The Indian government has recently issued a ban on certain types of single-use plastics, effective from July 1st, 2022. The ban will include the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of these items. This move is a part of India’s ongoing effort to reduce environmental pollution and conserve our environment.
Understanding Single-Use Plastic
Single-use plastic refers to plastic items that are used once and then discarded. These items, which include packaging materials, bottles, polythene bags, face masks, coffee cups, cling film, trash bags, and food packaging, make up a significant portion of the total plastic manufactured and used. According to a 2021 report by the Minderoo Foundation, single-use plastics account for one-third of all plastic produced globally, with 98% being manufactured from fossil fuels.
Impact on Global Pollution
Single-use plastic contributes significantly to global pollution levels. They make up the majority of discarded plastic, with about 130 million metric tons disposed of globally in 2019 alone. Most of it is either burned, buried in landfills, or discarded directly into the environment. These plastics do not decay and eventually break down into microplastics, which enter our food chain and pose serious health risks. If the current production trajectory continues, single-use plastic could account for 5-10% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
India’s Position on Single-Use Plastic
India ranks 94th among the top 100 single-use plastic waste generating countries. With domestic production of 11.8 million metric tons annually, and imports of 2.9 MMT, India’s net generation of single-use plastic waste stands at 5.6 MMT, and per capita generation is 4 kg. The decision to ban some single-use plastic items was based on their low value and turnover and their difficulty in collection and recycling.
The Enforcement of the Ban
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from the Centre, along with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), will monitor the execution of this ban. Both levels of authority have issued directives to industries and local authorities, prohibiting the supply of raw materials to sectors involved in the production of banned items and the selling of these items.
The Future of Plastic in India
As an alternative, the CPCB has encouraged the use of compostable and biodegradable plastics by issuing one-time certificates to 200 manufacturers of compostable plastic and adhering to the standards for biodegradable plastic passed by BIS. Violations of the ban can result in penalties under the Environment Protection Act 1986, including imprisonment up to 5 years, penalties up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.
Global Perspective on Single-Use Plastic
Many countries worldwide are taking measures to reduce plastic pollution. As of July 2019, 68 countries have enforced plastic bag bans. Countries like Bangladesh, New Zealand, and China have issued complete bans on plastic bags, and eight states in the U.S have done the same. In addition, the European Union implemented the Directive on Single-Use Plastics in July 2021, banning specific single-use plastics for which alternatives exist.
What Are Microbeads and Why Are They Harmful?
Microbeads are small, solid, manufactured plastic particles that do not degrade or dissolve in water. They find their way into various products, including cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning products. Due to their small size, they pass unfiltered through sewage treatment systems and reach water bodies, causing toxicity and harm to the marine ecosystem. In 2014, the Netherlands became the first country to ban cosmetic microbeads.
This single-use plastic ban is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. As we continue to understand the extensive damage caused by these materials, it becomes even more critical to find safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives.
