The Kerala government's statewide ban on all plastic materials under 30 microns in thickness is a commendable move, backed as it is by strong action. Hotels and restaurants have also been informed that henceforth no food material should be packed in plastic. Local self-government bodies have been given the responsibility to seize all plastic carry bags below 30 microns from shops. Even the use of plastic tumblers have been banned. The authorities concerned are empowered to slap a nominal fine at the initial stage and Rs.5,000 on repeating the offence. Steps to be taken under the provisions included in the Environment Protection Act provide maximum punishment of Rs.1 lakh fine and imprisonment up to five years and cancellation of shop licence for non-compliance. It is very clear that the government means business.

It may seem as a knee-jerk reaction to the recent state-wide outbreak of viral diseases in the state. Plastic bags were identified as the main breeding ground for the mosquitoes which caused these diseases. However, in the long run, the move will benefit the state in more than one way. Studies have shown that on an average a household uses around three to five plastic carry-bags a day. While life without plastic is unthinkable today, what is required is a pragmatic approach to its reuse. In India, waste recycling is still an idea whose time is yet to come. Something as simple as separating waste at the household level has not taken off, with the result that plastics clutter landfills. They burn along with waste, releasing noxious gases. Plastic bags smother our streams and rivers, they clog the drains, and find their way into the digestive systems of cows and turtles! Plastic is above all derived from a scarce resource, petroleum. Its non-biodegradable quality aside, additives make it dangerous to human health.

But getting rid of plastic bags is not easy. They are cheap and cost less to produce. It would be prudent perhaps to take steps to enforce safe recycling of plastic rather than altogether ban them. In the present situation, what is as important as the ban imposed is to spread awareness on the needs for hygiene, going beyond the immediate environs of the four walls of home. Throwing plastic bags or cups, and food in the open, comes easy to most of us. But not all can bear the costs of it, as seen in the case of chikungunya or dengue