Urgent need for greater public awareness and active participation to address the plastic pollution crisis

Global plastic pollution and the damage it causes to our world is one of the most urgent and complex challenges that we face today. Nowadays we are all more aware of the shocking quantity of plastic used day-to-day, how little is recycled, and how this is degrading our planet. With the rise in concern over climate change and environmental degradation, plastic pollution and plastic waste management have become the focal point of worry. 

BHARAT CHAMBER Ladies Forum, jointly with Bharat Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Talk on ‘Single-Use Plastic Ban and Waste Mangement’ by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, IPS, Member Secretary, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, and Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal. Dr. Kumar, in his Talk, pointed out that around 1.72 crore tonnes of plastic wastage is reaching the seas and oceans every year through rivers and at this rate, plastic waste will surpass marine life by 2050. Besides, microplastics through vegetables, tap water and other edible items are entering the food chain, disrupting the ecological balance to a great extent. Dr. Kumar further added that around 10 lakh bottles are used per minute and 5 billion plastic bags are used per year globally. Moreover, 10 per cent of the world’s total wastage comprises plastic, further emphasising the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Dr. Kumar stated that while plastics has been the most user-friendly material ever invented, the real problem lies in the indiscriminate use and irresponsible disposal of plastic waste. While the regulations in the usage of single-use plastics are in place, the Government cannot have a myopic view in the matter as plastics is a convenient and cost effective packaging material, stated Dr. Kumar.

In 2022, single-use plastics have been banned through the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules but regulations in place have not been able to curb the use. “The invention of plastic was meant to be a boon for humanity—offering convenience and innovation,” Dr. Kumar remarked, “however, due to our unsustainable practices and lack of proper waste management, it has transformed into a global environmental nightmare, threatening the very balance of nature.”

Dr. Kumar further emphasised the urgent need for greater public awareness and active participation to address the plastic pollution crisis. Dr. Kumar highlighted the importance of not only promoting plastic recycling but also incentivising people to engage in these efforts through monetary rewards or other benefits. This approach, he noted, could initiate a cycle where increased participation drives more comprehensive plastic recycling, ultimately leading to the resolution of the plastic waste problem. In this regard, Dr. Kumar exhorted the members of the Chamber to initiate strategies like printing cash incentives in return for the empty plastic containers and developing apps for efficient collection of recyclable plastics from households.

Dr. Kumar also called on the younger generation to contribute innovative ideas and solutions to tackle this pressing issue, urging them to play a key role in shaping a sustainable future. He added that there is a huge scope for the young entrepreneurs in this sector. Earlier in his Welcome Address, Shri Rajkumar Agrawal, Vice-President observed that as the festive season is around the corner, disposal of wastage, plastics in particular, will be critical in checking the level of pollution in the city. Smt. Renuka Shah, Chairperson, BHARAT CHAMBER Ladies Forum observed that ensuring compliance from residents and businesses alike is vital for successful waste management.