Plastic is a blessing, but now it becomes a necessary
evil. Everywhere! Due to its omnipresence plastic turned out to be an integral
part of our lives. Alfred Nobel invented Dynamite, but people used it for bad
purposes and it turned in to evil. Einstein invented an equation for producing
energy and it now forced us to live in a world at the sharp edges of the sword
of nuclear bombs. The case is similar in almost all cases. The invention of
plastic was a giant leap to the human king due to its flexibility, rigidity and
cost. Just look around, our chairs, gadgets, chapels, bags, bottles and all are
plastics. But the property of indestructibility or non decomposition made it as
a worst to environment. This bliss betrays billions and the beacon became a burden. The plastic with multiple and strong
bonds (poly compounds) destructs the teeth of worms and it is not at all a prey
for even strong worms. As a result plastic ensures it presence in the earth
eternally. Scientists say that it is not decaying or decomposing but it kills
and disturbs earth and lives. When it burns, a highly toxic dioxin emits. In
certain places where cow sacred thousands poor animals dying. An initiative
‘Plastic Cow’ identified that a cow in Ganga region carries around 55 kg
plastics in its belly. They eat their
killing dose assuming that it is their food. There is no point in lamenting
over plastic because no one can out cast plastic from the earth. Then we should
think for a solution.
Let me jolt out few points.
1.
Conscious: Fundamentally, our lassitude is the
major challenge. We are aware about the sad consequences of plastic but not
ready to take precautions. Why we can’t reduce the use of plastics? Why we
can’t reuse the plastic carry bags as a onetime shopper. Why we can’t use eco (environmentally
friendly) carry bags. Why we can’t stop throwing plastic in to the streets,
lanes and lakes? We should stop the habit of NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) and
move to IMBY (In My Backyard). Stop dumping plastic in open places carelessly.
Try to reuse your plastics and if it is not possible, keep it in a vacant
corner and hand over it to the peckers or recyclers. Never bury fire or throw.
2.
Recycle: There are so many private agencies
involved in recycling business. Professonalize this business, make it organized
and profitable. Ensure that it is zero hazardous and comply with all
environmental regulations.
3.
Legislation: government should take necessary steps to
ban plastic step by step. The cases in Coimbatore, Shimla green tax, Delhi and
different tourist destinations proved it is a plausible plan. Take stringent
action to the violators. Local self Governemnt (LSG’s) should take initiative
to collect, segregate and recycle of plastic in their administrative areas. The
idea of incentives for plastic recyclers and eco bag producers is also a
welcomh idea. Provide subsidy for eco friendly product makers and supports
recycle business. Think about the tax concession for 3R practitioners.
4.
Research and Development: Bio Plastic is now an emerging
alternative for plastic. Government as well as funding agencies should support
researches in this sustainable area. To find a alternate is the immediate and
challenging objective for government. The initiative of The Central Road
Research Institute (CRRI) to add plastic along with bitumen for road tarring is
a welcoming initiative.
5.
Awareness: N.G.O’s, business tycoons and
individuals should aware about the catastrophic outcome of plastic and take
awareness as one of their prime priorities. Government and political representatives
can do a lot in this regard.
Let me conclude, an earnest effort to make sure the
legislation Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) or Polluter Pay Principle
(PPP) is a need of this time. All the producers of plastic should come forward
and take the responsibility to pay for their actions. Set up collection centers
in all the nook and corners and arrange facilities for proper management. Come
together and let’s strive for a healthy earth.
Paul
V Mathew
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