Hence National Institute of Oceanography  has initiated joint collaborative study with Japan and Netherlands to bring out more information about plastic pollution status in Indian coastal zone. According to a 2012 survey, 4,360 tons of microbeads were used throughout all European Union countries in that year alone. These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean, posing a potential threat to aquatic life. Microplastics pollution is evidently a major concern when talking about environmental protection in light of human development.Further, plastics contain additives and chemicals that are added to improve the desirable properties of the plastic product, for example, antioxidants, light-stabilisers, slip additives, etc which may leach out under conditions of use and accumulate in the environment and gradually end up intruding into the food web.

In a study published in Science journal, around 192 countries whose coastlines are bordered by the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, Mediterranean and Black Seas, produced a total of 2. No matter how inconvenient the truth, it is important that as citizens we take action and change our consumption patterns in favour of alternatives to plastics so China plastic blow moulding machine manufacturer that we can minimise our exposure to harmful additives and also help our environment. No one knows how much debris makes up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Their use has increased 20-fold in the past half-century and is expected to double again in the next 20 years.15-2. It is concerning, however, that this amount is 37 times greater than previous estimates because it speaks to just how much more abundant these personal care products are becoming, and how much of an impact they can realistically have on marine wildlife. Microplastics can be consumed by a diverse array of marine organisms, across trophic levels, including zooplankton, bivalves, barnacles, fish, turtles and birds. 3) Reuse durable, non-toxic straws, utensils, to-go containers, bottles, bags, and other everyday items.Recently, the Union Ministry of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change revealed that 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every day, out of which 9,000 tonnes is collected and processed, but 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste is not being collected.

Ingestion of microplastics may therefore be introducing toxins to the base of the food chain, from where there are potential possibilities of bioaccumulation. POPs, the hazardous human-made chemical that occurs universally in sea water at very low concentrations, are picked up by microplastics via partitioning and the hydrophobicity of  POPs facilitate their concentration in the microplastic litter.41 million tonnes of plastic into the sea every year, an amount that needs between 48,000 to over 100,000 dump trucks to carry it away. From the ice-covered Arctic to the tropical waters of the Pacific, all of Earth’s oceans share one thing in common: plastic pollution. Microplastics come from a variety of sources, including from larger plastic debris that degrades into smaller and smaller pieces.Discarded plastic bags, cups, and bottles make their way into the sea.5 billion metric tons of solid waste. Over 220 different species have been found to consume microplastic debris in nature.

The global production of plastics has increased from 1. For those of us working in the sustainable materials management space, we’ve understood for a long time that plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has been catastrophic. Of that, 275 million metric tons was plastic, and an estimated 8 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste entered the ocean in 2010. Research in this arena has taken a huge leap recently; but unfortunately in the Indian scene, only few reports are available.In our preliminary study, microplastics were found in the beaches of Mumbai, Goa and Chennai in a moderate level.Owing to their small size, microplastics are considered bio-available to organisms throughout the food-web.1) Refuse disposable plastic whenever and wherever possible.

It is high time we understand that plastic, including biodegradable plastic, not only takes years to decompose in our environment but rarely fully disappears. Several broad classes of plastics are used in packaging: Polyethyelene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).A part of plastics waste reaches the ocean through different pathways, and pollutes the marine environment due to waste mismanagement and coastal and marine activities.In the light of growing apprehension regarding ocean pollution, and considering the broad range of products from which this pollution originates, it is no surprise that tiny plastic particles can accumulate to such quantities as 93-236 thousand tons floating in the oceans as predicted by a recent study in Environmental Research Letters.

