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FORECASTING THE VIABILITY OF SITING A WASTE PURE WATER POLYTHENE RECYCLING MACHINE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The increasing quest for better quality of life is an unending goal for the people of this world. This has contributed to the increased consumption of goods and services, resulting in the generation of waste. Plastics have become an integral part of our lives, its wide use in various sectors and its ever-expanding applications has been of enormous benefits to the society. The amounts of plastics consumed annually have been growing steadily (Kumar, 2017; Kaza et al., 2018). Being a versatile, light weight, strong and potentially transparent material, plastics are the drivers for its growth and ideal suitability for a variety of applications. Their low cost, excellent oxygen/moisture barrier properties, bio-inertness and light weight make them excellent packaging materials. Besides its wide use in packaging, automotive and industrial applications, they are extensively used in medical delivery systems, artificial implants and other healthcare applications, water desalination and removal of bacteria etc (Vermaet al., 2016; Okon, 2018) Usage of plastics, in preservation and distribution of food, housing and appliances are too many to mention. Specially designed plastics, have been an integral part of the communication and electronics industry, especially in the manufacture of chips and compartments. They are also used in alternative energy systems such as fuel cells, batteries. (Babayemi et al., 2018). Meanwhile, increasing plastic production and use in emerging economies looks set to continue, and waste management infrastructure will have to develop accordingly (Uwaegbulam et al., 2018). Unfortunately, the properties of plastic that make it so valuable also make its disposal problematic, such as its durability, light weight and low cost. In many cases plastics are thrown away after one use, especially packaging and sheeting, but because they are durable, they persist in the environment (Hopewell et al., 2009) However, as the use of plastic in modern society has increased, so too have the environmental impacts associated with its production and disposal. UNEP (2018) highlighted the environmental costs of plastic use in consumer World population, which surpassed 7 billion in 2011, is forecast to exceed 9 billion by2050. It is feared that the growing demand for resources will facilitate an increase in resource consumption and waste generation, contribute to deterioration of the natural environment and climate change, and impact future generations (Ogwo et al., 2013). To solve poverty, hunger, and environmental problems and achieve sustainable development in diverse ways while dealing with this increase in world population, it is generally acknowledged that a multifaceted approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental aspects is needed as it could help to address some of the world‘s most pressing problems, such as climate change and food shortages. For example, plastics are used in the manufacture of rotors for wind turbines and tunnels made from polyethylene can help crops grow in otherwise unfavorable conditions (Oyake-Ombis et al., 2015). As demand for materials with certain qualities increases, the plastics industry will aim to supply them.

Waste management has become a global predicament, requiring adequate attention in order to solve the world's resource and energy challenges. The World Environment Day celebration which begun in 1974, with the aim of raising awareness, supporting action and driving change towards environmental protection had its theme for 2018 as ‗Beat Plastic Pollution‘. Plastic pollution is a global, and raising concern. We have produced more plastic in the last 10 years than in the whole of the 20th century, and every piece of plastic ever produced still exists today(J and K Envis Hub, 2018). These environmental costs have prompted some to argue that plastics should be replaced with alternative materials, which may present fewer environmental challenges (Elias and Omojola, 2015). However, as the use of plastic in modern society has increased, so too have the environmental impacts associated with its production and disposal. UNEP (2018) highlighted the environmental costs of plastic use in consumer products, including emissions of greenhouse gases, air, land and water pollutants, depletion of water and the production of marine debris in the global oceans. It is ultimately important to address plastics pollution, as it is highly pertinent for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on goal six (Ensure access to water and sanitation for all), eleven, (Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and Sustain- able), twelve (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), and fourteen (Conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources).This paper aims at discussing the menace of plastic pollution highlighting the root-causes, financial implication, and impacts of plastic pollution on all ecosystems, aquatic and land- based, and throughout the plastic life cycle, showcasing existing policy approaches and instances of people-powered.