The Union government of India is embarking on a mission to eliminate single-use or disposable plastics nationwide by 2022, highlighting its commitment to environmental welfare. This scheme includes a nationwide ban on the production, usage and import of single-use plastic items such as cups, straws, bags, bottles, plates and some sachets, starting from October 2nd. Consequently, the aim is to free up cities and villages across India, which are among the most polluted in the world, from the harmful impact of these pollutants.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), being the Nodal Ministry for this program, is entrusted with the crucial tasks of enforcing this prohibitory measure and finalizing the pending policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility. This policy lays financial or physical responsibilities on producers for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.
The Dilemma of Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics have become common in various aspects of daily life. These include plastic bags, straws, soda and water bottles, coffee stirrers and the majority of food packaging. Certain medical and healthcare products such as syringes, bandages, wraps, applicators and drug tests are also single-use. They serve critical purposes by preserving freshness in food and water, reducing food waste, aiding in disease prevention and reducing potential for contamination.
However, they pose significant challenges when it comes to disposal. Being petroleum-based, they are not biodegradable, often ending up in landfills where they degrade slowly while releasing toxic chemicals into the soil and water supply. There’s a pressing need to collect these products for conversion into energy or recycling.
Stakeholder Involvement in the Plastic Ban Campaign
Various stakeholders are actively participating in the effort against single-use plastics. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) ensures responsible collection and transportation of plastic waste along National Highways, while the Department of Industrial Promotion ensures the use of plastics as fuel in all cement factories. The Ministry of Railways organizes mass voluntary work on October 2nd for plastic waste collection at railway stations and along rail tracks.
Moreover, the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry has decided to enforce a ban on all types of single-use plastic in the ministry and its PSUs. Other significant contributions include awareness programs by the Ministry of Tourism at key tourist spots and the promotion of jute bag production by the Ministry of Textiles.
Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution
Concerns about plastic pollution are not confined to India but are a global issue. With 50% of single-use plastic products disposed of in oceans, actions are being taken worldwide to control pollution. In response, the European Union is planning to ban items like forks, straws, cotton buds and knives by 2021.
China’s commercial hub, Shanghai, is limiting the use of single-use plastics in catering services, and Hainan pledges to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025. During World Environment Day 2018, world leaders committed to “Beat Plastic Pollution” with an ultimate goal of zero plastic usage.
Progress Towards a Plastic-Free Future
India witnesses a rise in plastic usage due to increased e-commerce. Plastic packaging, which constitutes nearly 40% of the country’s annual plastic consumption, needs reduction. Amazon Inc. sets a worthy example by replacing all single-use plastic in its packaging by June 2020.
However, there is a need to establish robust testing and certification agencies in India to validate and control the influx of counterfeit biodegradable and compostable plastics into the market. There is also a pressing need for urban local bodies to initiate mass collection and segregation of waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories.
Despite the notification of the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016, and amendments two years later, most towns and cities are unprepared to implement these provisions. An effective ban on single-use plastic can only be achieved if suitable alternatives such as cloth or jute bags, locally produced, are readily available in the market.
Some Prominent Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Plastic Waste in India | 70% of the total plastic waste in India originates from urban areas. |
| Total Annual Plastic Consumption | Plastic packaging constitutes nearly 40% of India's annual plastic consumption. |
| Alternatives to Plastic Bags | Increased production of jute bags is being pushed by the Ministry of Textiles. |
| Amazon's Initiative | Amazon plans to replace all single-use plastic in its packaging with paper cushions by June 2020. |
Last Modified: February 6, 2024