Published in Dwarka Express on 9.9.23

The courier boy delivered by cheque book and I was delighted to receive as mine was a long wait. But my momentary pleasure vanished when I found the plastic cover which brought the same. Earlier an email came that the cheque book will be delivered in 15 days. Below the signature line of the Bank, it was written, “Use email, do not waste paper and be instrumental in cutting millions of trees”. The same bank has now sent the cheque book in a plastic cover. Interesting thing is that the plastic cover is not reusable. It had to be torn open for the obvious security purpose. Amazon or flip cart delivers any item in a well packed material. Thermokol inner liners are again covered by plastic glass covers, then card board and again plastic upper cover. Next day morning all packing materials go to dry waste chambers from where they are lifted by segregating agencies. We are all party to these. About 2 decades back, we did not have such a huge generation of plastic.

The question arises whether we can completely shun away the plastic. There is no answer indeed because the world has not evolved any alternate to the changed lifestyle. PLASTIC HAS BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR LIFE. First let us admit that. I therefore confidently say, “Plastic per se is not our alien”. If we say like this, many will be surprised! But let us admit this bitter truth. But obviously it is a threat to mankind. Landfills are losing their carrying capacity. With the ever-growing population, our land use and living space become narrower, resulting in less space for garbage dumping. The Corporations, Municipalities, town and village panchayats are becoming handicapped to handle the garbage generated. On the one side corruption plays a major role, but on the other hand the genuine officials also struggle to show effective results. There is rarely a city without plastic dumping in unauthorized dumpling spots. 

For instance, make a mini travel inside your house, and start with your bathroom, to take stock of plastic there. Right from a tooth paste and brush, everything is plastic. Your comb, cosmetic wrappers, perfume bottle, sanitizer, napkins, Handwash bottle, shampoo bottle, razor handle, Shaving cream tube, Soap box, bucket, mug, stool, toilet cleaner, closet lid, exhaust fan and the items are endless. You all use it. When I say YOU, I include myself also.  And we come out and cry loud, “Say NO to plastic”. Is it not hypocrisy? Don’t just stop at bathroom. You make a travel around your house. I recently listed about 100 plus items in my entire flat. Besides, use and throw refills, plastic from toilet to dining table pose a big question mark whether we can throw these items forthwith. The answer is a big NO.

Well, our debate will continue in the next issues also. We look for a healthy debate and look for your reactions. And the best suggestions will be published