This years "WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY" was hosted by India on 5th June in KOLKATA. Prime Minister SHRI NARENDRA MODI pledge to do away with single use plastic by 2022. However this problem has gone out of hand with only 9% of plastic out 9 billion tones is recycled. Single use plastic are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled like bags, straws, coffee stirrer,etc.
IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT:
Plastic is one of the major pollutant composed of toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable substances leading to air and water pollution.
IMPACT ON HUMAN BEING:
The effects of chemical additive are also seen in newborns via mothers exposed to plastic toxins during pregnancy. It can cause growth retardation and neurological problem. It also causes hormonal derangement and cancer in children.
IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY:
Dumping of plastic waste in the sea causes the marine life to ingest plastic instead of fish or other preys. Whales, turtles, seabirds are found dead because of ingesting plastic.
MAHARASHTRA state has imposed ban on single use plastic with a notice period of three months to the industries producing it.
PREVENTION MEASURES:
Urban development secretary in each state should be made to prepare report on how much plastic waste is collected and the methods used to dispose the same.
RECYCLE:
Biodegradable plastic are made from petrochemical waste, which breaks down quickly. Therefore can be easily disposed.
Bio-plastic are made from starch, therefore again disposable easily.
WAY AHEAD:
Banning something completely, which is in use since quite a long time immediately is not possible. But only if the awareness about the hazardous effect of plastic is spread time and again in all types of advertisement media could make it a possible dream. 