Saying no to plastic

The recent move by the BBMP to ban plastic bags, that are below 40 microns, is indeed a welcome move and a great relief. However, to what extent this would be implemented and how many people would stop using plastic bags is something that has to be seen.

People feel that although this move is implemented, it may not be instrumental in bringing about a major change. Prasanna, a software professional, say the urge to use plastic bags cannot be completely stopped. “A large number of plastic bags come from the malls and supermarkets as we also yield to the lure of colourful bags. It is better to carry a bag with us and avoid using thin plastic bags. The best alternative would be to use fibre or jute bags, which has a longer durability,” he says.

It is not just about bags, even bottles, contribute to environmental degradation. “Instead of retaining cheap plastic bottles and plastic covers, we should dispose them and use paper bags made out of newspapers or waste papers, which would come in handy all the time,” says Shivanand, an employee with a private firm.

On the other hand, some people feel that the scenario would remain the same despite the ban on plastic. “I’m not very optimistic about people abiding by this rule. I suppose, like the ban on smoking in public and littering, it will not be taken seriously. Nonetheless, it is high time that the people realise that the use of cheap plastic is not only hazardous to health but would also put the environment and other fellow beings in jeopardy,” says Bhumika, a post-graduation student.

Nagesh Hegde, an environmentalist, feels that the move made by BBMP is quite farcical as it would affect the livelihood of vegetable vendors and small scale business entrepreneurs alike. “Most plastics can be recycled and if at all people want to use plastic, they can use the ones with higher microns that are thicker in size. A strong awareness drive about the pros and cons of using and disposing plastic should be imparted and people should be educated about the ramifications that is caused due to the use of cheap micron plastics,” he says.

“Even if people use plastics, they must be conscious enough to dispose them of in the right manner and not harm the balance in ecology,” he sums up.