June 5 is World Environment Day
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | June 4
In the recently concluded Himalayan Cleanup across 12 mountain states, it was reported that an overwhelming 97% of the waste collected was plastic.
Around the world, the United Nations Environment Programme records that one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once – and then thrown away.
This year, the theme for World Environment Day 2018 is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’—a call for action to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time. “The use of plastic in our life is almost inevitable,” says Amba Jamir, Policy Analyst & Founder Secretary of the Sustainable Development Forum Nagaland (SDFN).
Stating that plastic components exist in a wide range of commodities from clothes to utilities to household goods, Jamir however maintains that “banning plastics is not the issue but how can we reduce its use therefore, is what we need to look into.”
Observing that single-use plastic items from shopping bags to plates, spoons, cups, bottles and packaging are amongst the biggest polluters, he emphasized that “this is something we can easily control if only we learn to refuse and reduce.”
Also referring to the 97% of plastic waste collected during the Himalayan Cleanup across 12 mountain states, he said that amongst these, “the worst culprits are multi-layered plastics in the form of chips, shampoo or gutka packets.”
“How we refuse the use of such items to reduce waste generation is the challenge each individual must take,” he stated.
Jamir further maintained that “adapting Zero Waste principles in our way of life and taking it further to our families and society is what Nagaland must focus on.” “It will save our resources, keep our surroundings clean and most importantly, ensure everyone a healthy environment,” he emphasized.
Environmentalist & Assistant Professor, Kamala Nehru College, Delhi, Dr. Robert Mizo meanwhile stated that beating plastic pollution should be a personal goal for each person, and an individual endeavor for the sake of the environment and the planet as a whole.
Pointing out that no amount of governmental policies will effectively make a difference unless people who create demand for plastic consciously choose to adapt to plastic-free lifestyles, he asserted that, “consumers have the power to drastically reduce plastic pollution by making small personal level changes in their day-to-day lives.
In fact, he went on to say that people as concerned citizens of the planet must demand from their lawmakers for stricter plastic regulation policies. He said that communities, churches, students and other civil society organizations have big responsibilities and the opportunities to contribute towards making a lasting impact towards beating plastic pollution. “The fight against plastic provides yet another platform to the youth to innovate and effect change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cyclist and eco-activist, Sievituo Solo called upon citizens to start carrying their own reusable jute bags to reduce the use of plastic. He further emphasized that “education on recycling recyclable materials should become our priority.”
