of new plastics from petroleum.

However, the main challenges in plastic recycling are the varying quality of raw materials and the suboptimal separation process. Therefore, good waste management and advanced recycling technology are indispensable.

Use and Recycling of Eco-Friendly Plastics

The use of environmentally friendly plastics must be supported by an effective waste management system so that the benefits can be felt to the maximum. Here are some important steps you can take:

• Separation of Waste at the Source
  The community needs to be encouraged to separate environmentally friendly plastic waste from other waste from the beginning. This facilitates the waste collection and processing process so that environmentally friendly plastics can be processed correctly.
• Development of Recycling Infrastructure
  Adequate recycling facilities are essential to process waste plastic into new quality products. The government and the private sector need to collaborate to build and develop these facilities in various regions.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns
  Raising public awareness through education and campaigns about the benefits of environmentally friendly plastics and how to manage waste correctly is the key to success. This awareness encourages sustainable behavior change.
• Development of Eco-Friendly Plastic-Based Products
  The industry needs to develop products that use environmentally friendly plastics, such as food packaging, shopping bags, and disposable cutlery that are biodegradable or recyclable.

Examples of Use in Urban Communities

Several communities in big cities have started implementing various initiatives to reduce plastic waste by using environmentally friendly plastics. For example, in traditional markets and supermarkets, bioplastic shopping bags are starting to replace conventional plastic bags that are difficult to decompose.

In residential and apartment environments, plastic collection and recycling programs are routinely carried out to make it easier for residents to manage their plastic waste. In addition, single-use plastic reduction campaigns such as replacing plastic straws with biodegradable straws are also gaining popularity.

These initiatives not only help reduce the volume of plastic waste, but also build a collective awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. An active and environmentally caring community is a real example of how small changes can have a big impact.

The Role of Individuals in Reducing Plastic Waste

The role of each individual is very important in reducing plastic waste. Simple things like bringing your own shopping bags, refusing the use of plastic straws, and sorting waste properly can have a big impact if done consistently and together.

Awareness of the negative impact of plastic waste and the importance of environmentally friendly plastics needs to be continuously improved. With widespread behavioral changes, waste management systems will also improve and support the use of more environmentally friendly materials.

Conclusion

Plastic waste in urban areas is indeed a big challenge, but eco-friendly plastics offer real solutions that can reduce their negative impacts. Through a better understanding of eco-friendly plastics, proper waste management, and support from communities and companies like Hyundai, we can better protect the environment.

Change starts with awareness and small daily actions. With our support, we can create cleaner cities and a more sustainable earth for future generations.