The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is too large for scientists to trawl.Today nearly everyone everywhere every day comes into contact with plastics – especially plastic packaging.So the best thing we can do to protect our waterways is try to keep as much plastic as possible out of the waste stream in the first place. Today, it seems that no part of the ocean is safe from plastic trash.5 million tonnes in 1950 to 299 million tonnes in 2013, representing a four percent increase over 2012.  For reducing the generation of more plastics waste we have to take the 4 Rs pledge- Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The Yangtze, the world’s third-longest river, “is the largest contributing catchment” dumping some 330,000 tonnes of plastic into the East China Sea, which is followed by the Ganges River. POPs) and to leaching of plasticisers that are considered toxic.The author is Senior Scientist at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.According to researchers at The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch foundation, rivers carry an estimated 1.Microplastics are particles less than five mm in size that deteriorate from larger plastic pieces that have entered the oceans.

Their composition and relatively large surface area make them prone to adhering to waterborne organic pollutants (e.Plastics in the marine environment are of increasing concern because of their persistence and effects on oceans, wildlife, and especially on humans.Plastic not only takes years to decompose in our environment but rarely does it fully disappear. Plastic that is dumped in rivers and then ends up in the world’s oceans is one of the major sources of marine pollution, whereas Asian waterways are the major carriers.

A recent significant finding is that minute fragments of plastic debris, termed microplastics, occur in oceans worldwide. And finally 4) Recycle what we can’t refuse, reduce or reuse. It is expected that Indian coastal regions are also affected by microplastics.Microplastics, a form of manmade litter, have been accumulating in the oceans at least for the last four decades.In addition, microbeads, a type of microplastic, are very tiny pieces of manufactured polyethylene plastic that are added as exfoliants to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpastes.  2) Reduce our plastic footprint.g

The story of my block printer Naseeb is no different. As a former consultant to the ministry of human resource development, I have tried several times to push for designing school syllabus in these crafts pockets with the children of crafts people in mind but to no avail. The idea is to showcase and put on board some of the stunning examples of these works as part of commitment towards the great heritage of Indian textiles and crafts, which employ nearly 50 million people in India. India, with its breathtaking and varied textile traditions, is in the enviable position of having practically all the styles of weaving, printing and embroidery still intact. The fact that Indian textiles have captured the imagination of art historians and connoisseurs alike and generate tremendous interest is amply borne out by the fact that a large number of publications on the subject have and continue to emanate from all over the world.

The idea behind recounting this story is to not pin a halo around my head, but to share that however small the drop in a vast ocean, it always helps to lend a helping hand. I called my weaver from Chanderi to send me some sarees that had space to print on them in the sense that weaving didn’t cover the entire saree. Most importantly, since weaving takes place in easily identifiable craft pockets, designing syllabus to enable children to study and carry on with China automatic blowing machine Factory their vocation of weaving as well. He used his educated mind to improvise some of the looms, revive exquisite defunct designs and has helped his entire family to prosper alongside by functioning like a mini co-operative. I decided to put the profit money in a small fund to help other weavers whenever I came across such situations. From preserving the old designs — many of which are nearly defunct, getting weavers and other related artisans to upgrade their skills to enable them to earn better wages, skill development of the children of artisans to enable them to carry forward the tradition and make it blossom further, training the next generations to use their educational skills to catapult themselves on to bigger stages.

His father was one of the finest block printers I know and he tried to send his two sons to school and simultaneously taught them the skill of printing. Indian textiles find mention in some of the ancient bandishs and texts.On the other hand, I must share the story of my Chanderi weaver Mohammed. It has to be a multi-pronged strategy to stem the rot and put Indian textiles centrestage again. In fact a whole stream of music developed in parts of India to help the young weavers to learn by shruti – listening – and smriti – remembering complicated patterns by heart to ensure that no graphs or written patterns were needed and hence could never be stolen or copied. Dr Alka Raghuvanshi is an art writer, curator and artist and can be contacted on alkaraghuvanshi@yahoo.com. Traditional poetry in India likens life itself to cloth on a loom. Unfortunately, while some styles and weaving techniques have disappeared over the years, others have seen resurgence and renewed vigour over the last few years where tradition has taken the step forward to explore newer vistas. Now this weaver is a graduate who not only sent me images on WhatsApp and after I selected the pieces, he couriered the stuff and within 10 days, my first batch of sarees was ready!

