When Plastic Pen is not mightier than the Sword!

Plastic waste has become a menace to the environment, and it's high time we act before it's too late. In June 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) filed a report on the unchecked use of plastic pens, which are having an adverse impact on the environment. The report indicated that 1600 to 2400 million pieces of plastic pens are brought to the market every year, and 91% of plastic waste generated is not recycled.

The National Framework for Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) under Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWM), 2018, was under consideration at the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). However, items such as plastic pens and other plastic products were not covered under EPR.

Meanwhile, China had already implemented the National Sword Policy in 2017, a policy initiative to monitor and more stringently review recyclable waste imports. The aim was to decrease the import of low-quality plastics that are hard to sort and recycle, which were accumulating in trash dumps and at recyclers. China transitioned from requiring consumers to separate paper, plastics, cans, and bottles to today's more common "single stream."

Today, the world needs to wake up and act on the plastic waste menace we've created. We can start by segregating waste before disposal. This small step will significantly impact and contribute to the efficient and proper disposal and management of the plastic waste generated.

So, let's dive deeper into the issue of plastic waste and explore how we can take action to make a positive change.

Firstly, we need to understand that plastic waste is a global problem. Plastic waste generated in one country can find its way into the oceans, affecting marine life and the ecosystem. Therefore, it's crucial that all countries come together to tackle this issue.

One of the key ways to manage plastic waste is through recycling. However, recycling rates are low because of the difficulty in sorting and recycling low-quality plastics. Therefore, it's essential to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated in the first place.

Governments can enforce regulations to ensure that manufacturers reduce their use of plastics, and consumers can take steps to reduce their plastic waste. For instance, carrying reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics.

Another way to tackle plastic waste is through proper disposal. Segregating waste before disposal helps to ensure that plastics are recycled, and the rest of the waste is disposed of efficiently.

In conclusion, plastic waste is a global problem that requires a collective effort to tackle. We need to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, enforce regulations to ensure that manufacturers reduce their use of plastics, and segregate waste before disposal. It's time to act, and it starts with each one of us making a small change.