Hindu Editorial Analysis : 23-April-2024
Single-use plastics are materials that people use only once before throwing them away. They are everywhere—in packaging, shopping bags, and various consumer goods. While they are convenient, their environmental impact has become a serious global issue.
The Global Plastic Problem
Since the invention of plastic in 1907, its affordability and durability have led to widespread use. Here are some key statistics about single-use plastics:
- Food and Beverages: 31%
- Bottle and Container Caps: 16%
- Plastic Bags: 11%
- Straws, Stirring Sticks, and Containers: 7%
However, plastic does not break down easily, leading to major environmental challenges, especially for a populous country like India.
Challenges of Single-Use Plastics
India’s choice to regulate, rather than ban, single-use plastics presents several challenges:
Enforcement and Compliance
- Many regulations exist, but ensuring that people follow them is tough.
- Some outlets continue to sell banned items due to weak enforcement.
Waste Management
- India struggles with organized plastic waste management.
- Littering is common in cities and towns, causing unsightly and unhygienic conditions.
- Plastic waste often ends up in landfills, streets, and rivers, posing risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
Economic Impact
- Alternatives to single-use plastics are often more expensive, affecting retailers and consumers.
- With over 22,000 plastic manufacturing units in India, transitioning to alternatives will take time and effort.
Health Risks
Single-use plastics contribute to various health risks, including:
- Climate change
- Ecosystem degradation
- Microplastics and carbon footprints
India’s Efforts to Tackle Single-Use Plastics
Regulatory Measures
In 2022, India implemented the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021), banning 19 categories of single-use plastics, such as:
- Plastic cups and spoons
- Earbuds
- Decorative thermocol
- Plastic cutlery
However, the ban does not cover plastic bottles under 200ml and multi-layered packaging like milk cartons.
International Commitments
India is part of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which includes 124 nations. India has committed to creating a legally binding agreement to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal.
Public Awareness and Participation
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) aims for 100% scientific waste management. SBM 2.0 focuses on minimizing single-use plastics and promoting recycling and reuse.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
EPR policies hold producers accountable for their products’ disposal. These policies encourage manufacturers to design items that are easier to recycle or dispose of, thus promoting a more sustainable approach.
Why In News
Ahead of the UN meeting in Canada, India has opted to regulate single-use plastics rather than impose a total ban, reflecting a pragmatic approach to balancing environmental concerns with economic realities.
MCQs about India’s Approach to Single-Use Plastics: Regulation Over Ban
- What percentage of single-use plastic is used for food and beverages?
A. 11%
B. 16%
C. 31%
D. 7%
- What is one of the main challenges India faces in managing single-use plastics?
A. Abundance of alternatives
B. Effective public compliance
C. Overregulation of plastic use
D. Organized plastic waste management
- Which of the following items is banned under India’s Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021)?
A. Plastic bottles under 200ml
B. Multi-layered packaging
C. Plastic cups
D. Grocery bags
- What is the purpose of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies mentioned in the essay?
A. To increase plastic production
B. To hold producers accountable for their products’ disposal
C. To eliminate all forms of plastic
D. To encourage consumers to use more plastic
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