The social media helped me to reach out to fellow saree wearers and many younger people who were happy to acquire the sarees. It is my dream to curate an exhibition that will attempt to give a pan-Indian overview of the amazing dexterity and mind-boggling range of textiles that form part of the sub-continent’s great cultural heritage.The past few months I have been pre-occupied working with weavers from Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh and a few wooden block printers from Ayodhya and Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh. The reason for my syllabus agenda is very simple: India is divided into clear craft and weaving centres where for want of better alternatives, all children go to the same schools.

They didn’t do well academically and became dropouts but learnt block printing very well, but at the same time have been unable to take it to the next level to expand their work laterally. Mohammed studied to become a college graduate but instead of looking for a job, expanded the family tradition of weaving to another level by taking a bank loan, putting looms in his sister’s and various cousins’ homes, mentored other members of the family to further develop their weaving skills and used the social media to hawk his wares. While photographs and other published material has been seen, the actual textiles have been seen in fragments. However, the needs of children from artisan families are not addressed as the education being provided in not relevant to them and there are many dropouts or misfits who don’t wish to take the family tradition forward.

It is no surprise then that textiles have had such an intrinsic and perhaps intimate relationship within the Indian cultural, spiritual and economic context. Now with the change of guard in the ministry of textiles at the apex level there is some hope that handlooms will get the much-needed fillip. Incidentally, the wooden block printer had come asking me to help him find a factory job and the thought was so heart-breaking that I decided to design some sarees to help him tide over a temporary bad patch. He has got the women of the family to weave within the privacy of their homes and eliminated the exploitation of the middleman and empowered his family

 Mumbai: The state government is likely to exempt from the ban, plastic used for packaging food items that need to be preserved for a longer time.”In a bid to implement the plastic ban more effectively, the state government had formed various committees including the implementation committee and expert committee to plan the ban properly.Sanjay Sandanshiv, undersecretary, environment department, Maharashtra government, said, “We are facing questions about alternatives to plastic in the state.e.We are regularly holding meetings to decide if some of the items need to be exempt from the ban. Apart from this, we are also holding meetings with several stakeholders. liquid food items and staples. Also, we may exempt from the ban thick plastic which can be recycled.”.

In a bid to implement the plastic ban more effectively, the state government had formed various committees including the implementation committee and expert committee to plan the ban properly. It has been brought to our notice that there are certain items that need plastic for packaging i. The move has been prompted by objections against the ban, citing lack of viable plastic blow moulding machine Suppliers alternatives. The state may also include takeaway food containers, glasses, and plastic used for lamination of meat products in the list of exempt items. A senior official from the environment department said, “The expert committee also includes experts from plastic manufacturing companies. We are regularly holding meetings to decide if some of the items need to be exempt from the ban

The corporation, through this move, has aimed to recycle nearly 120 metric tonnes of horticulture or plastic waste generated from its area daily. NDMC is planning to set up plastic waste processing unit at a four acre land acquired from DDA at Mundka near PVC xafs, based on the consultancy report sought from the proposed consultancy project.According to the chairman of the standing committee (NDMC), Parvesh Wahi, more than 100 metric tonnes of plastic waste is generated within its jurisdiction which goes straight to the Bhalswa landfill and other landfill sites daily.In an order to recycle green and plastic waste, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has collaborated with a private partner who will generate energy and make useful products from garbage generate In an order to recycle green and plastic waste, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has collaborated with a private partner who will generate energy and make useful products from garbage generated in parks and used plastics.A senior civic official said that for the purpose, NDMC will be engaging a private party for the collection, segregation, transportation, and processing or recycling of horticulture and plastic waste.

