IndexThe case of plastic bag pollution in VictoriaDetermination of plastic pollution driversPlastic pollution controversiesConsequences or major impacts of plasticConclusions and recommendationsReferencesIndependently From the various uses and applications of plastic to nowadays industries, it has become the major concern that is harming the creatures and environment of this planet. Humans have become dependent on plastic items to satisfy most needs and this dependence has led to a rapid increase in this dangerous material. Plastic pollution has become a major concern with more than thousands of tonnes of plastic estimated to find its way into Victoria's parks, waterways and ocean bodies. Due to its properties such as strength, cheap or low cost, and lightweight, plastic has been widely used for product packaging, healthcare, and other industries. Plastic bags are also one of the largest objects that can be easily removed by wind or water. These plastic bags have caused serious damage and danger to aquatic plants and animals. Not being biodegradable, plastic tends to remain so for several years and further clogs wastewater and water channels, causing soil and water pollution. Its influences are long-term and are becoming more challenging with time. The use of plastic bags has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. However, this essay delves into the multifaceted topic of the use of plastic bags, exploring their impact on the environment, economy and society. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The case of plastic bag pollution in Victoria The increased rate of plastic use has resulted in soil and water contamination. It is affecting the habitats of many organisms and has made the ecosystem unbalanced which has reduced its ability to support living things. One of the biggest concerns is non-biodegradability. Not being biodegradable, plastic tends to remain so for many years and blocks roads, water channels and most of this waste ends up in water bodies. Many research studies also indicate that a large number of organisms die due to consuming trace amounts of plastic. Most people globally consume seafood or other animals. This has resulted in plastic entering the food chain, which is very dangerous for human health. The widespread use of plastic in agronomy has also caused soil degradation and reduced its fertility. Although many government and non-government bodies are working, the goals have not yet been achieved. Recycling is one but not the complete solution. A greater focus on increasing alternatives seems to be the best solution, but their costs should also be adjustable and accessible. Banning some plastic items is effective but requires more effort. Education and awareness among common people could help solve these challenges. Many fights and actions are needed to reduce plastic pollution on the territory and on the coasts. Events should be organized to engage ordinary Victorians in cleaning up macro and micro plastics from land and water bodies. It is believed that the work done by people with the collaboration of higher authorities will bring about significant changes and could make Victoria a plastic-free state. FactorsDeterminants of Plastic Pollution There are two main forms of plastic called macroplastic and microplastic. Most macroplastic enters water sources or remains accumulated on land in its synthesized size. On the other hand, microplastics refer to small-sized plastics. It can be further divided into primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics: These are small particles of approximately 5 mm in size that are released directly into the environment. These include n. of products used in cosmetics, textiles and other manufacturing industries. For example, microspheres, microfibers and scrubbers used in industries are the main culprits of plastic pollution. Secondary microplastics: These types of plastic are created by the degradation of macroplastics and their conversion into microplastics. This happens in the presence of sunlight through the process called photodegradation. Includes disposal of plastic bottles, bags and other items. Over several years, population growth in Victoria has increased at a high rate. According to one of the Victorian government reports, it is estimated that it will grow at a rate of 1.5% per year and could reach around 11.5 million. Increased population growth leads to an increase in demand for plastic products and the more people surround the coastal areas, there are high chances of discarding this plastic waste into water bodies which not only contaminates the land and water but They also affect humans and other living human beings. Mismanaged plastic refers to improper methods or ways of handling plastic that could leak into the habitat of marine organisms and cause contamination and pollution that make it difficult for them to survive. This waste includes plastics entering the waste streams of industries, factories and landfills. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), plastic pollution in aquatic environments was recognized as a serious problem in 1990. In 2015, one of the published research papers suggested that approximately 5-13 million tons of plastic ended up in the ocean in 2010 from various land-based sources. Another major marine pollution concern is discarded fishing gear such as plastic nets, plastic fishing lines and many others. More than 640,000 tons of fishing gear are discarded worldwide every year. Many times the consumption of fragments of these plastic bodies has caused the death of organisms. Since many people around the world consume seafood and animal meat, this can cause direct or indirect harm to humans by entering the food chain. These are plastic items or objects that can move from overflowing bins in urban areas into the habitats of terrestrial and aquatic organisms that cause blockage of water channels, cause land degradation and have many other impacts. Wind and rainwater carry all this waste into water bodies or continue to accumulate on land. Lightweight plastic bags are commonly used to carry food and other grocery items, but thick plastic bags are also available in many stores. Reports generated by the Victorian Government indicate that Victorians use more than 1.5 billion light plastic bags and approximately 133 million thick plastic bags each year. Less than 70% of these bags are reused for various other purposes, and the remaining amount continues to persist in land or water bodies. According to National Litter Index reports, plastic bags account for less than 1% of total waste generated in the state of Victoria. Controversies over plastic pollution There are many going onconflicts as it has been suggested that most plastic pollution in the aquatic system enters via land. (more than 80%) but some studies argue that this number needs to be validated and does not provide information on the total mass of debris that entered or entered the aquatic system through land. In 2009, the Australian government investigated that approximately 4 billion single-use plastic bags are used each year, of which more than 2% become rubbish. According to reports generated by the Total Environment Center of Australia (TECA), these figures are incorrect and need to be double-checked. He further suggested that in reality the use of plastic bags is more than 5 million per year and that each year the amount of plastic bags that become waste is at least 100 million. The Tangaroa Blue Foundation is a non-profit organization (NGO) established on the huge amount of hidden plastic debris that is currently covered in sand and vegetation in various regions of Australia. This debris may form later due to tides, storms and other natural events. Plastic debris confined beneath flora in estuaries and other waterways can have dangerous effects on the environment. The Tangaroa Blue Foundation has insisted there is currently no adequate assessment regarding the hidden debris. Most reports generated by authorities are based on observations and estimates. There is controversy over issues related to the burning of plastic waste. Some researchers advocate burning plastic along with its recycling, while there are opponents who argue that burning plastic produces many other problems that tend to hinder plastic recycling. There are controversies related to the dumping of plastic waste. There are many questions that need to be answered, such as could increased plastic recycling have a negative impact on the environment? Which and how alternatives to plastic can be created to meet the demands of such a large population. Major consequences or impacts of plastic Some facts and confirmations suggest that the current use and problems related to its disposal remain a major challenge that continuously affects both land and water ecosystems. Many researchers already consider plastic pollution to be a new threat that is destroying this planet. The extensive use of plastic in agriculture has caused soil degradation; reducing soil fertility and many microplastics tend to remain as such in the soil for decades. It can cause great destruction to coral reefs, photos and zooplankton. The accumulation of these plastic bodies can interfere with the water absorption of plants and can influence many other processes. Many research experiments determine that plastic is a man-made material responsible for climate change in Australia because, with exposure to sunlight, most plastic tends to produce greenhouse gases which overall lead to global warming. Human health also faces numerous risks arising from the use of plastic objects in daily life; Exposure to plastic and plastic products leads to exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals. A study published by the University of Queensland reported that the results of autopsies carried out on turtles showed that around 30 per cent of them contained plastic products in their intestines. Only 20-25% of plastic is recycled and reused, while the remaining 70-80% remains in soil, may enter water sources or remain as waste. Additionally, plastic particles can behave as contaminants, 3.