Things To Know About Single-Use Plastic Ban In India

People in India received a turning and unexpected legal announcement of banning single-use plastic items with effect from July 01, 2022. This caused a lot of commotion nationwide leaving people in great turmoil. The government of India came up with this mandate after several years of planning and discussion seeing the saddening impact of plastic on Earth.

What does this regulation mean? What will be the alternative to single-use plastic items? How can you follow this legal rule?  

Read on to get all the answers rightly and simply.

Why is the single-use plastic ban brought to action?

The entire world is facing the alarming effects of plastic usage. Flora, fauna, climate, and even the health of humans are at risk due to excessive use of plastic. Thus, it is necessary that everybody steps forward to reduce plastic pollution. This is why governments and nations are trying their best by passing laws like single-use plastic ban and more.

The Central Pollution Control Board also shared alarming numbers pertaining to harmful plastic usage. It shared reports saying that India alone releases 2.4 lakh tonnes of SUP per annum and the per capita SUP production is 0.18 kg per year. o, there is a dire need to discard plastic and use stainless steel bottles, containers, and every possible item made of a better alternative.

Also, Bhupender Yadav, the Union Environment Minister reminded us that India has proposed a resolution against single-use plastic products at the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly in 2019. Thus, it is high time that India gets into action to address the issue urgently by imposing a ban on single-use plastic. The same became enforceable on July 01, 2022.

What things are banned under this law?

The official gazette has listed plenty of things that have fallen under this purview of the ban. However, the list is only illustrative as the use cases of single-use plastic are abundant in number. The definition of banned items or SUP commodities is taken to be- ‘plastic items intended to be used once for the same purpose before being disposed of or recycled’.

So, if you are habitual of buying water in plastic bottles, or ordering food in single-use plastic, or using plastic straws, you can be charged as a violator for future repetitions. These are probably the most used common plastic commodities by millions of people every day.

What is the alternative to single-use plastic items?

People are panicking over this ban; there is no need to get uneasy. You can easily and quickly switch to stainless steel fridge bottles, steel lunchboxes, and even steel straws. Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, you can invest in reusable SS 304 bottles. Always carry a steel container if you are planning to pack food for your travel. Plenty of alternatives to single-use plastic are available; you only need to change your choice for a healthier planet.

What if someone violates the ban?

Whenever a law is imposed, it is obvious there will be punishment for the violators also and the same has happened here also. The government has also conveyed through the official gazette itself that anybody found violating the single-use plastic ban will be punished with a fine, imprisonment, or both under section 15 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA). Even the bylaws of municipal corporations can impose penalties on offenders.

Avoid such penalties, prefer stainless steel items, and contribute to the planet’s protection.