People urged to cut plastic use, adopt alternatives

Doha, Qatar: Some animals feed on plastic that is widespread in the environment, which gives them a false feeling of satiety and fullness, and over ti...

Doha, Qatar: Some animals feed on plastic that is widespread in the environment, which gives them a false feeling of satiety and fullness, and over time this leads to their weakening and death, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) said in a post on its X account, raising public awareness of the need to reduce the use of plastic, its proper disposal and adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.

The ministry in a series of posts and through infographics recently highlighted the damage resulting from the use of plastic to humans, animals and the marine ecosystem.

“The wildlife is affected by the accumulation of plastic waste as wild animals get stuck in various plastic bags or pieces, and sometimes eat them, which causes injury and death,” the ministry said.

Most government and official bodies around the world, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, have been raising awareness to fight plastic pollution, informing people about its potential risks and environmental impact, helping reduce its use, in addition to getting rid of it in safe ways, and applying innovative practices and technologies to control it.

“Plastic poses a risk not just when it is present in its pure form in the ecosystem, but also when it breaks down into more hazardous molecules, combines with other elements in the soil, and is absorbed by plants that animals eat. Since humans eat some of these animals, plastic pollution poses a risk to humans as well, affecting the entire food chain,” it said.