Earthyy Bags explores the effect of post-plastic era all over our lonely planet, with special emphasis on India. Here it begins with some of the more prominent Indian States.
Uttar Pradesh - Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik has promulgated the ordinance ``UP plastic and other bio degradable (regulation of use and disposal) (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 banning the use of plastic in the state. Stringent penal provision has also been added in the Ordinance which has amended the legislation banning the use of plastic passed by the UP assembly in 2000.
As per the ordinance, for the users there is provision for one month imprisonment and maximum fine of Rs 10,000 for first offence. The second time offence the ordinance provides for 6 months imprisonment on conviction and fine of Rs 5,000 and maximum of Rs 20,000.
Madhya Pradesh -The Madhya Pradesh Assembly had passed a bill imposing a complete ban on plastic carry-bags in the state. Plastic/polythene carry-bags are considered to be an environmental menace as they are non-biodegradable. The 'MP Jaiv Anashya Apshisht (Niyantran) Sansodhan Vidheyak - 2017' (The MP Non-Biodegradable Waste (Regulation) Amendment Bill) has also been sent to the Governor for his assent.
Tamil Nadu – Apart from the government, the local hotel industry has taken up the matter in right earnestness. In order to make the matter very simple, yet most effective, the 10,000 strong Tamil Nadu Hotel Association had made it clear that its member units will provide 5% discount on takeaway bills straightaway for customers bringing their own vessels/containers to collect food. In other words, it discourages the use of plastic food packets all over the state.
Kerala -Fishermen in Kerala are taking on the battle to cut the level of plastic waste in the oceans. When the trawlers drag their nets through the water, they end up scooping out huge amounts of plastic along with the fish. Until recently the fishermen would simply throw the plastic junk back into the water.
But last year Kerala’s fisheries minister J. Mercykutty Amma started a scheme to change this. Under her direction, the state government launched a campaign called Suchitwa Sagaram, or Clean Sea, which trains fishermen to collect the plastic and bring it back to shore.
In Suchitwa Sagaram’s first 10 months, fishermen have removed 25 tonnes of plastic from the Arabian Sea, including 10 tonnes of plastic bags and bottles, according to a UN report on the scheme.
Post-Plastic era outside India
New Zealand - New Zealand's Foreign Minister says his government welcomes the Pacific Island region's commitment to restrict use of plastic packaging. Gerry Brownlee's comment comes as Pacific Islands Forum leaders commit to fast track the development of policies to ban the use of single-use plastic bags, plastic and styrofoam packaging.
Pacific Island nations are concerned about the alarming levels of plastic in the Pacific ocean and its island ecosystems.
Australia - Australia’s major supermarkets have taken steps to "ban the bag", with most Australian states and territories following suit. NSW is the only state that hasn't pledged to introduce a ban or tax on single-use plastic bags. However, a government spokesperson had commented that legislative intervention was not needed because people were managing the issue themselves.
Vanatu (Little known remote South Pacific Island nation) is one of the very few firsts in the world to impose ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene food containers, though alternatives were soon developed in the form of natural fiber baskets.