Photo Credit: Lucien Wanda.
Plastic pollution has become a ubiquitous problem, and India, as the third largest producer of single-use plastic (SUP) waste, faces significant challenges in managing this issue. The journey of a plastic product, from creation to disposal, reveals the complexities of the chemistry involved and the environmental impact it generates. This article delves into the lifecycle of plastic products, the inherent chemical properties that exacerbate pollution, and the grassroots efforts in India working towards a solution.
The journey of plastic begins with its production, primarily from petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels. The most common types of plastics, including polyethene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethene terephthalate (PET), are created by joining small molecules together into long chains through chemical reactions called polymerization reactions. For instance, ethylene molecules (C2H4) are polymerized to form long polyethene chains, a process driven by catalysts and high temperatures.
These energy-intensive polymerization processes emit significant amounts of CO2, contributing to the industry’s carbon footprint. The resultant plastic pellets are then transported to manufacturing facilities, where they are moulded into various products, from packaging materials to household items.
Once produced, these plastic items enter the consumer market. Single-use plastics, by definition, are designed for one-time use and then discarded. Examples include plastic bags, straws, cutlery, and packaging materials. Their convenience and low cost make them highly prevalent, but these same properties lead to widespread disposal and environmental contamination.
The end-of-life phase of plastic products is where the problem intensifies. Ideally, plastic waste should be collected and recycled, but in India, the reality could be better. Approximately 85% of plastic waste is mismanaged, ending up in landfills, waterways, or being incinerated. The chemistry of plastics plays a crucial role here:
Non-Biodegradability: Plastics like PE and PET resist natural degradation due to their stable carbon-carbon bonds. This non-biodegradability means plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Fragmentation: Instead of biodegrading, plastics break down into smaller pieces called microplastics. These microplastics are ubiquitous in soil, water, and air and pose significant risks to marine life and human health.
While beneficial for durability and flexibility, plastics’ chemical stability is a double-edged sword. The strong covalent bonds in the polymer chains make them resistant to degradation. Additives that enhance plastic properties, such as plasticizers, stabilizers, and colourants, further complicate the recycling process.
Recycling itself is a chemically challenging process. Mechanical recycling involves melting and remoulding, which can degrade the material’s quality. Chemical recycling, which breaks down polymers into monomers or other chemicals, requires advanced technology and significant energy input, making it less economically viable.
Despite these challenges, various grassroots initiatives in India are making commendable efforts to combat plastic pollution. Local movements and innovative reuse systems are emerging as powerful tools in this fight. In many Indian cities, particularly in the street food sector, vendors are shifting from disposable plastics to reusable alternatives. Stainless steel plates, cups, and cutlery are being reintroduced, significantly reducing the dependency on single-use plastics.
Cities like Indore, known for their cleanliness, have implemented stringent measures to reduce plastic use. Public awareness campaigns and community involvement play a pivotal role in these successes. For example, the “Plastic Free” campaign in Kerala sees communities and businesses come together to eliminate single-use plastics for a month, raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
To effectively tackle the SUP crisis, India needs to broaden the scope of its ban to include more types of plastics, especially those used in packaging. Incentivizing the development and adoption of alternatives is crucial. Government subsidies and support for startups focusing on biodegradable and reusable products can drive innovation and make sustainable options more accessible.
Improving waste management infrastructure is equally important. Investments in advanced recycling technologies and efficient waste collection systems can significantly reduce the amount of plastic in landfills and the environment. Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society are essential to create a robust waste management ecosystem.
India’s struggle with single-use plastics is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Understanding the lifecycle and chemistry of plastics highlights the challenges and underscores the need for innovative solutions. India can make significant strides towards a plastic-free future by expanding bans, incentivizing alternatives, and improving waste management.
Grassroots initiatives and local movements provide hope and demonstrate that collective action can drive meaningful change. As consumers, policymakers, and industry leaders, we all have a role to play in this transition. By making conscious choices in our daily lives and supporting sustainable practices, we can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. The fight against plastic pollution is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create a sustainable future for future generations.
Citations:
[1]https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-battle-against-single-use-plastics
[2] https://pwonlyias.com/current-affairs/single-use-plastic-crisis/
[3]https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/ahead-of-un-meet-india-chooses-to-regulate-not-ban-single-use-plastic/article68088091.ece
[4] https://www.sriramsias.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/single-use-plastics-in-india/
[5] https://www.shankariasparliament.com/current-affairs/single-use-plastic
