Environment Positive- India bans single-use plastic

In a progressive step towards environmental sustainability, India has banned the single-use plastic. Let’s see its implementation, impact, challenges and a way forward.

The Union Environment Ministry has notified a ban on single-use plastic with effect from July 1st, 2022.

“The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the listed single-use plastics, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the 1st of July, 2022,’’ says the Ministry notification.

The ban is applicable to low-utility and high-littering potential items such as earbuds, thermocol for decoration, cutlery made of plastic, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes; invitation cards and cigarette packets, plastic sticks for balloons, candy and ice cream, etc.

The ban will be monitored by the CPCB from the Centre, and by the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) that will report to the Centre regularly.

Those found violating the ban can be penalised under the Environment Protection Act 1986—which allows for imprisonment of up to 5 years, or a penalty of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.

               

●Expected Positive Impacts

 

-Reduced plastic pollution- According to UNDP if plastic is not recycled, it can take thousands of years to decompose.

-Cleaner environment- Streets across India’s towns and cities are littered with used plastic goods that eventually choke drains, rivers, and oceans and also kill animals. The ban promises to aid the Swachh Bharat Mission.

-Addresses health hazard- When plastic remains in the environment for long periods of time and does not decay, it turns into microplastics. It can enter our food sources and then into the human body, which can be extremely harmful. The SUP ban aims to reduce this health threat.