SINGLE PLASTIC USE

Context

Banned items

Ban enforced

• Combating pollution caused by single-use plastic has become a significant environmental concern for all nations.
• The detrimental effects of littered single-use plastic products on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Particularly in the marine environment acknowledged globally.
• Ingestion of single-use plastic can damage the reproductive organs, lungs and the neurological system.
• An estimated 150 million tonnes of plastic garbage are floating in our waters, harming species and altering the marine ecosystem.
• By prohibiting these plastic items, the government can reduce plastic waste production.

Single-use plastic and Health hazards

• It is challenging to recycle single-use plastic, it has spread in the earth's ecosystem and affected the human food chain.
• Exposure to microplastics impacts the human food chain and may damage human health in various ways.
• We consume, inhale and ingest microplastics daily.
• Once inside the body, these tiny plastic particles may harm organs and be linked to significant health issues, including hormone-related malignancies, infertility and neuro-developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
• Plastics degrade into microplastics after entering various ecosystems.
• These microplastics act as a platform for the growth of pathogenic micro-organisms.
• Exposure to such contaminated microplastics could add to the associated disease burden and sometimes may even cause death.

• Regular incineration of medical waste containing PVC and Phthalates [ a chemical added to plastics] raises public health issues due to the release of dioxins and mercury.
• Long-term exposure can lead to cancer, congenital impairments, hormonal abnormalities, decreased sperm counts, infertility and immune damage.
• According to the World Health Organisation, microplastic particles bigger than 150 micrometres are unlikely to be absorbed by the human body and absorption of smaller particles is anticipated to be restricted.
• The absorption and distribution of microscopic plastic particles in the nano-size range may be more significant, despite the exceedingly little evidence available.
• It is emphasised that additional research is necessary to establish a more precise estimate of exposure to microplastics and their possible health effects on humans.
• This includes the development of standard methods for measuring microplastic particles in water, more research on the origins and occurrence of microplastics in fresh water and the evaluation of the effectiveness of various treatment processes.

The ban helps the environment and public health

• It is estimated that almost 15 per cent of our plastic is burnt. 
• The burning plastics emit hazardous chemicals such as dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the atmosphere, endangering the health of humans, animals and even plants.
• We are irresponsibly destroying the environment for profits.
• Burning plastic contributes significantly to air pollution and even residents close to and employees of dumpsites are at a greater risk of respiratory ailments and cancer.
• It makes no sense to produce items such as plastic whose value is assessed in minutes and endures eternally without depreciating.

Alternatives

• The ban on single-use plastic will harbour innovation, specifically for plant-based rapid biodegradable products.
• Similarly, bio-based plastics or bioplastics are manufactured in whole or in part from biological resources.
• We can use bamboo, paper or metal straws to replace plastic straws and promote edible straws such as pasta straws or rice straws.

• Encourage reusable water bottles and tap water to replace bottled water.
• Promot bamboo or another reusable and edible cutlery.
• Replace plastic shopping bags with reusable cloth bags.
• Attach balloons with strings or holders.
• Promote a smoking ban. Until then, cigarette buds should have biodegradable cigarettes and filters.
• Natural fibres can be used for sponges and dish rags with scrubbers.
• Replace plastic cotton buds with bamboo or paper cotton buds that are disposable or go for reusable cotton buds.
• Use washable cloth diapers, diapers without plastic and biodegradable wet wipes.