Sir,
This has reference to the article ‘From Waste to Wealth’ (DE, July 3, 2018)
As rightly mentioned in the article that the goals of sanitation will not be achieved unless this waste is safely disposed off, however, there are few more ways by which we can get rid of plastic waste. We celebrated ‘World Environment Day’ with a critical theme: beat plastic pollution. Since India was the global host of this year’s event and also one of the victims of plastic pollution, we should view this danger seriously.
Plastics are organic polymers of high molecular mass and often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic and mainly derived from petrochemicals. Due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility, non -corrosiveness and imperviousness to water, plastics are used for multipurposes at different scales.
India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules(2016) called for a ban on plastic bags below 50 micron thickness and phasing out, within two years, of the manufacture and sale of non recyclable, multi layered plastic. More than 20 Indian states have announced a ban in plastic bags.
We also need strategies to deal with the plastic that has already been disposed of. In order to realise the potential for recycling, waste must first be segregated at source. This segregated waste should be then transported and treated separately. If plastic waste is mixed with organic and sanitary matter, it’s recyclability drastically reduces and its value lost. As mentioned in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, waste has to be segregated separately at source. This includes separation of dry (plastic, paper, metal, glass) and wet (kitchen and garden) waste at source.
The best way to reduce plastic pollution is to reduce and phase out its consumption. Solutions ranging from carrying your own reusable steel glass, box, spoon, and cloth or jute bags while eating out or shopping for groceries to using alternatives to plastic for household items. Since most plastic items pass through our hands, public care with behavioural change is necessary. Household wise segregation is the key. We should act as responsible citizens with a determination towards maintaining cleaner and healthy environment.
Dushyant Kumar Sharma
Marapatti (Mahanpur), Kathua
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