Md. Ariful Islam
Climate change and environmental pollution has emerged as a global environmental crisis, with detrimental effects on ecosystems, human health, and the planet. Plastic pollution plays a vital role in this global crisis. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable country due to climate change. However, the nation has not turned a blind eye to this pressing issue and has taken proactive steps to combat environmental pollution, especially plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution has a great effect to our environment. It is also dangerous for our health. We normally thrown away the plastic that we use in our daily life. These plastic wastes are dumped into sea, river or other water bodies like ponds and canals. This causes the water pollution as these plastics are non-degradable into water. This plastic pollution also causes the soil pollution.
If we see the current situation of plastic pollution in Bangladesh, it remains a significant environmental concern for us.
Managing plastic waste in the country is an immense challenge due to its high population density, inadequate waste management infrastructure, rapid urbanization, high production, and use of plastic products and specially the widespread use of single-use plastics. There are some important aspects of plastic pollution in Bangladesh.
Plastic Waste Generation: Bangladesh daily generates a massive amount of plastic waste, estimated to be around 10,000 tons. This waste comes from industries, households, markets, and other informal sectors.
Improper Disposal: One of the primary issues of plastic pollution in our country is the improper disposal of plastic waste and lack of proper dumping channel. Due to inadequate waste collection systems, lack of public awareness, lack of resources and limited facilities for recycling plastic, a huge amount of plastic waste ends up in open spaces, landfills, and water bodies.
Impact on Water Bodies: Bangladesh’s rivers, canals, and the Bay of Bengal are heavily affected by plastic pollution. Water contamination, disrupting ecosystems and posing a threat to marine life due to the unusual dumping of Plastic waste into water bodies. It also hampers the livelihoods of fishermen and communities dependent on these water resources.
Health Risks: Plastic pollution has adverse effects on human health. When plastic waste accumulates and breaks down, it releases toxic chemicals into the environment, contaminating soil and water. These chemicals can enter the food chain, potentially causing health issues for people who consume contaminated seafood or crops.
Single-Use Plastics: In Bangladesh, the use of single-use plastics, such as polythene bags, disposable cups, bottles, and packaging materials, remains prevalent. Due to their nonbiodegradable nature, these items contribute significantly to pollution and pose a severe threat to the environment.
Bangladesh has imposed and implemented several laws and policies to combat plastic pollution. Here are some key legislative measures and policies in place:
Prohibition of Polythene Bags (2002): The government of Bangladesh banned the production, sale, and use of polythene bags less than 55 microns thick in 2002. This ban was aimed to reduce the consumption and improper disposal of thin plastic bags, which were major contributors to plastic pollution. But the implementation this ban is not successful yet.
Plastic Waste Management and Conservation Rules (2008): These rules were introduced to regulate the management, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste. They outline guidelines for waste segregation, recycling processes, and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the plastic waste management chain.
Plastic Goods (Manufacture, Sale, and Storage Control) Act 2005: This act provides regulations and controls for the manufacturing, sale, storage, and labeling of plastic goods. It includes provisions related to the quality, standards, and labeling requirements for plastic products to ensure their safety and minimize environmental impacts.
Waste Management Policy 2005: This policy emphasizes the importance of proper waste management, including plastic waste. It highlights the need for waste segregation, recycling, and promoting sustainable practices to minimize the environmental and health risks associated with waste.
National Environment Policy 1992: The National Environment Policy serves as a guiding framework for environmental conservation and sustainability in Bangladesh. It addresses various environmental issues, including plastic pollution, and emphasizes the need for pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development practices.
It is important to note that while these laws and policies exist, their effective implementation and enforcement remain a challenge. Collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, and the public is essential to ensure compliance and create a significant impact in mitigating plastic pollution in Bangladesh.
Mitigating plastic pollution in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders. Here are some possible solutions to address the issue:
Strengthening Legislation and Enforcement: The government should strengthen existing rules and regulations to control plastic pollution. New laws to control plastic pollution can be introduced. Strictly control the production and use of single-use plastics as well as bans on single use plastics can be a solution. Imposing a larger number of fines for violations the laws can make people aware to stop plastic pollution. The manufacturers should be more responsible and practice the recycling methods while producing new plastic products.
Promoting Sustainable Alternatives: You can’t stop the use of plastic products if you don’t have any alternative to use. We should encourage the use of alternative products instead of single-use plastics. Promoting reusable bags, biodegradable packaging materials, and eco-friendly alternatives like jute or cloth bags can be a good sustainable alternative. Awareness campaigns can be launched to highlight the benefits of these alternatives and encourage the mass people to adopt this solution.
Developing Waste Management Infrastructure: Investing in waste management infrastructure is essential to improve collection, sorting, and recycling processes. This includes establishing waste segregation systems, recycling facilities, and composting units. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and waste management companies can help in building a robust infrastructure network.
Educating and Raising Awareness: Conducting public awareness campaigns and educational programs is vital to change behaviors and attitudes towards plastic waste. These initiatives can target schools, communities, and businesses, highlighting the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices.
Encouraging Recycling and Circular Economy: Promoting recycling initiatives can help reduce plastic waste. Implementing deposit-refund schemes for plastic bottles and incentivizing waste collection can encourage individuals to participate in recycling efforts. Additionally, supporting the development of a circular economy, where plastics are recycled and reused, can significantly reduce the demand for new plastic production.
Engaging the Informal Sector: The informal sector, including waste pickers and recyclers, plays a significant role in plastic waste management. Engaging and formalizing this sector through training, access to resources, and creating opportunities for decent work can enhance their contribution to effective waste management practices.
International Cooperation: Plastic pollution is a global issue, and international cooperation can play a crucial role in mitigating its impact. Bangladesh can collaborate with international organizations, participate in regional initiatives, and share best practices to address plastic pollution collectively. International financing to mitigate the plastic pollution can be an asset for Bangladesh.
Research and Innovation: Supporting research and innovation in sustainable materials, waste management technologies, and recycling processes can drive solutions for plastic pollution. Encouraging entrepreneurship and investment in green technologies can lead to the development of innovative solutions tailored to the local context.
It is important to recognize that mitigating plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach and long-term commitment from all stakeholders. By implementing these solutions and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, Bangladesh can significantly reduce plastic pollution and create a cleaner and healthier future for its citizens and the environment.
The author is a Climate activist and development professional.
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