Plastic Bags: Hidden source of greenhouse gas

Mass production of plastic began nearly 70 years ago. The production volume has increased by manifolds, over the next few decades.

New research from the University of Hawaii at Manoa has found that plastic bags can emit greenhouse gases when it's exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Plastic bags release methane and ethylene, two most dangerous greenhouse gases, which can trap heat. The burning of plastic bags also emits toxic gases, heavy metals and dioxins.

Greenhouse gases directly influence climate change. It is affecting sea level, eco-system of land and the ocean, increasing global temperature and climatic disasters. Though the amount of gas from plastic bags is small now, this is increasing with every passing day.

Bangladesh was the first country to ban polythene bags. But still many people are using such bags while ignoring the ban. These bags are thrown and dumped anywhere. As these are not bio-degradable, they stick to the earth or in the drains causing other problems for the city and the environment.

The government should be strictly enforce the ban. Common people should say '"NO" to plastic bags to save the environment.

Md Bakir Hossain

Department of Business Administration

East West University

[email protected]