Single use plastic ban comes into effect, here’s all you need to know

The pollution caused by unmanaged plastic waste has always been a major challenge for the government. The plastic items also pose adverse impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

In a bid to address such issues, India has banned manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single use plastic items. The rule has come into effect from today (July 1, 2022).

The list of banned items:

Ear buds with plastic sticks

Plastic sticks for balloons

Plastic flags

Candy sticks, ice- cream sticks

Polystyrene (Thermocol) for decoration

Plastic plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron.

The Odisha scenario:

The Odisha government had banned single-use plastic in all urban areas of the State from October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) 2019. Initially, the ban came into effect in urban and later was extended to all rural pockets of the state.

Reality:

A complete check on use of single-use plastic items has not yielded desired results. Small steps to bring change: Next time you visit a store, don’t forget to carry own bags, be it jute or any other material. Say no to plastic carry bags.

A lot of stores have also switched to paper and other alternatives and it all requires a sense of awareness and involvement to bring a change.