Effecting the ban on single-use plastics

Source: The post is based on the article “Effecting the ban on single-use plastics” published in The Hindu on 2^nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment – Pollution.

Relevance: About the ban on SUPs(single-use plastics).

News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. Since July 1, 2022, India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic (SUP) items with low utility and high littering potential.

About Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules

Other countries that banned SUPs: Bangladesh became the first country to ban thin plastic bags in 2002; New Zealand banned plastic bags in July 2019. China had issued a ban on plastic bags in 2020 with a phased implementation.

What is the international commitment that led to banning SUPs?

India is a party to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). India has also signed a resolution to draw up an agreement in the future that will make it legally binding for signatories to address the full life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal.

India also piloted a resolution on single-use plastics pollution at the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly in 2019, recognising the urgent need for the global community to address this issue. This resolution was adopted at the UN Environment Assembly as an important step forward.

Why are single-use plastics harmful?

What are the measures taken to enforce the ban on SUPs?

In an effort to empower citizens to help curb the plastic menace, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has launched a grievance redressal application.

The Government has been taking measures for awareness generation towards the elimination of single-use plastics. The awareness campaign has brought together entrepreneurs and start-ups, industry, Central, State and local Governments, regulatory bodies, experts, citizen organisations, etc.

What are the challenges in enforcing the ban on SUPs?

What can be done to properly enforce the ban on SUPs?

1) The solution to the plastic pollution problem is not the responsibility of the government alone, but of industries, brands, manufacturers and most importantly consumers, 2) Greener alternatives to plastic may be considered a sustainable option. For example, compostable and bio-degradable plastic, etc.,