The project will be implemented after obtaining due approval from CPCB or DPCC (Delhi pollution Control Committee),” said the letter. Similarly, 20 metric tonnes of waste generated from horticultural activity is dumped at the overflowing sanitary landfill sites.. The action plan so developed will be shared with the CPCB.On October 10, the NDMC informed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that a proposal for engagement of consultant to carry out consultancy services for the bottling machine Manufacturers “establishment of plastic waste and e-waste management system in its area is under process.”“The consultant will formulate action plan for implementation and management of Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016

More than two months after the environment ministry, while notifying the new Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, hinted at the possibility of banning thermoset products, the Central Pollution Contro More than two months after the environment ministry, while Air compressor Manufacturers notifying the new Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, hinted at the possibility of banning thermoset products, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) early this week rolled out guidelines to effectively deal with the non-recyclable plastic by proposing to states that the most preferred option is to minimise its use as much as they can., thermoset plastic is a material that can’t be remoulded or recycled.

The most preferred option is minimisation of use of thermoset products and promoting use of alternate material, which could be easily recyclable, reusable and degradable,” CPCB said in its guidelines, adding, “The collection of such waste shall be done by manufacturing industries under Extended Producers’ Responsibility (which was notified in the recent revamping of the rules) and by local authorities so that it could be taken to co-processing in cement kilns for recovery of material and energy value present in the plastic waste”. The guidelines added: “The producers of thermoset plastic, major user like industries, electricity authority in consultation with local authority shall arrange to collect the waste and hand over to cement plants (sic).” It added that producers of such wastes shall assist the cement plants for establishment of required facilities for utilisation of thermoset waste.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had in January 2015 urged the CPCB to formulate the guidelines which ensure safe disposal.Used widely in daily-use items like electrical appliances, coffee machines, toasters, automobiles, etc. Its abysmal collection rate for proper disposal adds to the problem. It considers the disposal of thermoset plastic in landfill sites as a last resort. The CPCB said the disposal of thermoset waste in a secured landfill site leads to major issues in cities and landfill sites become unusable. Noting that municipal bodies currently have no system for collection, segregation and transportation of all kinds of plastic waste, the CPCB stressed that the primary aim is to minimise use of thermoset plastic and send it only to cement kilns for co-processing through proper coordination if the civic authorities fail to comply with the first option.. They shall maintain a record of quantity generated and handed over to cement plant which shall maintain a record of quantity received and utilized

The SDMC has seized 571. The new rules have brought in rural areas under its ambit, extended minimum thickness of public carry bags from 40 to 50 microns, made the producers and generators responsible for public plastic waste management system,” he added.20 kilograms of plastic material which were banned, as per the NGT’s direction.The SDMC stated that a complete ban on plastic carry bags has become imminent as any eco-friendly product, which is complete substitute of plastic in all usage, has not been found till date.It is in the interest of ecological balance and environment to implement the plastic waste management rules 2016, in the absence of a suitable alternative, it added. About 5,882 persons were issued challans for spot littering and a fine of Rs 2,94,100 were realised,” he said.20 kilograms of plastic material which were banned, as per the NGT’s direction.

China Air compressor (Representational Image) New Delhi: Acting tough against the ‘Open Defecation’ order, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has prosecuted 545 people in its jurisdiction.Acting of the NGT direction against plastic carry bag an amount of Rs 2,70,000 has also been collected while seizing plastic carry bags in large quantity from the manufactures, stockists, distributors, retailers, vendors, public in general and waste generators.’“The SDMC staff has prosecuted 545 people for defecating in open under ‘Seeti Bajao’ campaign and collected Rs 27,250 as fine from them.According to a senior SDMC official,

The corporation has taken strict action against those who litter in the open rather than putting the same in the dustbins and continue to defecate in the open resulting in a loss to the environment and erosion of the healthy components of air in and around us..he SDMC has seized 571.“Issue of complete ban on the usage of plastic carry bags has become more vocal in view of the notification of the :Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which replaced the plastic waste (Management and Hoarding) Rules, 2011. The corporation has also launched a special drive 'Seeti Bajao' to check open defecation within its limits

.Under the extended producer water bottling machine Suppliers39;s responsibility (EPR), multilayered packaging and tetra packaging firms would be given three months' time to set up a mechanism for collecting and recycling plastic used for packaging, he added.The decisions were taken in a meeting held by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam on Saturday, an official said.The state-wide ban on plastic items came into effect from June 23.

