The recent guidelines issued by the Central government over the ban of many single-use plastic products, effective from July 1st. This is the Centre’s strong effort at putting its foot down to resolve environmental issues in the face of the ever-growing plastic industry. Pollution from these single-use products undermines their value of being objects of mere one-time use. These include thin disposable bags, plastic bodies of earbuds, cups, plates, all its cutlery, thermocol for decoration, etc.
On the face of this initiative, one may pose questions like is the ban really necessary?
It is no surprise that plastic pollution has harmed the environment. The production alone is responsible for emissions of toxins into the sea, land, and air causing serious damage throughout. India’s plastic production amounts to approximately 243,000 metric tons per year. This is quite a big number and strongly counterproductive to many campaigns being run for environmental causes.
It is not just the production process, but the product itself that causes a greater problem. As a non-degradable product, single-use plastic is very hard to get rid of since not every kind of plastic can be recycled. Plastic pollution in the sea has proven to be a fatal threat to marine life. It is due to this problem that the world has seen large movements such as Save the Turtles. The movement primarily revolved around boycotting single-use plastic. Especially single-use straws, and adopting a more sustainable alternative to metal straws.
A ban on plastic use directly impacts its production. This would mean a lesser amount of this wasteful product to deal with. Other serious issues regarding pollution will thus be easier to combat as well. Less plastic will mean lesser greenhouse gas emissions, thus lesser air pollution and global warming. A similarly lesser amount of waste will be released into land and water bodies.
Here are some alternatives to single-use plastic that will help in adopting a more sustainable lifestyle
Carry a jute or cotton bag when out shopping. It is a great way to eliminate the use of disposable bags completely and also to reduce the amount of waste one will have to manage at home. Cloth bags are easy to handle and can be used at all times. Plus, with the recent popularity of tote bags, they can be an excellent addition to one’s daily runs to the market
Keep extra containers when going to restaurants. This tip works wonders in minimizing waste from the single-use plastic containers that leftovers are provided in.
Support locally made products such as kulhads at places such as tea vendors. Using mud cups or kulhads generates zero waste since the clay is reusable. This alternative will also help the local potters as it will generate a consistent and regular demand and source of income.
Amidst the ban, the approach of a responsible citizen should surely be to adopt such sustainable alternatives to collectively support the national strife towards a cleaner and a safer world.
Make India Green again, and Say no to mindless plastic consumption.