The plastic situation requires a multifaceted approach, says environmental activist

Lucknow Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues in the state capital, with tonnes of such waste accumulating in landfills, rivers, lakes and other ecosystems, environmentalist Venkatesh Dutta said on Sunday.

Please note: The world celebrates Earth Day on Monday, with the theme ‘Planet Versus Plastics’.

Speaking about the inescapable plastic pollution in the state capital, Dutta said tackling this problem requires a multi-pronged approach, combining policy, innovation and community action.

“Experts have outlined several strategies to combat plastic pollution and its harmful effects on wildlife, aquatic life and the environment,” he said.

Venkatesh Dutta said: “Plastics have become an integral part of everyday life, with applications ranging from packaging and household products to industrial applications. In India, plastic consumption has risen from 61,000 tonnes in 1996 to 178 lakh tonnes in 2017, a staggering 193% increase in ten years. With such a huge amount of plastic, effective management and disposal are critical to reducing the impact on the environment.”

To tackle the growing problem of plastic waste, experts recommended a combination of reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose and reinnovate.

According to the Greens, raising awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution is essential. Educational campaigns help individuals understand the environmental impact of plastic waste and encourage more sustainable choices.

Introducing a ban on single-use plastics such as bags, straws and cutlery is an effective way to reduce plastic consumption. Many countries and cities have already introduced such bans, leading to a significant reduction in plastic waste.

Dutta said: “Strengthening recycling systems will ensure that plastic waste is properly collected and recycled.”

Environmentalist Anuradha Gupta said, “The government should encourage companies to design packaging with less plastic and easier recyclability, which can significantly reduce waste.”

She said: “Community clean-up initiatives and large-scale waste collection technologies can remove plastic from oceans and rivers.”

Experts also say governments have a crucial role to play in tackling plastic pollution by introducing strict regulations and providing incentives for environmentally friendly practices.

Companies must adopt sustainable practices and reduce the use of single-use plastics in their operations. Investing in research and developing new technologies, such as plastic-eating enzymes, can help break down or reuse existing plastic waste, according to environmentalists.