As a global leader in plastic manufacturing, it’s not surprising that Malaysia has a plastic waste problem. And while the government ponders enacting new laws to keep the situation in check, the industry’s RM46 billion value to the national economy means it isn’t going away anytime soon without a drastic change in the nation’s attitude towards plastic waste.
Unfortunately, a lot of this plastic waste comes from the everyday products that we have all come to love and rely on – beauty products. And they are wreaking havoc on ecosystems and our health.
It gets worse with microplastics. Measuring 5 mm and smaller, these particulates are infiltrating the land, air, and sea, damaging agricultural soil and entering both animal and human food chains – and experts are worried they increase the risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, compromised fetal health, and other health problems.
In the ocean, microplastics can absorb heavy metals, chlorinated hydrocarbons, antibiotics, and pathogens in the environment to increase concentrations of these pollutants by 100 to 1,000,000 times.
How Big Is The Plastic Waste Problem In Malaysia?
Last year, Malaysia ranked as high on the list of plastic waste producers per capita in Asia, with the Philippines on top. For comparison, the country dumps almost 40 times more plastic waste into oceans than countries that produce even 4 times more plastic waste (source: World Population Review).
Poor landfill management and inadequate plastic waste management systems are to blame for this poor track record. In 2022, the nation recycled 31.52% of its plastic waste – in contrast with a nearly 100% recycling rate in the top plastic recycling countries.
Worldwide, a total of about 80 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean each year. Cosmetics and personal care product containers make up a large amount of that waste, with about 70% coming from packaging, and include toothpaste, deodorants, shampoos, creams, make-up foundations, eye shadows, blush powders, emulsifiers, skin creams, and more.
Many of these products also contain exfoliants such as microbeads. Wonderful for gently cleansing skin, but also readily releases microplastics along with the degradation of larger pieces of plastic due to rough ocean waves, heat, and other elements.
A Danger to Ecosystems & Human Health
Plastic waste such as six-pack rings, fishing lines, and nets are notorious for entangling birds and marine animals, which can severely affect their ability to swim, as well as causing lacerations, internal injuries, and even amputations.
Seabirds, whales, fish, and turtles alike often mistake plastic debris for food, such as plastic bags, and die of starvation as it fills their stomachs and impairs their ability to feed naturally.
And, as microplastic pollution infiltration of oceans and rivers reaches systemic levels, it is also increasingly finding its way into our drinking water, as the tiniest particulates (and most dangerous) are small enough to get through most water filters.
Natural is not Always Sustainable
While we like to believe that products made from natural sources are environmentally friendly, think again. If anything, the global demand for beauty products is driving palm oil demand to unsustainable levels.
Growing only within 10 degrees of the equator, global demand for crude palm is focused almost entirely within a few countries, with Malaysia and Indonesia producing 26% and 58% of the world’s supply. Market pressure is speeding up oil palm plantation encroachment that is causing severe damage to local biodiversity and ecosystems while pushing aboriginal peoples like the Semang out of the jungles that have supported these communities for possibly the last 11,000 years.
The deforestation brought about by oil palm plantation encroachment has also played a central role in sparking off the 2015 Borneo fire that spread a smoky haze across Indonesia and the rest of the region.
Local Brands Taking Action
Recognising the extent of the problem, many local brands have taken the initiative to do their part, including creating durable and long-lasting designs with zero plastic, repurposing unsold inventories into new designs, and offering trade-in discounts for empty packaging of their products.
Others are looking for innovative ways to improve their sustainability – starting with how they make their products, source raw materials, and run their supply chains. A few more are opting for a minimalist approach and using only natural ingredients over highly-formulated synthetic chemicals.
Making the Change
From making correct lifestyle changes and supporting eco-conscious brands, we can do our part to reduce plastic waste from damaging the environment and our health. For a start, we can choose to buy more of our soaps in large bottles and refill small bottles.
So, the next time you’re out shopping, be sure to bring your own bag and try to say no to plastic carriers – remember where they might end up and who or what might get hurt.