A: SUPs are plastic products designed to be used once and then discarded. Common examples include straws, plastic bags, cutlery, certain food packaging, and many more.
Q: Why are single-use plastics a major problem?
A: Here's why SUPs are harmful:
Environmental pollution: SUPs often end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, harming ecosystems and wildlife.
Difficult to recycle: Many SUPs are non-recyclable or made of mixed materials, making effective recycling challenging.
Greenhouse gas emissions: The production, transportation, and disposal of SUPs all contribute to climate change.
Q: What is India's stance on single-use plastics?
A: India's approach has been complex and evolving:
Partial ban: In 2022, India banned a limited number of SUP items. However, many other types remain in circulation.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This policy aims to hold manufacturers responsible for the collection and recycling of certain SUPs. However, challenges remain.
Contradictions: There's a conflict between reducing use and promoting the plastic industry. This weakens the overall effort.
Q: How effective has India's ban on certain SUPs been?
A: The effectiveness is mixed:
Enforcement challenges: The ban is not strictly implemented nationwide. Banned items are still manufactured and sold.
Awareness campaigns: Public awareness has declined since the initial ban, hindering compliance.
Focus on small-scale users: Enforcement often targets street vendors and retailers, while the root of production is not fully addressed.
Q: How bad is India's single-use plastic crisis?
A: India faces a significant SUP challenge:
Major Generator: India ranks among the world's largest SUP waste contributors.
Mismanagement: A high percentage of India's plastic waste is mismanaged, polluting the environment.
Limited impact: The current ban targets only a small portion of overall SUP waste.
Q: What more can India do to tackle the single-use plastic problem?
A: Here are some recommendations:
Stricter enforcement: Crack down on the production and sale of banned SUPs at the source.
Consistent public campaigns: Raise ongoing awareness among the public and businesses.
Investment in alternatives: Support the development of viable and affordable alternatives to make the transition easier.
Thicker carry bags: Ban all plastic carry bags regardless of thickness to reduce a major source of SUP pollution.
SRIRAM's
Share:
Get a call back
Fill the below form to get free counselling for UPSC Civil Services exam preparation