The decisions were taken in a meeting held by Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam on Saturday, an official said. (Photo: File | Representational) Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is likely to ban plastic packaging of e-commerce products as well as plastic bottles with a capacity of less than 200 millilitres.The official further said it is also likely to ban plastic bottles below 200 ml capacity for water and beverages.The weight of such plastic bags should be minimum two grams. Besides, the government is likely to allow the retail packaging of plastic bags above 50 microns and is contemplating bringing multilayered packaging and tetra packaging under the ambit of the plastic ban. They will be given three months' time to opt for the environment friendly packaging," the environment department official said.

All e-commerce products will be brought under the ambit of the ban.While multilayered packaging is used for chips, snacks and biscuits, tetra packaging is used for various beverages.The official added that it has also been decided to allow retail packaging using plastic with a thickness of above 50 microns. The government is likely to allow the retail packaging of plastic bags above 50 microns and is contemplating bringing multilayered packaging and # tetra packaging under the ambit of the plastic ban.Later, the government relaxed it by allowing small retailers to use plastic bags for packaging purposes for the next three months

Though the companies have made it a rule, keeping a check on whether it is being followed strictly is not an easy task.“Their corruption-laden hands do not allow them to think for humanity. Make it a paid option, where you get degradable/edible cutlery only.. No need of free cutlery in the delivery packs. I will say that only a bunch of people who are illiterate about the environmental degradation that is happening around them will implement a plan that is no use to mankind and in turn affect them adversely,” he adds.Home delivery of food is the order of the day and it is convenient, too.M. Promote responsible behaviour for both the eatery and the consumer, with incentives.“I would like to convey a message to the eateries that their profits and convenience cannot be at the cost of environment and public health, and so they need to ensure that their brand is delivered in an eco-friendly manner. Joy considers it as a joint responsibility of the online food ordering companies and restaurants to set up a strict rule according to which the food shall only be delivered in bio-degradable containers.

The corporation claims that the plant will melt the plastic waste and generate electricity from the energy extracted from it. We can’t afford it. It is high time the public acted. Craving for a biryani or ice-cream, or want a cup of tea after a hectic day at work? Everything is delivered at your doorstep. “Online home delivery is convenient.  When asked if the local government bodies have the proper infrastructure to deal with the increasing plastic waste, Dr Joy says that the authorities are responsible for these never ending miseries of the people in the city.The question that is pertinent at this juncture, when the world celebrates the Environmental Day, is that can we afford more plastics being dumped on the earth? Are our authorities at the local level well equipped for proper disposal of the plastic waste that has increased massively in cities? Most of the experts opine that we still have a long way to go.

Ban plastic and use fibre bags for delivery. China Wholesale Air compressor Environmentalist and social activist Dr C.Sridhar Radhakrishnan, environmentalist and programme director of Thanal, has a relevant question to ask. He further adds that on an estimate, home-delivered food is responsible for 22,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated in India every month. We have to consciously stop the usage of plastic. But, wait. Customers must demand safe, and eco-conscious packing,” he says, adding that better alternatives like cooking, as a first and most preferred choice, and walking into the eatery with a container for those foraging moment will ensure fewer toxins disposed into the environment.  Encourage and adopt paper, cloth, pulp-based packs, palm leaves, banana leaves etc. Just scroll through the names of each and every food joint in the city on a mobile app, select the place you would like to buy the food, browse through the menu, select the items (the instant cravings that develop after looking at the menu is also taken care of), pay with your credit card or even choose a cash-on-delivery scheme, wait for some time and here you go – the food has arrived.M.

