Point: Plastic bags choke stray
cattle that unwittingly chew on them (for instance--
55 kgs of plastic bags were taken out of a dead
cow).
Counter Point: The incident has been
bloated out of proportion. It is physically
impossible for a single cow to swallow 55 kgs
of plastic bags- equivalent to 50,000 bags-which
occupies space of almost three full gunny bags
of 100 kgs. capacity each. Plastic bags or for
that matter other wastes are not supposed to
be fed to cows and other animals. Cow fodders/animal
feeds are not packed in plastics bags to cause
accidental ingestion. The problem is of littering
and stray animals, why blame the plastic bag?
Point: Plastics / Plastic bags cause
litter.
Counter Point: Ultra-thin carry bags
are exported from India to Germany and other
countries, but these are not found littered
on the streets abroad due to good civic sense
and supportive waste management systems. Most
countries have adopted two bin culture-segregating
dry and wet garbage. Plastics industry in India
has been pleading with local governments for
proper segregation systems and provision of
bins. This will help avoid littering and ensure
recycling of waste plastics. Industry has already
donated plastic bins in cities like Delhi and
Calcutta. ICPE ,alongwith the government should
consider harsh penalties and deterrents for
littering. Infrastructure and system support
is a must for proper waste management. Remember,
Plastics do not litter-- but people do.
Point: Has the industry taken any initiative
on recycling and waste management.
Counter Point: Industry, by itself and
in co-operation under guidance of MOEF has taken
a number of eco-initiatives: Developed several
new recycling applications- useful products
for the masses / economy. Worked with MOEF on
National Task Force on Plastic Waste Management
- Report and guidelines with MOFE and BIS (one
of the first industries to do so). Sponsored
basic and application research at UDCT, Mumbai
to recycle waste polybags into synthetic lumber
or wood and domestic/industrial wax. Conducted
national and state level seminars, workshops
and meets with public, NGOs, Government Departments
and local authorities.The industry is committed
to continuing education, awareness and multimedia
communication programs.The industry has already
formed Indian Center for Plastics in Environment
(ICPE) as an autonomous society - (initial seed
capital of Rs. 40 lacs and total seed capital
of Rs. 2 crores). Industry has donated plastics
bins for pilot projects (segregation of dry
/ plastic waste) in Delhi and Calcutta. Plastics
industry is a responsible care industry.
The Common Agenda: The plastics industry
is a Responsible care industry. Over the years
it has taken a number of eco-initiatives in
addressing environmental and socio-economic
issues. However, much more needs to be done.
Industry and media need to work together in
a collaborative spirit to bring about proper
appreciation and positioning of the unique contribution
of plastics to environment and modern society.
Industry welcomes objective, unbiased public
debate as an important input to further improve
its efforts in serving society and in protecting
the environment. We have a shared vision and
common destiny. Let us call a halt to the sustained
misplaced anti-plastics campaign and work together
for a better future.
Courtesy: Indian Centre of Plastics in Environment
(ICPE)
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