In the modern world, one of the most widely discussed and criticized contributors to environmental degradation are polythene. Emerging as a curse of modern civilization, this plastic-based product has pushed the soil, water, and atmosphere of our planet toward a devastating crisis. Particularly in a densely populated deltaic country like Bangladesh, the uncontrolled use of polythene and the growing challenges of waste management have become long-term threats to our very existence. Although successive governments have attempted to ban polythene or reduce its use through strict laws and strong initiatives, the reality reflects limited success. The primary reason is the lack of practical alternatives and the convenience of polythene's availability. Polythene is now so easily accessible that people continue to use it despite knowing its harmful impacts. Yet, we already possess an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative-jute. Only by promoting the multifaceted use of jute and popularizing it as a substitute for polythene can we overcome this deadly crisis.
To understand why polythene has become such a frightening menace, we must consider its chemical composition and long-lasting effects. Polythene does not decompose in the soil for hundreds of years. It destroys soil fertility, obstructs groundwater flow, and clogs drainage systems, causing artificial waterlogging. The persistent waterlogging seen in major cities, including the capital Dhaka, even after moderate rainfall, is largely due to plastic and polythene waste accumulated in drains. Burning polythene releases toxic fumes that can cause deadly diseases such as cancer and respiratory illnesses. It is not that people are unaware of these dangers; both conscious citizens and the general population understand the severity to some extent. Yet, why does its use continue? The answer is simple-the lack of accessible and affordable alternatives. When a customer buys something in a market, the seller conveniently hands over a polythene bag. If jute bags were equally available and affordable, the dependence on polythene would naturally diminish.
The biggest barrier to eliminating polythene is the scarcity and limited accessibility of jute bags. Polythene is readily available everywhere, whereas jute bags are not. It is impossible to build a polythene-free society merely through awareness campaigns or legal enforcement unless people are provided with affordable and sustainable alternatives. If jute bags become available in every shop and within everyone's financial reach, people will gradually shift from polythene to jute. Jute bags are durable, reusable, biodegradable, and completely safe for the environment. Even when discarded, they decompose into the soil and enrich it as organic matter. Therefore, jute bags should not be treated as luxury items; they must be transformed into essential everyday commodities used by people from all walks of life.
There appears to be a certain stagnation in promoting jute bag usage at both government and private levels. Occasionally, awareness seminars and campaigns are held, but their impact rarely reaches grassroots communities. The government needs to significantly increase jute bag production and provide subsidies to make them affordable for ordinary citizens. If low-cost jute bags are distributed across markets, neighborhoods, and roadside outlets nationwide, people will unconsciously shift away from polythene. When jute bags become visible everywhere and easily obtainable, polythene's dominance will naturally decline. Ultimately, this is largely a matter of habit. Polythene has become habitual because of its constant accessibility; now jute must replace it through similar widespread availability.
Private sector and individual initiatives are equally crucial in the fight against polythene. Corporate organizations can adopt jute bags instead of plastic for branding, packaging, and promotional purposes. From large supermarkets to small street vendors, affordable jute bags must reach everyone through coordinated efforts by the state and industrial stakeholders. Once, jute was known as the "golden fiber," a symbol of our national identity and pride in global markets. The time has come to revive that legacy. Small and medium entrepreneurs should be encouraged and financially supported to produce jute bags, and a strong marketing and distribution chain must be developed to ensure their products reach every corner of the country. If production costs decrease and supply systems improve, polythene will gradually lose its dominance in the market.
Many argue that people use polythene because it is cheap and convenient. However, the long-term environmental damage and healthcare costs caused by polythene far outweigh the minor price difference compared to jute bags. If the government imposes stricter regulations on polythene manufacturing while offering tax incentives, technological support, and raw material subsidies to jute industries, the sector will flourish. Moreover, modern technology has already enabled the production of biodegradable, polythene-like bags made from jute fiber, often referred to as "golden bags." Commercializing and distributing this innovation on a large scale is now not just an option but a necessity.
A nationwide program is essential to spread jute bags across the country. If individuals, community leaders, and voluntary organizations take initiatives to distribute jute bags from their respective positions, societal attitudes will change rapidly. Encouragement alone is insufficient; providing the alternative product directly into people's hands is the most effective solution. Once jute bags are widely available and easily accessible, the psychological dependence on polythene will gradually fade. People will abandon polythene either by necessity or by conscious choice, recognizing that a healthy environment is essential for a healthy life and sustainable development.
In conclusion, eliminating polythene is not possible through the efforts of a single individual or organization. It requires coordinated and sustained action from the government, private sectors, civil society, and citizens alike. To protect our soil, water, and overall ecological balance and to ensure a livable planet for future generations, we must wholeheartedly embrace jute as the primary alternative to polythene. Ensuring easy access to affordable jute bags is the first and most critical step toward building a plastic-free Bangladesh. This movement demands collective responsibility and strong leadership from all sectors of society. Let polythene become a relic of the past, and let jute become our everyday companion. By restoring the glory of the golden fiber, we can gift a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable nation to future generations.
Building a polythene-free Bangladesh is not merely a legal obligation; it is a struggle for our survival and environmental security. To permanently eliminate this silent environmental killer, jute bags must become as common, affordable, and essential as polythene once was. Through joint public and private initiatives, if jute bags are made accessible in every market, shop, and neighborhood, people will naturally abandon harmful polythene. The revival of this golden fiber holds the promise of a greener, healthier, and more livable future for all.
The writer is vice president, Chandina Press Club
