Plastic Pollution in Pakistan and Plastic-Bag Free Initiative

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a global menace to the environment. Majority of plastic is released as waste due to inadequate recycling and incineration facilities. Among plastic waste generators, Pakistan ranks 6th in the world and 3rd in Asia. Moreover, Indus River ranks 2nd, in terms of plastic waste disposal in world oceans. Almost half of plastic debris comprises single-use polythene bags. The country uses 55 billion plastic bags annually. The unchecked spread of grocery bags has ravaging effect on environment and human health. Government of Pakistan has recently started curtailing the use of plastic bags in different cities. Implementation of Plastic-Bag Free Initiative in Federal city Islamabad on August 14, 2019 is one of such regulatory measures. Banning the manufacturing, sale and purchase of plastic bags is a small remedy to tackle prodigious problem of plastic pollution in the country. Without grim corporation from city’s residents, plastic-bag free initiative will remain ineffective. However, more comprehensive and concrete measures need to be taken by government to put a lid on this growing menace for country’s green and clean environment. Moreover, there is a need to launch awareness campaigns to educate masses on the ban of single-use plastic bags and how eco-friendly alternatives like cotton grocery bags, paper bags, and oxo-biodegradable bags can help to provide healthy environment. Lastly, awareness on plastic pollution should be incorporated in the educational curriculum.