Plastic Pollution: A Ground Reality

How did plastic become part of our everyday lives?

Today, if we look around our daily lives, we see plastic everywhere. From vegetables and grocery shopping to food packaging, plastic has become a part of our routine. The main reasons for using plastic bags are that they are lightweight, inexpensive, durable, and convenient. But the real question is that the thing (Plastic bag) we use for a short time only, do we accept the responsibility of the environmental problems, caused by it?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 430 million tonnes of plastic is produced each year globally. The major part includes single-use plastic and short-lived products.

It’s easy to talk about reducing plastic usage, but taking action requires us to rethink our habits and routines and make changes to our daily activities. I think the solution to plastic pollution is not just about enforcement or bans, but also about spreading awareness among the public about its causes and providing them with better and cheaper alternatives.

Plastic bags thinner than 75 microns are banned across Punjab in terms of their manufacture, sale, and use (Punjab Single-Use Plastic Products Regulations 2023).

Ground Reality: Lessons from a community awareness activity

During the CM Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program, I got a chance to do activities within the community. In those activities, one of the important steps was to explain the disadvantages of plastic bags and encourage shopkeepers to reduce their use.

I visited different shops, had conversations with the shopkeepers, and tried to explain to them that the daily use of plastic bags may seem minor, but when this practice is repeated on a wider scale, it becomes a serious issue.

This experience helped me understand that environmental awareness should not be limited to just lectures or social media. The real change starts when we personally go to people, listen to them, and explain the problems related to our daily habits.

Why is reducing plastic use difficult for shopkeepers?

When we discuss or explain the reduction in plastic use, we can’t ignore the practical needs of the shopkeepers. It is a part of their routine work to provide the required items to customers and care about their convenience. Plastic bags are lightweight, easily accessible, and can be used to carry a variety of items.

In contrast, paper bags, cloth bags, and other alternatives are not available everywhere. Some alternatives can become an extra expense for the shopkeepers, making them difficult to adopt. If customers do not bring their own bags, then it can become difficult for shopkeepers to go for other solutions at that time.

On the other hand, the behaviour of customers is also a barrier. When people have been using plastic bags for free for years and have become used to them, it’s not easy to expect them to change their habits immediately. That’s why, to reduce plastic bag usage, the public also has to play its role alongside shopkeepers.

UNDP Pakistan’s research highlights the fact that a ban on single-use plastic is not enough. For better results, public participation, the availability of alternatives, and changes in consumption habits are also important.

Beyond convenience: How can we change our habits?

I think every person has to play a role, even if it's small steps, according to their ability and convenience. First, we should make it a habit to carry a cloth bag when going to the bazaar. If a bag is reused, then the need for a new one (plastic bag) will be reduced. Second, the shopkeepers should encourage customers to bring their own bags. For this, an awareness message can be displayed in every shop. Third, there should be awareness activities in schools, local communities, and educational institutions. Just explaining the disadvantages of plastics is not enough. It is important to tell people how they can minimise their use of plastic.

Also, we should pay attention to providing alternative bags and ensuring their availability. When environmentally friendly options are easily available, it will become possible to adopt them.

A 2023 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) identifies reuse, recycling, and sustainable alternatives as key strategies for reducing plastic pollution. It emphasises that lasting progress requires changes in consumption habits, product design, and waste-management systems.

Plastic Pollution: What is our shared responsibility?

The 2023 report of the World Bank declares that plastic waste in the Indus River Basin of Pakistan is a significant challenge to water quality, ecological health, and environmental sustainability.

The misuse and overuse of single-use plastic and its improper disposal affect drainage and water systems. Plastic waste can cause blockages in drainage systems. When it keeps piling up, it creates additional problems for cleaning and waste management.

But the responsibility for this issue can’t be placed solely on the government, institutions, or shopkeepers. As consumers, our decisions are also important. If we use our own bags every time rather than using plastic bags, we can bring positive and meaningful changes in our daily lives and the environment.

Beyond Restrictions: Changing Mindsets, One Step at a time

According to my experience, the plastic problem is not just an environmental issue, but is also related to our routines, convenience, and collective responsibility. The laws and policies are important for reducing plastic use, but to make them successful, public cooperation and practical alternatives are also important.

We should make shopkeepers a part of the change, instead of just making them abide by the ban. Similarly, customers should also give importance to protecting the environment, according to their convenience.

My message is clear: We should start the change, instead of waiting for the change. Next time, when you go to the bazaar, keep your reusable bag with you. One bag may not change the world, but when thousands of people change their habits, they can create a meaningful impact.

Environmental protection is not a one-day activity; it is about the small decisions we make every day.