When non reusable bags can rebirth in india
From the ban of the use of non reusable bags to their recycling, all around the world we can talk about the emergence of new ways to act in favour of the sustainable development. Plastic bags are a real global burden because of the grounds that are covered by plastic bags, the branches of trees that are decorated with non reusable bags instead of leaves or flowers, animals which choke with plastic, polluted water, and all the other daily examples. All of them are the evidence that we must act. In India, their experience is one of the most striking in terms of innovations that really highlight the issues of sustainable development.
In 2009, the Director of the United Nations about Environment Program, Mr Achim Steiner, said that “disposable plastic bags should be banned or eliminated quickly everywhere. “This announcement caught the attention of a vast majority. As a milestone for the sustainable development, people are becoming more and more aware of the stakes for the environment in future and the planet we will give to our children. Thus, nowadays, the ban on bags is spreading globally thanks to this massive awareness. Furthermore, the ecological footprint has increased significantly during the last decades and today the goal is to change the habits to have a “greener” lifestyle. Indeed, the measures of prohibitions and taxations are multiplied worldwide, in particular in France and in Australia for example.
These measures were first initiated in 1994 by Denmark by the introduction of a taxation system for plastic and paper non reusable bags. Then, in 2002, Bangladesh established a strict ban on the use of non reusable bags and Ireland has seen its consumption of single-use plastic bags decline due to the imposition of a tax of 15 centimes per unit. This phenomenon is not a quiet one, it has caught the attention of most of the developed and developing countries that show more and more their will to contribute. Even the developing and quite poor countries have raised their hands to be part of these global actions despite of their economic and social conditions. Indeed, a huge majority is aware about the fact that this pollution affects everyone and we must all act together. This global awareness raises efforts and results more quickly. For example, the case of India illustrates well this approach. In order to be part of the sustainable development, the Indian capital, Delhi, has also banned non reusable bags in the same way as France has did it. This measure became urgent for the country because 60% of the plastic waste present in the ocean are from India. However, implementation does not work as the authorities could expect despite of the proposed amendment regulations. Indeed, the street merchants do not seem informed! This phenomenon was predictable and, according to Michel Loubry, representative of PlasticsEurope, these banning measures are only an illusion, because they are hardly ever enforced.
To cope with the difficulties encountered during the implementation of this ban, other potential solutions are envisaged to face pollution. Innovation is at honor in India! Several examples emerge over time, such as the development of a process in order to convert non-reusable bags into fuel by a Bombay company called STEPS (Sustainable Technologies and Environmental Projects). This patented plastic recycling method makes it possible to transform non reusable bags, rubber or other organic waste into diesel, gas and carbon. This activity is also the accomplishment of the start-up company Neogi Technologies. They have succeeded in extracting one liter of fuel from one kg of plastic waste. This production therefore makes it possible to add a new source of renewable energy to the already existing list. Of course, this innovation is not immune to the world and especially Europe which hastens to order.
On the other hand, India has been talked about following the creation of plastic roads. This achievement was initiated by the engineer Rajagopalan Vasudevan nicknamed Plasticman. Indeed, he has developed a recipe with precise dosages and therefore sees in all the plastic waste mountains of resources for human activity. Another equally surprising invention is from the Indian entrepreneur Narayana Peesapaty who has developed edible cutlery to fight against plastic. Starting with spoons, the activity plans to extend to all dishes and tableware.All these innovations boost the economy of the country with an increasing number of workers and its GDP growth.
India has been recognized thanks to its creative spirit and its commitment to the fight against plastic. This example must influence our daily behaviors and habits. Every effort save a little the environment and the biodegradable and compostable bags are a first step to take. The choice is yours, let’s act !
Links :
https://vahinala.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/les-sacs-plastiques-un-vrai-fleau/
https://radiovl.fr/linde-interdit-plastique-capitale/
http://www.objetconnecte.net/routes-en-plastique-inde-1103/
http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2017/03/13/2534759-des-sacs-made-in-tarn.html
http://citizenpost.fr/2016/03/inde-couverts-comestibles-a-conquete-monde/
