As the ban on select single-use plastics by the Centre in order to reduce plastic wastage comes into effect from July 1, 2022, it is utmost necessary that the people should cooperate and follow the norm without any hitch as this initiative is meant only for people’s benefit because the single use plastic has wreaked havoc across the country with agencies managing the solid waste going aghast due to unending job of tackling thousands of tons of this form of waste which has contaminated water, soil and even atmosphere in many ways. It is pertinent to mention that the single-use plastics are typically items that are discarded after being used only once and does not go for the recycling process. They are a big contributor to plastic pollution. The adverse impacts and menace of littered single-use plastic items plastic on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are globally recognized. The main items which should be used after the implementation of ban include ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns and stirrers. Although, the government has set up a National Control Room in the Central Pollution Control Board to monitor the enforcement of the ban, besides asking the state pollution boards to undertake comprehensive awareness activities including social media campaign, interactive meetings with industries, colleges, schools and other institutions but the onus of success of this public initiative totally lies with the people and they should understand that by taking this initiative seriously they can save planet earth for the upcoming generations, which is vital for all of humanity. This is a big cause and all the stakeholders should act wisely to get rid of monstrous heaps of unmanageable plastic waste from cities, towns, seas, oceans, forests and all other places where human footfall is possible.
