harmful effects of plastic | Initiatives taken by the Indian government

Harmful effects of plastic – Plastic litter affects life on land and in the oceans and is a major contributor to environmental degradation. It has led to various environmental problems globally. From plastic bags to plastic packaging, it contributes to non-recyclable waste that harms humans and animals alike.
By 2050, the ocean will contain more plastic than fish unless significant action is taken to minimize plastic pollution at every stage, from production to consumption. Vast swaths of the Pacific and Caribbean oceans are already home to garbage islands. One of the many reasons why it is crucial to use environmentally friendly alternatives as much as possible and to reduce single use plastic consumption.

Harmful effects of plastic

Massive amounts of fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution, are needed to produce single-use plastics.

Plastics pose a serious threat to ecosystems, marine life and human livelihoods after use. They continue to devastate the environment after their use.

Plastics do not break down or degrade soil and earth.

Plastics endanger animals’ lives because they are indigestible and they can choke after eating them.

Plastics also block drains, which can lead to sanitation and other issues.

Harmful effects of plastic

Initiatives taken by the Indian government

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India has announced the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 which prohibit certain single use plastic low utility, high waste items from 1^st July 2022. This is in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s strong call for the elimination single use plasticbearing in mind the harmful effects of plastic waste on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

What follows single-use plastic productsincluding polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, may no longer be produced, imported, stored, distributed, sold or used as of July 1, 2022: headphones with plastic sticks, balloon sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, popsicle sticks ice cream and polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration; plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons and knives; straws; wrapping or wrapping films around candy boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packs; plastic or PVC banners less than 100 microns; agitators.

Harmful effects of plastic

The thickness of Plastic carrier bags was increased from fifty microns to seventy-five microns effective September 30, 2021 and to one hundred and twenty microns effective December 31, 2022, in an effort to reduce waste caused by lightweight plastic carrier bags. Due to the increased thickness, the plastic supports can also be reused.

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