The unscientific and no-result-yielding projects related to the dumping yard have been a topic of discussion at the government level for many years now. But, is it environmentally responsible? This has been a new change. The plastic packing and cutlery that come along are single-use plastic, and go into the waste stream,” he opines. Joy considers it as a joint responsibility of the online food ordering companies and restaurants to set up a strict rule according to which the food shall only be delivered in bio-degradable containers. However, no proper solution has been devised yet. Opting for takeaway in one’s own container will reduce the use of plastic to a great extent. Even when we relish this convenience, there is an inconvenient truth that we ignore.Commenting on the possible solution for the situation, Mahesh Maanas, director of the short film Wiped Out says, “I can’t imagine the future of the place that we live in. Why don’t we understand a simple argument that we are the ones who need to come forward and work for our well-being? More such fire outbreaks in waste dumping yards cannot be permitted. In most cities, we are now possibly ordering more food via Uber Eats, Swiggy’s and Zomato’s than walking into the eateries. Does anybody think what happens to the plastic containers, cutlery and bags that the food is delivered in?

They just add up to the heap of plastic waste lying on the earth for who knows how many years. for various kinds of food, blending convenience and the concept of zero waste.Environmentalist and social activist Dr C. Even if we are opting for ordering food online, we must use the options available in these apps wherein we can avoid the plastic cutleries. He affirms that the government officials, who are supposed to make sure that a metro like ours maintains basic sanitation and proper waste disposal, are busy filling their pockets. Ensure a system of full take back/recycling of the non-biodegradable materials used and penalise such waste getting into waste stream. This new convenience is probably here to stay, but at a huge cost on the environment and our health. The restaurants have to act sensibly in this regard. Neither will the authorities do something.”Suggesting a possible solution for the increasing plastic waste, Sridhar says that the four stake holders – city corporation, eateries, home delivery companies and the public – must intervene to get at least some important things in place. The greatest example is the implementation of unscientific plastic treatment plant in the city, which will in turn lead to massive air pollution. I am not saying that one must curb his/her craving. But the practice takes a toll on the environment

The civic body is now planning to invite tenders for the disposal of banned plastic.Under the plastic ban, the state government has declared a fine of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively for first and second time offence.5 crore from the offenders. The ban came into effect on June 23. rosecution has been issued against offenders, who have refused to pay the fine for using ban-ned plastic. e are now planning to invite tenders for the disposal of banned plastic, which has been collected in large quantity.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has seized more than 30 tonnes of banned plastic so far after the plastic ban that came into force on June 23 in the state.On March 23, the state government had imposed a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials.The government had given a  three months period for the disposal of the existing stocks.According to the civic data, the BMC has prosecuted 288 people, who have refused to pay fine for using banned plastic. During this period, the civic body has seized more than 30,000 kgs of banned plastic a-nd collected a fine of more than Rs 1.

A senior official said, ever since the plastic ban ca-me into force, the BMC has started action agai-nst the banned plastic.Daily around 2500 to 3000 establishments are being inspected and around 70 to 100 kgs of plastic being collected. A fine of average Rs 60,000 to one lakh is being collected everuday.

They will be tried in the Metropolitan Magistrate for violating the plastic ban,鈥?said a senior official from the shops and establishments department. A third-time offender will be fined Rs 25,000 and three months imprisonment. As China water bottling machine Suppliers 288 people refused to pay the fine, the BMC issued notices to them and initiated legal action against them, the official added. The agency certified by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board  will be selected for this task,鈥?said the official.Civic body to invite tenders for disposing materials. The civic body is now planning to invite tenders for the disposal of banned plastic.

Many cities lack the facilities for safe disposal of municipal solid waste. The total plastic production in 2015 was 380 million tonnes. There is also poor institutional capacity and low political will to address the problem. Out of the 8. The Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC) is known for its innovation to improve its services… and one of the latest examples is its new approach to dispose of its municipal solid waste.The decentralised waste management is successfully implemented in the city of Alappuzha in Kerala as well. Strict penalty with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 are levied on those who dump their waste in public.As a result of the mass awareness campaign, Thiruvananthapuram city’s residents were sensitised to treat the bio-degradable waste or kitchen waste at the source itself. These are further taken to respective shredding units and handed over to Clean Kerala Co for further use.

