Introduction:
Single use plastics have become a menace to our oceans, aquatic life as well as out land and cityscapes. However, it is not the fault of plastic rather the irresponsible use of it by humans followed by us dumping it anywhere and everywhere. It is astounding that regardless of being aware or unaware, many people still do not realize the impact of casually using and disposing single use plastic has on the environment and admittedly a lot of these behaviors’ and attitude stems from the fact that the government hasn’t been able to be successful in implementing policies and providing people with a better and innovative alternative that can match that of plastic even closely.
Also read: How Pakistan Is Handling Plastic Waste and Pollution?
Related: Plastic Crisis: An Emerging Threat to Mountain Ecosystem
Is Banning single-use plastic the right choice?
In Punjab, a few years ago, there was a complete ban on single use plastic which was hailed as a great decision by people in general for the sake of green initiatives. People were urged to use reusable, eco-friendly tote bags in almost all shops. For groceries people began carrying their own bags and even vendors or shops began keeping these tote bags in case someone forgot to bring theirs.
This was a great initiative and for a while it seemed that things might be changing for the sake of a better environment even if many of use were adapting to the tote bags. However, this was only short lived as slowly these plastic bags came back full force and this year, in 2023 it is as if there was never such a plastic ban in place at all.
With the exception of some major brands and shops almost every other street stall, vendors etc. have reverted back to the old ways of using and abusing plastic bags. So, in short, to answer the question: No. Banning single-use plastic is not the answer.
Also check out: The Problems and Effects of Plastic Debris in Rivers and Seas of South Asia
Ban on Single-use Plastic in Islamabad:
In Islamabad, As of August 1 2023, the ban on single-use plastic is going to be in effect.
The Federal Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has taken a significant stride in its battle against pollution, banning single-use plastics within the federal capital, in a similar fashion as that of the Punjab Government in 2021.
Those responsible for implementing and overseeing this initiative has prohibited the use, manufacture, import, distribution, delivery, sale, storage, and purchase of single-use plastic items. This includes plastic bags, crockery, cutlery items like spoons, forks, and knives, as well as food service boxes, cups, plates, and bowls. These items will no longer be permitted in hotels, stalls, parks, or entertainment venues, and their usage will be closely monitored and regulated.
Similarly, shopkeepers, stallholders, hawkers, and suppliers selling these prohibited items will face a fine of Rs. 10,000. Citizens caught using single-use plastic items in parks and on roads will have to pay an on-the-spot fine of Rs. 1,000.
However, this has sparked a conversation over comparison with how this same initiative and step failed and fell apart in Punjab. People are rightly asking how long and how effectively this ban can be and will be implemented in the federal capital.
Why Banning single use plastic is not the solution to the plastic pollution problem- What can be done about it:
As people are becoming aware of the climate change effects and becoming part of the global warming conversations, they are slowly realizing that we have hugely dependent on plastic in the past 65 years. Especially in developing countries like Pakistan, the lack of government support to local businesses and innovative technology development, people do not have access to other sustainable options and plastic-free alternatives which is perhaps the biggest hurdle for the businesses and vendors to overcome. Plastic is cheap, long lasting and no doubt very useful and multi-purpose.
You may also be interested in: Non-Recyclable Multi-Layer Plastic MLP Uses and Alternatives
This is exactly why it is harder to find an alternative for it. Unless people use it responsibly or the government should invest in small ventures like making biodegradable bags derived from biofuels such as from fruit peels, corn stalks, hay etc. or at the very least support NGOs working on this independently or generally just give some sort of monetary support to explore better alternatives. Moreover, if we are to ban it, it should be over a course of time rather than suddenly and completely.
Banning it outright instead of slowly eliminating it from the public sphere not only has a disruptive effect that makes it harder for people to adapt to the change rather it is only a matter of time that people start using it again because of the ease and convenience with which it can be utilized.
Constantly raising awareness on why it is important to ban plastic in public by the government should be carried out all throughout the period when they, say, banning plastic bottles at the upper level (manufacturing for water bottles) for instance, can be taken as a first step, followed by banning plastic cutlery and ultimately people will get used to the idea of using something other than plastic without interrupting the flow of life in a jarring way.
Or, the government can even start by adding a tax charge to each plastic bag or item a customer or individual uses. There are many options to slowly implement a plastic ban that is effective. Including a recycling system, and segregated garbage bins placed along multiple points across neighborhoods and cities.
You may also like: Production of Bioplastic By Using Biodegradable Sources
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