If India had to have a new national symbol; it could well be the plastic bag. There are more plastic covers visible than all the peacocks, tigers, lotus flowers and the national flag put together. Its presence is announced in all our water bodies and even in our forests. It heralds us from trees and hedges. It beckons us from telephone lines and electric poles. It is here, there and just about everywhere. the same font as others.

Who Uses It? Why And How?

These bags are low priced and all shopkeepers are generous to give them free with purchases. Individuals on their part do not think twice about demanding a bag whether it is to carry a single loaf of bread of even a packet of biscuits. It is also widely used to dispose garbage.

Who/What Is Affected ?

• Our soil: Nature cannot degrade plastic. It stays in the soil forever seriously affecting permeation of water and soil aeration. Further chemicals from these products leach into the soil causing added harm.

• Our air: Mixed plastic waste including PVC is often burnt in garbage dumps and agricultural fields. This causes the release of dioxins, which are carcinogenic and extremely harmful to health.

• Our water: Rivers, lakes and other water bodies all have plastic floating on the surface today. The presence of plastic seriously affects the quality of water and is very often responsible for the death of fish that nibble on the plastic.

• Animals: Many species of mammals, birds and fish ingest plastic fragments and are thus killed.

In addition plastic bags are notoriously famous for blocking drains and causing floods during the rains. They are responsible for the spread of diseases, as the water, which collects in these bags, is known to serve as breeding place for mosquitoes and other germs.

What We Can Do ?

• Always look for alternatives
• Definitely refuse plastic covers for carrying groceries
• Opt for cloth bags instead
• Garbage can be put directly into bins