Plastic Dilemma

In this global protectionist period, climate change and environment becoming a rising global concern, The plastic pollution and plastic waste management have become the focal point of worry. Millions of tons of plastic is being produced every year, which is not biodegradable. Hence, the countries across the globe are adopting, regulating and implementing strategies aimed at eliminating the use of single-use plastic.

Comparing to all possibilities, Blanket Ban on single use plastic is not a good idea in a country like India. Our population, Economy growth and development are directly proportional to each other. Higher growth will lead to inclusive development. This  higher growth can be achieve with more production of goods, its systematic distribution, open market operations, ease in doing business, smooth transportation and communications of goods. The fast moving consumer goods sector that uses large volumes of packaging, posing a higher order challenge. Waste plastic from packaging of everything from food, cosmetics and groceries to goods delivered by online platforms remains unaddressed. Lack of adequate infrastructure for segregation and collection is the key reason for inefficient plastic waste disposal.

The ubiquitous plastic has made humans so dependent that it is virtually impossible to live without it.

Plastic, by itself, is not harmful. It provides tremendous benefits like storage, portability & convenience to people. Not only convenience, but it also helps in lowering entry barrier of various products due to lower packaging costs, improves shelf life of various goods due to air tight packaging at affordable rates, and so on.

Having said that, plastic can become a menace, when it is not disposed properly, or when there is no proper ecosystem to recycle it. So, when environmentalists complained about the plastic menace, our Govt should have actually put more efforts towards building a sustainable ecosystem which involves recycling as part of the system. In addition to it, awareness and incentives could also be included into the system, so as to graduallly work towards a suitable recycling model.  Promoting the use of biodegradable plastics, khadi bags, cotton bags. Incentivising collection. Start charging the producers for their waste, which will lead to recovery and recycling.

A blanket ban will not solve the instant problem anytime soon. We need  proper treatment, infrastructure and the alternative of single use plastic to get over it. Policy makers should implement a gradual and long term vision for a sustainable and salubrious environment.