Farmers and friends use it: temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizer, pest control, to turn dry and barren land into a whole; A fairyland of fruits and vegetables. But you know what? Both the film coverage area and annual usage are large, and due to their difficulty in degradation and residue, 78% of them are difficult to recycle. The cumulative plastic residue per acre can reach 60-300kg, and the concentration of microplastics in the soil can be as high as 4800mg/kg!
Research has shown that traditional plastic films are made of low-density polyethylene and are extremely difficult to degrade. These plastics will slowly turn into tiny particles, secretly lurking in the soil. What's even more frightening is that they may be absorbed by plants and become food on your and my dining table. According to incomplete statistics, the annual usage of agricultural plastic film in the world exceeds 7.5 million tons, with China being a major user of film, with an annual usage of approximately 1.45 million tons.
So what are the hazards of plastic film? After a period of time, the film will break down into fragments, be used year after year, stay year after year, and 78% are difficult to recycle. During use, it releases toxins and additives, which can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Secondly, microplastics are ingested by organisms and enter the food chain, causing ecological damage. In severe cases, this may lead to a reduction of crop yields by more than 30%.
What should we do then? At the household level, we should choose organic fruits and vegetables, thoroughly clean them, support environmentally friendly agriculture, and raise awareness. At the societal level, promote biodegradable coverings; Establish a recycling system; Improve agricultural skills; Technological innovation.