Single use of plastics is a major problem affecting our environment very badly as it is used once and thrown away to get dumped in the open, usually ending up in drains, canals, rivulets, rivers and other water bodies. Though per capita single use plastics in India is over 4 Kg per year, still being the second largest populous country of the world, effective plans to phase out its single use must be earnestly taken before it poses threats of menacing proportions to the environment. It is a matter of a good measure of satisfaction that the Union Ministry of Environment has recognised and realised the adverse impact of single use of plastics and, therefore, has come out with certain guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, aiming largely on providing such a framework so as to strengthen the circular economy of plastic packaging waste. It must equally aim at promoting alternatives to plastic, which if analysed in terms of a lasting solution to the grave problem, seems unavoidable in the long run.
Though the issued guidelines, on the face, appear to be quite appropriate under given circumstances of the way of using plastics in the country, now, almost having become a part of our ways of living, yet where the problem occurs with the effect of undoing the purpose behind, is the level of implementation. As for example, classification of the stuff into four categories as well as its use for specific purpose and the burden of compliance by the producers, importers and brand owners in providing recycling certificates and filing “annual returns” must not be made to appear just formalities but monitored very effectively. Actual audit and inspections of recycling process and the quantum in proportion to use must be undertaken periodically to aim ultimately at completely eliminating single use of plastics. Establishing by March 31 this year, a centralised online portal by Central Pollution Control Board for purposes of registration and filing of annual returns is a facilitating step for the stakeholders in giving the initiative of the Union Government a practical shape. However, “say no to plastics” must be our ultimate aim.
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