RELEVANCE : ENVIRONMENT
Kerala Excessive Court docket issued an order banning using single-use plastic objects in hilly areas the place guests converge in giant numbers, at capabilities like weddings and in addition in eateries.
What’s Single-Use plastic?
▪ A “plastic merchandise meant for use as soon as for a similar function earlier than being disposed of or recycled.” o It has the best shares of plastic manufactured and used — from packaging of things to bottles (shampoo, detergents, cosmetics), polythene luggage, face masks, espresso cups, cling movie, trash luggage, meals packaging and so on.
World Issues:
- Projected to account for 5–10% of world GHG emissions by 2050 if present manufacturing continues.
- Typically leads to landfills or oceans, posing a long-term ecological hazard.
Standing in India
SUP Ban:
- 2021: India banned 19 single-use plastic objects (e.g. cutlery, straws, packaging movie).
- Covers ~0.6 million tonnes yearly.
- 2022: Launched Prolonged Producer Accountability (EPR) for remaining SUPs, particularly packaging.
Many non-banned objects (like multilayered packaging) are non-recyclable, but extensively used.
Key Stats (Plastic Waste Makers Index, UNEP):
- India ranks:
- third in whole SUP waste (5.5 million tonnes/yr)
- 94th in per capita use (4 kg/yr)
- 85% of plastic waste in India is mismanaged.
Challenges in Tackling Single-Use Plastics
- Lack of Alternate options: Biodegradable or reusable choices are costly or underdeveloped.
- Price and Comfort: SUPs are low cost and handy → excessive shopper choice.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Poor waste segregation and recycling programs, particularly in rural/urban-slum areas.
- Weak Enforcement: Ban violations are frequent attributable to poor monitoring and penalties.
- Livelihood Influence: Many staff and MSMEs rely on SUP manufacturing and gross sales.
Method Ahead:
- Promote R&D in biodegradable supplies
- Strengthen EPR implementation
- Encourage citizen consciousness and behavioural change
- Present incentives for eco-friendly packaging industries
- Construct strong plastic assortment & recycling infrastructure
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