The Environment Department has proposed a ban on the ubiquitous plastic carry bags that are used each day and then discarded without thought. For an earth literally drowning in plastic waste, this is a great idea. However, it is also one that has met with stiff resistance and repeatedly seen to be doomed to failure. Can a plastic ban realistically work; if so how?
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the ban proposal and following this, Ajoy Mehta, the municipal commissioner has said that plastic bags would be banned from around 97 civil markets within BMC limits. Not only plastic bags of kinds, thermocol, disposable containers and cutlery and pouches will also be banned. Self-help groups will be roped in to provide cheap cloth or jute bags.
This is hardly the first time the authorities have tried to ban plastic bags. 17 other Indian states and union territories have tried to do the same to lesser or larger extent. The most commonly-used thin (below 50 micron thickness) bags are anyway banned all over India, but, they continue to be manufactured and used everywhere; continue to poison animals, clog drains and add to mountains of waste.
Maharashtra’s plastic ban exempts bin liners, plastic milk pouches, medicine packs, processed food packaging, PET bottles and agricultural items. To incentivize recycling, it is proposed that 50p be added to the price of milk pouches and Re 1 extra be charged for PET bottles; this amount can be refunded when people return the containers for recycling.
We could all revert to carrying cloth bags or woven baskets to the market as our grandparents did. We could also ditch the Styrofoam and disposable plastic to embrace traditional plates and cups made from dried leaves and our traditional clay pots and cups (kullads).
Reject products that have layers of packaging. Instead choose items that have simple, preferably biodegradable packaging. Avoid smaller, individually wrapped items; instead buy in bulk to create less waste. Your purchasing patterns send a message to the manufacturer to modify their business practices.
Again, do as generations before us did. Switch to steel containers and tiffins instead of opting for plastic boxes. They last much longer, harmful chemicals will not leach into your food and there is much less plastic you will be disposing. Where possible, use glass as well instead of plastic.
Don’t use straws. Don’t use face washes and other cosmetics that use ‘microbeads’. Both are terribly harmful for the environment. Check the type of razor you use. The type with replaceable blades is better than disposable razors. If you do use plastic bags, reuse them. Refuse to take those really thin, really harmful plastic bags which the vendor offers so freely (I often have to tell them twice, loudly that I have my own bag; you can do the same).
Just be vigilant about where all you use plastic, separate your garbage and do some composting if possible. Make a start somewhere. Remember, every little bit helps. A plastic ban can and will work if you and I think it is important enough to enforce; if you and I make the effort, forego a little convenience and try to be more aware and responsible citizens!
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