It is a fact that each of us know what is right and what is wrong- on almost every matter that concern us. Still, many times we follow the wrong way – if it suits our interest. And though the wrong action of ours may not necessarily be a heinous crime, but since it falls in the wrong category – it does leave some unpleasant foot marks. Our wrong deeds may result in affecting our personal life, our social environment or the ecosystem at large- depending on for what type of wrong action we were responsible for!
Among the wrongs that almost all of us commit is – use of plastic bags - irrespective of our education, belief, or any other factor that distinguishes us from each other. And this, despite the well known fact that plastic bags are not biodegradable and it is the main culprit behind choking of storm-water drainage lines. Choked drains have been causing inundation of many city areas during monsoon, creating havoc. Some state governments have taken some initiative by banning plastic bags of less than 20 micron thickness and spent some resources in educating people about avoiding use of plastic bags. However, the attempts have been half-hearted – both on the part of the government as well as us- the general public. We are not letting the plastics go from our daily life.
About four months back, people of Mankua village (in Rajkot, Gujarat) resolved to shun away the plastic bags – which were choking their cows to death. An organization by the name – Vishwa Mangal Gau Raksha Samiti took birth – to save the cows. The Samiti collected Rs. 5000/- from the villagers and used it in making cloth bags with message printed on it, requesting villagers to avoid plastic bags. Bags were distributed to every household. Village with population of about 17,500 has since then not bought any plastic bag! Nearby villages too have started creating awareness among the folks and some villages have already adopted the concept of cloth bags. The cloth bags that used to cost Rs. 10/- a bag is now being offered at Rs. 4/- a bag by the dealer and some sponsors have also come forward to provide the handbags free of cost! What better deal than this?
It is learnt that the women from the Mankuva village are following the no-plastic resolution religiously and this has helped in making it a great success. May more and more villages adopt the cloth bags and may it spread across the length and breadth of the country.
Our urban areas are already suffering because of choked drains, used loose poly bags – flying here, there and everywhere. I only hope that this revolution catches the urban population too! And life without plastic bags is possible, it has been now very well demonstrated by the 17,500 strong enlightened villagers of Mankuva.
madhukarmohan@gmail.com
Plastic is one of the biggest invention of the 20th century and in the same breath I will say that one of the most misused product. It shows the callous attituted of the educated mass as regards its use.
ReplyDeleteThere is a proper way to use it and of course it comes at an extra cost. One of the alternative to have a bag of plastic bags of 20 micron thickness or more. The other is to make the plastic bio-degradable. Bio-degradablebags have been implemented in some of the countries and the fad is catching up. There should be an effort to implement such initiative by modifying the environment law rather than just banning plastics.
I am in favour of the use of plastices since it can be a boom and provide a lot of convenience. These are my personal opinion and observation.
Dear Manish,
ReplyDeleteYou are right- hundred percent- as far as revolution that plastic has brought. From cookware to computer hardware, from a two wheeler to rocket science - plastic has helped in achieving technological success which otherwise would have been much difficult and costlier. Thru my blogpost, I wanted to express that disposal of plastics needs to be done in a scientific and organised manner-so as not to pollute the environment.
Thru email I also received two responses- which I would like to share with the readers-
Manoj Mishra wrote -QUOTE
I agree with Manish. we must remeber that plastic has replaced wood in many applications. Plastic has replaced steel in many applications. Plastic has helped improve our environment to a great extent. But misuse and littering of plastic is something which must be banned.UNQUOTE.
Makrand Bhoot, Director P-A-T-H wrote- QUOTE
Curtailing local plastic consumption including packaging waste - voluntary or mandatory- has not been effective barring a some examples seldom replicated. even the 'Greenest' organizations pledging plastic use reduction are weary... besides plastics also includes toxic printing inks- all of these are provided to people without even asking.
Its too much to ask people urban or rural- the industry is the culprit and it needs an overhaul. Instead of villagers, managers and engineers need to device and implement strategies eg banning plastic pouches for gutkha (and for that matter gutkha itself)
The policy clearly is to 'Recycle at Source' - industry making/using poly bags and packaging must be made to switch use 100% recycled plastic as raw material> produce and increase biodegradable plastic and phaseout non biodegradable materials. UNQUOTE
Thank you for your valuable comments
people in urban area are far more literate than rural folks still they are the biggest contributer in accumulation of this non biodegradable waste. hope ur message percolates down to their minds instaed of percolating this waste to choke our drains & health.
ReplyDelete