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The state government’s ban on all disposable plastic items imposed earlier this year has been successfully embraced by many sections of the society. Despite a three-month stay order, restaurants have done their bit by adopting alternatives like paper straws. Supermarkets too have started selling cloth bags instead of plastic ones. But straws and bags, albeit a huge chunk of our plastic consumption, do not comprise the whole of it. From plastic bottles to one-time-use spoons and takeaway boxes, everything of convenience in our lives somehow has a bit of plastic in it. This makes it incredibly difficult to get rid of these items overnight. Moreover, there is little awareness about the kind of alternatives that are available to the public. Thankfully, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recognised the need and is all set to educate its citizens about the necessary steps that can be taken in the light of this fast approaching ban.
An exhibition organised by BMC is being held at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli, Mumbai from June 22-24. With the intention of helping citizens find alternatives to plastic as well as recycling options, the exhibition will have over 90 stalls of vendors, self-help groups and corporates—each contributing in their area of expertise like plastic alternatives, plastic recyclers, bottle crushers etc.
The exhibition will also focus on the growing need for extended producer responsibility—a form of waste management in which producers of a product are responsible for the costs that are involved once their product becomes waste.
Players from the women’s national cricket team and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also be a part of this exhibition. Additionally, BMC has also set up a toll-free helpline (1800-222-357) for anyone who wishes to dispose of off their banned plastic to garbage collectors.
The exhibition comes at an appropriate time as manufacturers, distributors and retailers were given a three-month duration to get rid of all their plastic supplies and source alternatives that are feasible and environment-friendly. With the three months soon coming to an end, a fine of Rs. 5,000 or more will be imposed on anyone using any of the banned items. What the government plans on doing with the money it will be collecting is a completely different question. One that should be answered soon.
Plastic Ban is just one of the many battles in this fight against environmental pollution. Industrial waste is still contaminating our water bodies and our forest land is still being thrown away to corporate lobbies. Hopefully, the exhibition takes us a step further to claiming victory.
If citizens and companies wish to set up stalls at the exhibition then they call on 8291652979 or mail at acplanning.plastic@gmail.com.
Feature Image Courtesy: i.pinimg.com
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