KARACHI:
Pakistan produces 250 million tons of plastic waste each year. This is exemplified by the amount of plastic waste accumulated on street corners and vacant plots in most urban areas. The widespread plastic usage is driven by its affordability and easy availability.
The environmental consequences of plastic pose a grave problem for the country. Plastic, being non-biodegradable, persists in the environment for centuries, leading to severe pollution concerns. If this trend continues unabated, our country will eventually be overwhelmed by a sea of plastic waste. The detrimental impact of plastic extends beyond its longevity. Plastic waste contributes to soil degradation, contaminates agricultural lands, impacts food production, and poses a significant threat to biodiversity and marine life. The incineration of plastic waste releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, which contributes to air pollution and affects human health.
Therefore, urgent steps must be taken to address this pressing issue, and alternative package techniques should be adopted. Embracing novel approaches such as edible coatings, biopolymer-based films, and intelligent packaging can significantly contribute to the reduction of plastic waste. An efficient recycling system can help reduce the volume of plastic waste. Municipal authorities must invest in recycling infrastructure to facilitate effective waste management practices. Government bodies should play a proactive role by adopting policies and regulations that encourage the use of biodegradable packaging materials and support recycling initiatives. We need to embrace eco-friendly alternatives and actively resort to alternative packaging options. We must address the plastic crisis with the same urgency and determination with which the world is combating climate change to safeguard the well-being of future generations of Pakistan.
Samran Khalid
Bahawalnagar
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2023.
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