The TMC supplied required number of waste disposal and treatment systems like three-layered bucket-sized kitchen bins and pipe bins free of cost or at nominal cost to its residents. The xafs for compost has enormous potential in India, which is predominantly a agriculture-based country and many states moving towards organic farming. There is a separate provision for collecting the plastic waste from households and institutions for further treatment at the rate of Rs 60 per month.Consider the cost of disposal.Studies show that plastic is produced more than any other human-made material, except cement and steel. Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment Day 2018, is a call for action and invites us all to consider how we can make changes in our everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our cities, water bodies, forests and our own health. 50 percent of the plastic, we use is single-use or disposable.

The theme for the World Environment Day is &72 cavity-Preform Mould Manufacturers039; Beat Plastic Pollution'.Organic and biodegradable waste, which constitutes 50-60 per cent of the country’s urban waste, can be converted into compost, thereby solving half of India’s waste problems.Public consultation and participation of citizens from the very beginning coupled, with information campaigns across all sectors, is therefore vital for the successful enforcement of the rules.Studies show that plastic is produced more than any other human-made material, except cement and steel. Plastic bottles are the biggest contributor in waste piling up as one million bottles are bought every minute throughout the world.

The TMC has an agreement with Clean Kerala Co Ltd for treating the plastic and e-waste.The writers work for CUTS  International. But a greater push and clarity is needed to ensure its effective implementation.5 lakh households are processing the bio-degradable waste at source and around 50 biogas plants have been constructed.3 billion tonnes of plastic produced so far, only around nine per cent was recycled, 12 per cent was incinerated, while the remaining 79 per cent was discarded in landfills # or dumped in open spaces across the country.The Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 and the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 are a welcome move. Getting rid of large quantities of waste is often beyond the financial capacities of urban local bodies. The Alappuzha municipality earned a few national awards and the UNEP recently recognised it as one of the five top clean cities in the world.  While India is hosting this year’s World Environment Day, it’s the right time for our cities to learn and replicate some of these successful models and contribute positively towards addressing the menace of plastic.

Achieving the objectives of the Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan is therefore practicable only if the country works towards reducing the generation of waste by inculcating simple habits like reduce, reuse and recycle, in tandem with proper segregation and treatment practices. Only dry and clean plastic covers, packets and other materials are collected and received at the designated counters. At present, there is no collection of bio-degradable waste within the corporation limits.The experiments by Thiruvananthapu-ram and Alappuzha with decentralised waste management thus have inspired other municipalities to successfully replicate the same models within the state.  So far more than 1. While the rules place liabilities on the producers of plastic waste to contribute to its collection and disposal, this is practically unworkable as most producers are small and informal. The corporation launched a campaign called “Ente Nagaram, Sundara Nagaram”, which means “My City. Beautiful City”, in 2014, after its failure over centralised solid waste management.

The TMC also installed community biogas plants, community-owned aerobic bins, for those households who do not have the space to keep kitchen bins or fix pipe bins, in each and every ward of the city.Consider the tale of two cities from Kerala. This is to encourage the public to take responsibility of the garbage they generate. The Alappuzha municipality took efforts to decentralise the waste management rather than continuing with the usual collect-and-dump type model in open landfills. The most common disposal practice across the country is uncontrolled dumping. Likewise, the mandatory door-to-door collection of segregated waste is hardly followed in most cities. To give the required thrust, a state policy has been developed to bring a thousand village panchayats to instal aerobic bins to process organic waste.Every year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (2015), an average of 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every day by the Tier-I and Tier-II cities in India. Only a coordinated effort of all stakeholders can help reduce the cost of waste management rather than thrusting the responsibility solely on the shoulders of the municipal authorities