What is single-use plastic?
Any plastic item that we throw away after using it just once is known as single-use plastic. Examples include chips packets, mineral water bottles, shampoo sachets, chocolate wrappers, etc.
Is plastic really that bad?
When used properly, plastic is a helpful item. It has many uses in medicine and science. When overused, its helpfulness turns to harmfulness. Single-use plastics create a lot of waste. Plastic doesn’t decompose, so this waste has nowhere to go. It litters our oceans and lands. Many animals eat it thinking it to be food.
What’s being phased out by 30th June?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced that many single-use plastic items will be phased out after 30th June. It is banning many items like plastic flags, plastic ice-cream sticks, earbuds with plastic sticks, thermocol decorations, etc. Plastic plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, etc., will also be banned. Buying and selling single-use plastic items like these won’t be allowed.
What are we supposed to use instead?
We are supposed to use reusables. Instead of plastic bags, use cloth bags. Instead of plastic spoons and forks, use the cheap bamboo cutlery freely available nowadays. Use items made of eco-friendly materials like wood, bamboo, ceramic, and terracotta instead of buying plastic items.
What happens if someone is caught using items on the banned list?
They will be charged a fine. They’ll have to pay an amount ranging between five hundred and five thousand rupees as a punishment if caught using or throwing away single-use plastics.
Will people really stop selling and using single-use plastics from July 2022?
Since 30th June is just a few days away, people are not prepared to replace so many single-use plastics in their lives. Many people don’t even know about the ban. The CPCB has been trying for many years to get people and organisations to stop using single-use plastics. This time around, it’s determined to make that happen. Isn’t this announcement super good news?
