Plastic Bags, Bottles and Packaging are Bad for the Environment

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic packaging are bad for the environment.

What damage does plastic do to the environment?
What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer:

Plastic has undeniably adverse effects on the environment. Plastic pollutes the environment by polluting land and water, reducing soil fertility, and affecting wildlife, thereby altering the entire ecosystem. Recycling plastic and reducing its use, as well as providing biodegradable plastic alternatives, are the most effective solutions to this problem.

Plastic causes significant and often catastrophic environmental damage. Plastic bags, bottles, packaging, toys, and many other plastic products remain in the environment for hundreds of years because they are not biodegradable. Plastic items that are mixed with soil reduce the soil’s breathability and water movement. As a result, the land’s fertility is reduced. Furthermore, plastic that enters water bodies has an impact on aquatic species and coral reefs. Finally, plastic contamination has a significant impact on animal deaths. Plastic particles have been found in fish, birds, and other species, causing havoc in the ecosystem.

However, the authorities in charge and the general public can help to turn the tide and heal the environment to a large extent. They must ensure that they both do their jobs effectively. Individuals must first participate in the plastic recycling process on their own by placing plastic debris in a separate recycle receptacle. The authority must ensure that all recyclable plastics are recycled and used properly. To reduce the use of plastic bags, people should use bags made of biodegradable materials such as jute fibre. Instead of buying plastic water bottles, they can start carrying their own glass-made bottle. Reducing the use of plastic-made items may contribute significantly to mitigating the effects of plastic. Finally, the government can discourage the use of plastic bags and bottles by imposing a significant fee on them.

In conclusion, plastic is very damaging to the ecology and ecosystem. So for our own advantage, we all need to use as minimal plastic as possible while also recycling the used plastic.