Single Use Plastics- Its Impact and Sustainability

Abstract

Plastic pollution is used to compromise the safety of our food supplies, soils, water and wildlife.  Globally, only nine percent of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. About 12 percent has been incinerated, while the remaining 79 percent has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment. India generates 95 lakhs tonnes plastic waste per year of which 38 lakhs tonnes is uncollected i.e. Single Use Plastics (SUP), ended in dumps, rivers and even our animals. Mismanagement of Single Use Plastics (SUP) shows environmental, economic and health impacts. Globally, a number of countries have taken up initiatives to ban Single Use Plastics in Phase out manner. In India, a massive community mobilization for Plastic Waste Shramdan and banning of Single Use Plastics has been organized under “Swachhata Hi Sewa” program in 2019-2020. Glass, paper and cardboards can be used as alternatives to plastics.