Single-Use Plastic: History, Human Concern, Ban, Enforcement & UPSC Notes

Single-use plastic (SUP) Single-use plastic or disposable plastic--Refers to any plastic created to be discarded after one use, before eventually being buried or incinerated. Products that include plastic bags, straws, bottles, packaging materials, and cutlery can be considered in this category. Because of their cheap prices, convenience, availability and ease of accessibility, they have made themselves very profoundly rooted in everyday life. However, their lack of longevity and extended footprint in the world environment have caused a worldwide sustainability crisis.

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Single-use plastic is relevant for GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology, Pollution, Waste Management) under Environment and Ecology. It links to sustainable development, climate change, government policies, and international environmental commitments. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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What is Single-Use Plastic?

Single-use plastic refers to items made of plastic designed for one-time use and then thrown away. These include plastic bags, straws, food packaging, disposable cutlery, and plates. Single-use plastic has become a part of our everyday lives, but it poses a significant environmental threat.

About Single-Use Plastic

PET-based plastics come primarily from single-use plastics, which are petrochemical-based -meaning, they are made out of crude oil and natural gas (petroleum). Such products can be discussed as being lightweight, durable, and cheap; however, at the same time, they are more problematic to dispose of since they are non-biodegradable. Approximately half of the plastic manufactured across the globe is single-use, making it disproportionately contribute to plastic trash. Despite its relative usefulness, it takes centuries to decompose.

Examples include:

• Shopping bags and carry bags
• Plastic bottles, sachets
• Single-use tableware, dishes, and mugs
• Packaging and food wrappers
• Straws, earbuds whose sticks are made of plastic, and cigarette packets

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History of Plastic

• 1907: Bakelite, the world's first synthetic plastic, was invented, marking the beginning of the "plastic age.”
• 1940s–50s: Rapid expansion of plastic use during World War II and post-war consumer culture.
• 1950s onwards: Introduction of polyethene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which were widely used in packaging.
• Late 20th century: Disposable culture took root, with single-use plastics becoming dominant due to convenience and affordability.
• 21st century: Rising global concern over plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, prompting bans and international campaigns.

Plastic Related Problem

• Environmental Persistence: It takes hundreds of years before plastics are broken down.
• Ocean Pollution: More than 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans yearly and create huge plastic islands, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
• Wildlife Threats: Plastic is consumed or clogs up the animals, causing further harm and loss.
• Waste Management Problems: Poor recycling systems, free dumps, and waste landfilling exist.
• Air & Water Pollution: Burning plastic creates toxic gases; microplastics pollute freshwater and ocean life.

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Cause of Human Concern

• Health Risks: The microplastics and additives, such as phthalates, BPA, heavy metals, and so on, leech into food and beverages, causing hormonal imbalances, cancers, and other diseases.
• Plastic in the Food Chain Contamination: Once ingested by maritime and terrestrial animals, they will find their way to the human body through seafood and farm foods.
• Economic Costs: Destruction to fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and health costs billions of dollars worldwide.
• Climate Change: The production of plastic is intensive by fossil fuels to an extent of around 34% humanity's greenhouse gas emissions.

Single-use Plastics Pollution

• Levels of Pollution: An estimated 300 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year, at least 50 per cent of this being single-use.
• Marine Impact: UNEP states that 80 per cent of all marine litter is plastic. The most prevalent beach pollutants are SUPs.
• Microplastic: This is a small plastic that gets into the land, rivers, and oceans and causes harm to both biodiversity and human health. Status in India: India can produce around 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and single-use products comprise a substantial part of the total.

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Ban on Single-Use Plastic

Global Efforts:

• In 2021, the European Union prohibited some SUP products (plates, straws, cutlery).
• Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have one of the strongest bans on plastic bags globally.

India's Steps:

• India is committed to hashing out SUPs under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 (amended 2021).
• Since July 1, 2022, India has prohibited the manufacturing, importation, storage, distribution, sale, and use of identified SUP products, such as straws, cutlery, earbuds, and cigarette packets.
• In India, single-use plastics will also be banned by 2022, and this decision corresponds to the UN Environment Assembly resolution.

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Enforcement of the Ban

• • Legislation & Monitoring: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) monitor that the ban has been followed.
  • Enforcement: Suppression of the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of prohibited SUPs.
  • Awareness Raising Initiatives: A public awareness program for implementing alternatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Plastic Waste Free India.
  • Advertisement of Alternatives: Advertisement of goods that biodegrade, compostable and reusable products like cloth bags, paper packaging and bamboo-based cutlery.

• Enforcement difficulties:

• The inability to find alternative, cheap solutions for small vendors.
• Rural and informal markets have weak monitoring.
• Industrial opposition to the cheap plastics industry.

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Conclusion

Indeed, single-use plastics have made life in the modern world more convenient, but at an environmentally unsustainable and unhealthy cost. Most countries around the globe, including India, are taking the route of stricter bans and green alternatives. Nevertheless, good enforcement, innovations in sustainable materials, behavioural change, and international cooperation are key to access. This is the only way to preserve ecosystems, human health, and future generations through reduced reliance on plastics and adoption of circular economies.

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