Passage Based Questions: English - 20 | Passage Based Questions for CLAT Preparation PDF Download

Directions: Study the following l information carefully and answer the questions given below:
Plastic, the wonder material that we use for everything and which pollutes our environment, is perhaps the most harmful of trash dumped by mariners and sea-goers in sea because it does not readily break down in nature. In-fact, the plastic that goes over the side today may still be around in hundreds of years to foul up the fishing gear, boat propellers, and beaches of future generations. Careless disposal of plastic can have dire consequences. A plastic bag looks like a tasty jellyfish to an indiscriminate feeder like the sea turtle, but plastic is indigestible. It can choke, block the intestines of, or cause infection in those animals that consume it. Plastics have no better method of disposal. Even if they were to be burned, then the people within the vicinity will be exposed to harmful plastic fumes. For instance, when polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are burned they produce dioxins. These chemicals are very harmful to humans. Now, imagine the risks that people would be exposed to if a building more full of PVCs would go up in flames. Furthermore, a lot of energy is used during their production processes.
The amount of energy used to manufacture nine plastic bags is approximated to be the same as energy used to drive a vehicle for at least half a mile. It is also worth noting that we do not receive them for free at our retail stores, we pay for them one way or another. Their costs are usually hidden in the prices of commodities we buy. Obviously most people are familiar with that. However, the catch is that our taxpayer money ends up being used to clean up plastic bag wastes. Imagine the cost of a plastic bag ranges between 3 to 5 cents, while the cost of cleaning it up is almost 17 cents. This is a clear case of cheap is expensive. Apart from that, they also affect our infrastructure. Plastic bags penetrate through drainage and sewer systems and clog them. This results to water blockages, burst pipes and water overflow. The situation is dire during rainy seasons, which in most cases results to flooding. Furthermore, it is not possible to recycle them. The waste is just too much to be contained. And if we decided to recycle them, then people will be encouraged to continue using them. As it stands now, plastic bags are not the only ones that we should be worried about. There are other forms of plastics that have not yet been banned, but still pose the same risks as plastic bags. The main issue with plastic bags is that they are very light and can fit anywhere, which means that they spread much faster than their heavier counterparts. Even if recycling was an option, there are no facilities on this earth that can keep up with the rate at which these bags are being made. Plastic ban is a move towards the right direction.