Having occupied a large chunk of the market, plastics are being used at almost all levels for packaging. The contribution of plastic to our environment is not just on a negative level. As per the economy is concerned, plastic does contribute a hefty amount with being used as a packaging material all over the world. But this does not rule out the responsibility of creating a sustainable environment for the coming generations. Actions in this respect are required to be taken so that instead of banning it altogether, we can come up with alternative ways to make our surroundings healthier.
When we talk about alternatives, materials like wood, paper, etc come to our mind because of their degradable properties. But to make this approach effective on the economic front as well, we must introduce these components in our daily lives. A basic example of this would be replacing plastic cutlery with wooden. Several states like Assam and Delhi are taking steps to get these alternatives in a full functioning mode. This is being expanded at every level even incorporating schools and colleges to curb the use of single plastics in every way they can.
Towards a sustainable environment
The Delhi government has been working in phases to address this switch to using alternatives. In the first phase, the department intends to prohibit the use of plastic sticks in balloons, flags, candies, ice cream, and earphones, as well as thermocol used for decorating. this will be continuing for a long time with more and more items being added so that the least amount of plastic is released in the environment without being treated. The use and throw culture are being questioned at the national level as the aftereffect is everlasting.
India is one of several nations expanding its petrochemical industry. The next decade will catalyze India’s crude oil consumption and expedite petrochemical manufacturing with a $100 billion investment to expand domestic output by 2030. Industrial processes such as decarbonization and plastic-based fuels that are marketed as sustainable are less optimum and cost-effective than advertised, resulting in higher emissions and a bigger carbon footprint.
According to the energy and resources institute “In terms of recycling, India creates 9.46 megatons of plastic garbage every year, 40 percent of which is not collected and is either burned, lost, or thrown into landfills or waterways. Half of all plastics manufactured are utilized in packaging, the majority of which are single-use in nature. Despite the fact that there are 5,000 registered recycling units, plastic recycling is severely neglected.
With more and more people realizing the benefits of using alternatives, the marginal and small business owners will also end up profiting generating them. From restaurants using steel straws to the small vegetable vendors using cloth bags instead of plastic ones, the change will be accelerated with the help of strict laws as well as well-drafted policies. The recycling and effective management of plastic with this would be the final step towards creating a sustainable environment. From curbing the use of single-use plastics to making sure that the alternatives reach every part of the world, we still have a long way to go.