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Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Epaper

Alternatives to 17 single-use plastic items 

Published : Thursday, 10 October, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 493
Arindam Bala
The whole world is experiencing of plastic pollution because micro plastic is appearing extremely threat to all creatures. In Bangladesh, currently, the very buzz word is single-use plastic ban.According Solid Waste Management Rules-2021, the single-use Plastic would be phased out. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued a notification on August 28, 2024, identifying 17 types of items/substances as "single-use plastics". Especially, every sector like government, private and entrepreneur is looking for alternative of these 17 single-use plastic. The following materials could be considered as alternative of single use plastic-

Straw: Paper straw-these materials are biodegradable, no any pollution for environment, it can be reused and raw materials are available. However, they have some drawbacks like paper straws can quickly become soggy and lose their structural integrity. Wheat straw made from 100% natural materials that eco-friendly. 

Bamboo straw, they are also natural, biodegradable, compostable, healthy, chemical free materials, durable and resistant. Though they are tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to metal or glass options. Metal Straw- they can be easily packed and carried around, and are non-toxic, super durable so won't break or bend, and 100% recyclable. But metal straws tend to be more expensive than other alternatives;Glass straw also can be used. 
Stirrer: Wooden Stirrers is eco-friendly; completely biodegradable could be great alternative to plastic stirrer.Bamboo Stirrer is made from 100% natural material that is renewable,eco-friendly product that is better alternative of plastic stirrers. Paper stirrer is a great alternative to harmful plastic ones.

One time utensils/ cutlery (e.g. Cups, Plate, trays, spoon, fork etc.): Paper cups-is made of paper resulting they are biodegradable, environment friendly and comparatively cheaper. It hasrecycled value. However, they easily deformed when filled with a hot of liquid-difficult to keep warm for a long time-susceptible to water absorption. Clay cup-are eco-friendly, reusableand retains temperature. They have some health benefits.But for making clay cups lots of top soils have to be extracted thatis harmful for environment. Stainless steelcup is more eco-friendly, durable and long-lasting and cost-effective.Though, they are potential for chemical contamination. 

No any use yet inBangladesh such cup. PLA coated papercup is made of cellulose with a fully biodegradable and compostable.  It is used for both hot and cold drinks. On the other hand, glass and ceramics made cups are available in the market.Plates-from bagasse,(after crushing sugarcane they can be got) are compostable,recyclableand great contributing to a reduction in waste and pollution.


They are plant-based materialso requires less energy and water to produce item, though these items are not completelywaterproofand they are short life-span. And plate can be made from Rice huskas it is a reusable material derived from the outer layer of rice grains.Eco-friendly Areca Leaf disposable plate-eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic. 100% natural, durable, compostable and chemical free. Spoon and Fork- wooden spoons and fork are ecological, durable and can last for years. But they have some drawbacks these materials soak in moisture and emit water from food and water not suitable for long-term use. 

Styrofoam food packaging e.g. biryani packet etc.: Kraft paperis easy processing, low cost, suitable packaging, light and foldable can be used for packaging various item like food. Sugarcane fiber-basedknown as bagassepolymer that can be made for packaging food and it is biodegrade. Mushroom packaging-is alternative to protective packaging such as Styrofoam; this packaging material is made of fungus roots called Mycelium and agricultural waste such as hemp and corn husks.Edible packaging- it is made of natural, biodegradable, plant-based materials. Kraft paperis easy processing, low cost, suitable packaging, light and foldable. Aluminum box-is a thin metal material that is mostly eco-friendly, durable and long lasting. 

Shopping bag/ carry bag manufactured from polythene or polypropylene/ mix : For carrying fish and meat-biodegradable and eco-friendly bag made from natural materials like maize and vegetable pulp that are not harmful for environment. Though, they are not yet available in the market. Some companies are trying to bring to market where they will need to maintain some test and process.For super shop, grocery and confectionary where pouring dry commoditiesin bags. For that purpose -jute, brown and Kraft paper bag can be alternative of polythene bag. Jute bag100% plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, compostableand available in the market. Cloth bag also is eco-friendly, reusable and recyclable. Canvas Bag is completely made from recycled materials or sustainable source is being used. 

Plastic bottles, Caps-: Paper water bottlesare new trend for in the bottle world because they are biodegradable pulp mixture of wheat straw, bamboo, husks and sugar cane, and 100% recyclable, long lasting, reusable and eco-friendly. But its lifespan is shorter. Plant based-plasticsthese are edible and biodegradablegreen and eco-friendly. Stainless steel, Glass, ceramics and reusable bottles are available in the market. 
Though some of these alternative items have a little bit cons/disadvantage, therefore manufacturer, suppliers and consumers should turn to these materials for saving the environment, in a word the whole world from plastic pollution. It is pointed that many entrepreneurs were engaged themselves with single-use plastic production. But from 1st November 2024, their production and marketing will be controlled. These entrepreneurs will lose their income source and large number of workers will be unemployed. So, they can be encouraged, provide technical and financial support for involving in productionand marketing of mentioned alternative materials of single-use plastic.  

The writer is working as environment and climate resilient expert



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