The government implemented a ban on thin polythene bags in 2002. This regulatory measure aimed to reduce plastic pollution and protect natural habitats. Despite these laws, enforcement remains a challenge. Many businesses still use polythene due to its low cost and convenience. The lack of compliance raises questions about accountability among manufacturers and retailers.
Bangladesh has recognized the urgent need to address the environmental impact of polythene bags. As a result, stringent legal obligations have been enacted.Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Bangladesh's Environment, Froest, and Climate Change Adviser, recently declared that polythene and polypropylene shopping bags will be banned in all superstores beginning October 1. Local authorities are tasked with monitoring usage and imposing penalties on violators. However, limited resources often hinder effective law enforcement.
Polythene bags, though convenient, pose severe threats to our environment. Made from non-biodegradable materials, they take hundreds of years to decompose. This prolonged existence leads to accumulation in landfills and natural habitats.The accumulation of polythene waste has a significant impact on marine ecosystems, leading to fatalities among sea turtles and other wildlife.Improper disposal of bags leads to drainage blockages and flooding, further causing environmental degradation and public health issues. The production process of polythene releases greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants into the air and water systems, affecting biodiversity and posing risks to human health. The recurring issue of waterways being clogged with plastic debris further exacerbates these issues.
Recognizing polythene bags' long-term environmental impact, many developed countries have implemented legislative, economic, and social policies to minimize or eradicate their use.
* EU Plastics Strategy (2018): Aims to make all plastic packaging recyclable by 2030 and reduce single-use plastics, including polythene bags.
* Plastic Bag Reduction Directive (2015): Requires EU member states to reduce plastic bag consumption to 90 bags per person per year by 2019 and 40 bags per person per year by 2025.
* Ireland's Plastic Tax (PlasTax): Introduced in 2002, credited with reducing plastic bag consumption by over 90%.
* UK's Plastic Bag Charge (2015): Requires large retailers to charge customers for plastic bags, leading to an 85% reduction in single-use plastic bag use.
* US States: Implemented statewide bans on single-use plastic bags in 2014 and 2020.
* Japan's Plastic Bag Charge (2020): Successfully prompted a shift towards reusable bags and a global leader in plastic recycling.
* Australia's Plastic Bag Ban (2018): Introduced a nationwide ban on lightweight plastic bags in major retail chains, resulting in 1.5 billion fewer plastic bags used within three months.
* Canada's Zero Plastic Waste Strategy: Aims to eliminate harmful single-use plastics by 2030 and a nationwide ban on harmful single-use plastics by the end of 2021.
To reduce polythene usage in Bangladesh, businesses should adopt biodegradable alternatives, promote reusable bags, and educate consumers about the environmental impact of polythene. Retailers should promote sturdy cloth or jute bags as sustainable options, offering discounts for customers who bring their own bags. Education about the environmental impact of polythene through workshops and community events can also help. Local governments should enforce stricter regulations on single-use plastics, while encouraging recycling initiatives can raise awareness and promote responsible disposal practices among citizens. These strategies can help manage existing polythene waste effectively.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns are essential in educating citizens about the environmental impact of polythene bags. Graphics, social media posts, and community workshops should be used to spread awareness about the negative consequences of polythene pollution on wildlife and ecosystems. Collaborating with local influencers and schools can further increase outreach efforts. Periodic events such as clean-up drives and eco-fairs highlight the significance of reducing plastic dependency. These campaigns must evolve continually to stay relevant, and engaging storytelling techniques can create emotional connections within communities. By focusing on sustainable alternatives, these campaigns can foster long-term changes in behavior towards plastic usage.
The environmental impact of polythene bags cannot be overstated. They contribute significantly to pollution, harm wildlife, and degrade natural ecosystems. It's essential for Bangladesh to address these concerns head-on.
Legal obligations are in place to regulate the use of polythene bags. The government has enacted laws aimed at reducing plastic waste, but enforcement remains a challenge. More robust legal action is necessary to ensure compliance and foster a culture of accountability among manufacturers and consumers alike.
Polythene bags have become ubiquitous in daily life across Bangladesh, often used for convenience despite their adverse effects on the environment. This widespread usage highlights the need for effective regulatory measures that can curb reliance on such harmful products.
There are practical steps that individuals and businesses can take to mitigate polythene usage. Embracing alternatives like reusable bags made from cloth or jute can significantly reduce plastic consumption. Initiatives encouraging recycling also play a vital role in minimizing waste.
Addressing the issue requires collective effort-from policy implementation to community engagement-ensuring lasting change for future generations while preserving our planet's health.
The writer is Barrister at Law (Lincoln's Inn), LLM with specialism in Corporate Law and Practice
