CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 · Paper 31/2/1 · Question 5
Mention three harmful effects of using polythene bags on the environment. Suggest an effective alternative to these bags.
Answer
Polythene bags are non-biodegradable, choke drains and can kill animals that swallow them; reusable jute or cotton bags are a good alternative.
Harmful effects of polythene bags on the environment:
1. Polythene is non-biodegradable, so discarded bags are not broken down by bacteria and fungi; they pile up as litter in soil and water bodies for a very long time.
2. They choke drains and sewers, causing waterlogging, and mosquitoes breed in the stagnant water.
3. Stray animals such as cows swallow them with the food waste thrown away in them; the bags can block the digestive tract and kill the animals.
Effective alternative: reusable jute or cotton cloth bags. (Paper bags are also biodegradable, but they tear easily and are usually used only once.)
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