Specialists of the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) warned Russians about the unobvious danger of gifts for Valentine’s Day. Packaging from popular gifts for this holiday can pollute the planet for hundreds of years, says on the organization’s website.
According to the REO, about 12 million tons of packaging waste is generated annually in Russia – about one million tons falls on hard-to-recycle materials that rot in landfills for centuries. These include plastic under the markings 6 (polystyrene) and 7 (other plastic).
Related materials:
When decomposed in soil, plastic from products and packaging releases toxic chemicals such as chlorine, carcinogenic flame retardants, dyes, plasticizers and solvents. In addition to being harmful to the earth, such compounds can be hazardous to animals and groundwater if they enter nearby drinking water sources.
“If we are talking about an ordinary box of chocolates or a gift set with care products, then we are usually talking about packaging containing different types of plastics. And in the production of paper products, additional materials are used. This is a chemical adhesive that acts as a binder, a thin layer of plastic (lamination) to protect against soaking. Such plastic decomposes, gets into the soil and water. Also, paint can be applied to paper, which, when decomposed, synthesizes toxic substances, ”explained Igor Zabralov, Director for Sustainable Development of the PPC REO.
To avoid a plastic waste crisis, REO advised buying gifts with a minimum of packaging or choosing materials that decompose and can be recycled. After opening the gift or using it, environmentalists urged Russians to properly dispose of waste.
“If you received a present in a cardboard box, then throw the wrapper into the blue bin, but pay attention to the layers of the packaging, if they are sealed with glue, then such packaging is not suitable for this bin. Also send the bottles to the blue container, but first wash them and let them dry so that the liquids do not spoil other waste,” said Denis Butsaev, head of the REO.
In November, the Russian branch of Greenpeace warned of a similar danger associated with New Year’s gifts. Environmentalists have created a petition in which they asked the country’s largest stores to abandon disposable holiday packaging and holiday decorations.
#Russians #warned #unobvious #danger #gifts #Valentines #Day