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Single Use Plastics – Concerns and Solutions

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Single Use Plastics: Single-use plastics are meant to be disposed of right after use often, in mere minutes. These are the items that are used only once or briefly before being thrown away. The effects of discarding these plastics can be significant worldwide, affecting the environment and our health in a major way. Commonly it is used for packaging and service ware like bottles, straws, wrappers, and bags. Ministry for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change announced the ban in the year 2021 and issued a list of banned items. The ban has been officially enforced on the use of single-use plastic from July 1, 2022. 

In this article, we will read about the ban and concern about single-use plastics, the reasons, and global initiatives regarding it.

About Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastic was invented in the Mid of the 19th Century, and till 1970, its got skyrocketed. Traditionally paper or glass staples were replaced by more durable and affordable plastics.  Only five countries produce over half of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste and those are China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. A report published in the year 2021 by an Australian philanthropic organization said 98% of single-use plastic is manufactured by fossil fuels. It also talked about plastic discarding, about 130 million tons of plastics are put in landfills or discarded directly in the environment.  

This report found that of the highest top three waste generation countries namely, Singapore, Australia, and Oman, India ranks 94th place. India is producing 11.8 million metric tons annually and importing 2.9 million metric tons, single-use plastic waste generation in India is 5.6 MMT, and per capita, generation is 4 Kg. By 2050 single-use plastic could account for 5-10% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Concerns Regarding the Single Use Plastics 

The Concerns regarding the single use plastics are mentioned below:

  • Non-decaying of plastics results in microplastic, which enters the human body through food sources and is extremely harmful.  
  • Microplastics are so small and discarded into the environment- like plastic knives, spoons, trays, and straws.
  • It’s having an economic impact on the tourism, shipping, and fishing industries. The use of lightweight foamed plastics is difficult to recycle at local plants, so the removal of accumulated plastic litter in the environment is increased.
  • It also has a serious impact on health. The blocking of the sewage system can cause malaria transmission and it can cause the food chain contaminated by the release of toxic chemicals and emissions if burned.
  • By 2050, there is an estimation that 99% of seabirds will be injected with plastics due to the contamination of soil and water. 
  • When plastic garbage is burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, causing a rise in carbon emissions.
  • If we don’t change the pattern and waste management practices, 12 million metric tonnes of plastic litter will be in landfills and that will affect the environment. 

Single Use Plastics Ban

This is the list of Banned Items:

  • Balloons with plastic sticks 
  • Sticks used with Candy and Ice cream 
  • Thermocols for decoration purposes
  • Cards for the Invitation purpose 
  • Sweetbox rappers of films. 
  • Knives, Spoons, Trays, and Straws 
  • PVC or plastic banners smaller than 100 microns 
  • Plastic sachet for selling and storing tobacco, pan masala, gutka, etc.
  • Plastic carry bags ( less than 75 microns thick) are banned underneath Plastic Waste Management Rules. The thickness will increase to 120 microns from 31st December 2022. 

How are Other Countries and India dealing with Single-Use Plastics?

India and the other countries are dealing with single-use plastics in their own ways. Nepal was the first country to ban thin plastic in 2022:

  • 124 countries including India have signed the resolution to draw an agreement regarding the full life of plastics from production to disposal, to end plastic pollution.
  • The first country to ban thin plastic is Nepal in 2022. Plastic bag is banned in New Zealand since 2019. In China, the ban got implemented in phases in the year 2020. With varying degrees of enforcement 68 countries have banned plastic in 2019. In 2018, eight states of the US banned single-use of plastic bags and straws. In Europe Union (EU) on July 2, 2021, directed the rules of single-use of plastic. Rules regarding the use of single-use plastic for which alternative like straws, cutlery, cotton buds and balloon has been prescribed.  
  • In India, states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, and Odisha along with 14 other states have banned single-use plastics. 
  • The banning of plastic has been initiated under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ scheme. Another initiative has been taken in the form of the awareness program Shramdaan for general swachhata. It included garbage collection, cleaning beaches, riverbanks, and parks, and installation of public dustbins, and plantations in addition to a school-based awareness campaign for kids.

