Plastic pollution is a growing problem all over the world. To meet its climate goals, India banned the use of single-use plastic beginning July 1, 2022. Single-use plastics are plastic items that are discarded after use and not recycled. They range from a variety of items such as plastic bottles, shampoo containers, trash bags etc.
The Indian Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that “The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of following single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited”. Therefore, it is illegal to make, import, distribute or sell the following items:
- Plastic sticks used for balloons
- Earbuds with plastic sticks
- Cigarette packets
- Polystyrene (Styrofoam) used for decorations
- Sweet boxes
- Cutlery items including plates, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, trays
- Candy and ice cream sticks
- Plastic flags
- Straw
- Invitation cards
- Packaging films
- PVC banners under 100 microns
The Ministry had previously banned polythene bags under 75 microns in September 2021. This ban would help reduce the 14 million tonnes of plastic that India uses annually. The government has exempted plastic bags and has asked suppliers to make them thicker to encourage reuse. For effective implementation of the ban, the authorities have set up control rooms throughout the country for enforcement.
Manufacturers and businesses have complained that they were not given adequate preparation time to the change. Meanwhile, the India’s Pollution Control Board has encouraged people to switch to cotton or paper or jute products, bamboo or wooden cutlery, and other biodegradable eco-friendly options available in the market. Critics say that they are either not available in bulk or very expensive.
“The choices that we make today will define our collective future. The choices may not be easy. But through awareness, technology, and a genuine global partnership, I am sure we can make the right choices. Let us all come together to beat plastic pollution and make this planet a better place to live,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
