Single-Use Plastics in India

Abstract

The use of plastics has become a common norm across the world. Plastics are used in packaging and storing items, manufacturing of electronic materials such as mobile phones and so on. The issue of plastics, however, is not only about the use, but the one-time usage of plastics items, such as polystyrene shopping bags, straws, trays, cutlery, and many more, which are meant to be used once then disposed of. This article focuses on how these plastics are affecting India, how relevant policies should be implemented and whether there should be an alternative to the use of these single-use plastics. Secondary research was conducted for this article, largely by referencing renowned publications. Several works highlight that single-use plastic is one of the major causes of pollution in the country, and both policy makers and citizens who collectively bear the consequences of pollution find it difficult to address the issue. However, to deal with this confliction, alternative methods of dealing with the menace is provided in this article. Implementing and enforcing of laws and recycling alone will not solve the problem but providing alternate resources that are sustainable and ensuring the appropriate use, in addition to the law enforcement, could be a better solution.