Some Enforcing Actions that are taken in Delhi Recently

  1. DPCC (Delhi Police Control Committee) installed a monitor room to screen the implementation of the ban on 19 known SUP items and can close down the units violating it as well as complaints against violation can also go through the Green Delhi application of the Delhi government or the “SUP-CPCB” application of the Central Pollution Control Board from 11th July 2022.
  2. The revenue department and the DPCC have set up 33 and 15 teams. The DPCC will enforce the ban in conforming areas, whereas MCD along with local bodies will take care in the informal areas and can take action against non-compliant entities under their bylaws. The revenue department will act underneath the Environment Protection Act.
  3. On the first of July as the ban on SUP items came into effect, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai was much more focused on spreading awareness and declared that for initial 10 days from July 1 to July 10 warning notices will be issued to the non-compliant entities but for repeaters, the action will be taken.
  4. The Delhi government will conduct a training program to spread awareness about the ban of SUP items on the 19th of July with the collaboration of the United Nations Environment Programme. Thyagraj Stadium also conducted a three-day training program for the alternatives to SUP items.

Global initiatives and Policies addressing Single-Use plastics

Various global initiatives and policies have been introduced to address the issue of single-use plastics, aiming to reduce their environmental impact. One significant initiative is the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) global campaign called the “Clean Seas” program. This campaign encourages governments, businesses, and individuals to take action to reduce plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastics.

Many countries and regions have implemented policies and regulations to tackle single-use plastics. For example, the European Union has banned certain single-use plastic items like straws, plates, and cutlery. Additionally, some countries have introduced taxes or levies on single-use plastic bags to discourage their use.

The concept of a circular economy, which promotes recycling and reducing waste, has gained momentum globally. Many businesses and organizations are adopting sustainable practices, such as using alternative materials, promoting reusable products, and investing in recycling infrastructure.

Conclusion – Single Use Plastics

The ban on single-use plastics in India, enforced from July 1, 2022, marks a significant step in addressing the environmental challenges posed by these disposable items. Single-use plastics, such as bottles, straws, and wrappers, contribute to pollution and harm ecosystems. The ban includes items like balloons with plastic sticks, candy and ice cream sticks, thermocol decorations, and plastic banners below 100 microns, among others. The move is driven by concerns about the non-decaying nature of plastics, leading to microplastic pollution, economic impacts on various industries, and health hazards. India joins other nations in global initiatives to combat plastic pollution, with the United Nations’ Clean Seas program being a notable example. Several countries have implemented bans or regulations on single-use plastics, promoting sustainable alternatives and contributing to a circular economy. The ban in India reflects a broader awareness of the need for responsible waste management and a shift toward more eco-friendly practices.

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FAQs on Single Use Plastics

1. What are single-use plastics?

Single-use plastics are disposable items designed to be used once and then discarded. They include items like plastic bottles, straws, wrappers, bags, and packaging materials. These items are intended for short-term use, often just minutes, before being thrown away.

2. Why are single-use plastics a problem?

Single-use plastics pose a significant environmental problem due to their non-biodegradable nature. These plastics persist in the environment for extended periods, leading to pollution of oceans, soil, and ecosystems. Improper disposal contributes to litter, harms wildlife, and results in the formation of microplastics, which can enter the food chain and have adverse effects on human health.

3. What are the most common types of single-use plastics?

Common types of single-use plastics include plastic bottles, disposable cutlery (knives, spoons, trays), straws, plastic bags, wrappers, and styrofoam products. These items are widely used in packaging, food service, and daily convenience.

4. How much single-use plastic is used globally?

Globally, the production and consumption of single-use plastics have surged. While specific figures may vary, millions of metric tons of single-use plastics are produced annually. As of recent estimates, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are the top five countries contributing to more than half of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste.

5. What are the alternatives to single-use plastics?

Alternatives to single-use plastics include reusable items made from materials like glass, metal, or sustainable materials like bamboo and cloth. Additionally, biodegradable or compostable alternatives for packaging and serviceware are becoming more prevalent.

6. Are there any effective solutions to reduce single-use plastic pollution?

Effective solutions to reduce single-use plastic pollution involve a combination of policy changes, consumer awareness, and industry initiatives. Banning or regulating certain single-use plastics, promoting recycling infrastructure, and encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives are key strategies. Additionally, global initiatives, such as the United Nations’ Clean Seas program also helps.



Last Updated : 18 Dec, 2023
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