A Harmless Habit or a Threat to the Environment

One Chew, One Pollution

The Plastic You Chew

Chewing Gum Ingredients and Degradation Issues

Contrary to popular belief, chewing gum is more than just a simple snack. It contains ingredients like synthetic polymers, resins, softeners, and artificial sweeteners, many of which act similarly to industrial plastics. This means that chewing gum not only doesn’t decompose in nature, but it can remain for hundreds of years, breaking down into smaller pieces over time. This process is similar to plastic waste, which causes irreversible damage to the environment.

Environmental Consequences

★★★★★ 5/5

Nobody wants to walk down a street covered with black spots from discarded chewing gum stuck to the ground! This issue not only reduces the aesthetic appeal of cities but also makes cleaning them extremely difficult and expensive. Annually, huge sums are spent on cleaning and removing these troublesome gums from public areas

Urban animals and birds often mistakenly ingest pieces of gum, which can lead to severe digestive problems, respiratory blockages, and even death. These chemicals enter the food chain and eventually threaten human health as well

Gums that are discarded in the environment gradually make their way into the soil and water resources, releasing harmful chemicals that cause pollution. This has a direct impact on agriculture, food quality, and public health