Single-use plastics have been banned in several states across the country. In fact, India has implemented some of the strictest plastic ban regulations. Let’s see exactly what the plastic ban means for you, which plastics are banned, and which ones are allowed.

Ban on Single-Use Plastics 

Single-use plastics have been banned. These include plastics that are used only once before they are discarded. Think of packaging and wrappers. These are intended to be used once and then thrown away and recycled if possible. In some states, a complete ban on the manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and sale of single-use plastics was announced. Similarly, single-use packaging products made from thermocol were also banned. The ban also prohibits the use of use-and-throw plastic cups, spoons, forks, plates, containers, and glasses.

Products excluded from the ban

The ban excludes the plastics used for packaging drugs and medicines in addition to the food grade virgin plastics that are used in milk packaging. Similarly, plastics that are utilized for the management of solid waste and those used for the export of goods are excluded from the ban.

What you can do

What does the plastic ban mean to you? Well, it’s time to wake up to the dire situation and do every bit to help make the planet plastic free.

• For starters, stop using plastic water bottles and store water in sustainably made stainless-steel water bottles, flasks and food storage containers instead. Not only do these last longer but can be repeatedly reused as well.
• Stop buying more plastic water bottles but do not throw the ones you have: use them in innovative ways to decorate your surroundings or as pots for plants. Throwing them away will only aggravate the situation, causing them to end into the landfills or marine environments where they will lie for hundreds of years. If you want to dispose any way, ensure you choose the non-bio degradable waste disposal method your local municipality office suggests.
• Use tiffin boxes made of stainless steel rather than using plastic tiffin boxes. Minimize the use of plastic packages and other packaged products.

With Indians consuming about 5.6 million tonnes of plastic in a year, disposing off plastic waste is an inevitable issue. It is important to understand how plastics can be recycled and reused effectively. A small step towards saving the environment from clogging plastics would be to minimize the use of plastics and to dispose off the used plastic in a responsible way!