‘Throwaway culture' & plastic dependency a growing concern

Time of India

3 days ago

Guwahati: "Beat Plastic Pollution" is the theme of World Environment Day this year, but the reality remains that life without plastic is nearly unimaginable. From the toothbrush to the mug and bucket in the bathroom to the dining table, people have become dependent on plastic products due to several factors, despite the adverse effects on health and the environment.
Historically, Assamese households relied on bell-metal dishes and bowls for daily use. While these traditional items are still in use, their prevalence has declined, replaced by steel and plastic alternatives.
Malati Kalita, a sexagenarian homemaker from Geetanagar in Guwahati, recalled how her childhood was free from plastic products. "We hardly used plastic products from 1960s to 80s. However, we saw the change in the market with the flooding of plastic products over the decades and, accordingly, the change in the lives of the people," she added.
The dependency on plastic products is primarily driven by their unique properties and economic advantages, she added.
A city-based environmentalist, on condition of anonymity, said, "This dependency is observed globally, and as highlighted in the prompt, it has significantly impacted traditional practices, particularly in regions like Assam. Plastic products are cost-effective, lightweight, and durable, which is why they have become a part and parcel of human life."
The rise of a "throwaway culture" has further fuelled plastic consumption, the environmentalist added. Single-use plastics — such as disposable cutlery, straws, bags, and food packaging — offer convenience, eliminating the need for reusable alternatives. "Moreover, plastic is indispensable for packaging due to its ability to preserve food, maintain hygiene, and extend shelf life. Rapid urbanisation and rising disposable incomes lead to increased demand for packaged products and convenience items, many of which are made from plastic," the environmentalist said.
Muskan Thapa, who advocates for minimal plastic use, said it is not possible to eliminate plastic products entirely from human life, but their use can be minimised. "Instead of buying plastic-packaged drinking water and discarding the bottle, we can carry a steel bottle," she added.
"Even polythene has replaced traditional bags for shopping. This has impacted both practical and environmental situations. Plastic waste pollutes the water bodies and poses threats to aquatic life as those products are non-biodegradable," she added. However, she believes responsible use of plastic products can help in protecting the environment and the lives of all living beings.