Indian politicians have been speaking out against the use of plastic for many years – it is damaging the environment, as well as killing wildlife. Even the Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for plastic pollution to be tackled urgently at the World Environment Day. This January the state of Tamil Nadu has banned the use of single use plastic items, such as non-biodegradable bags. The rest of the country plans to follow this by 2022. This is a small step on the road to becoming a plastic-free country. Here are three other ways you can stop using plastic at home.
Using a water filter
Plastic is not only destroying the environment, but it is also damaging to our own health. Research by the State University of New York found that 90% of bottled water contained tiny microparticles of plastic. This included samples taken from 19 Indian locations including Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. The Indian brand Bisleri was also tested and found to have 5,000 particles of plastic for every litre of water. The long-term effects on our health and wellbeing are yet to be seen. Instead of using bottled water, invest in a sink water filter instead. They have a lifespan of 2,000 gallons before they need to be replaced. It is a simple and eco-friendly way of no longer using plastic bottles. If there is no demand, then the manufacturers will stop using plastic.
Use glass storage
Many of us use plastic boxes to store food in the kitchen. Many of these contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is not only toxic, but the manufacturing process also causes damage to the environment. It has also been linked with certain types of cancer as well as birth defects. The chemicals that are dispensed in the use of PVC are contaminating the water sources in India and the soil. The Department of Housing and Environment has said that PVC products are also blocking drains and gutters, causing serious pollution.
Instead of purchasing PVC and other plastic food storage items, store your food in glass jars and containers. It will still retain its freshness and won’t cause any hazard to your health. Glass is reusable and can easily be cleaned. Even more importantly, it doesn’t harm the environment.
Avoid food packaging
One of the biggest plastic culprits of single-use plastic is food packaging. New regulations from the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) are making food companies accountable for the materials and products they are using when manufacturing packaging. In the meantime it is down to us to avoid buying food from supermarkets that has excess plastic packaging. Bring your own baskets to carry fruits and vegetables instead.
Stopping using plastic at home is a small step to helping the environment. You can show manufacturers that there is no need for products that pollute the water and earth. We can then start to repair the damage that plastic has caused to India and its precious wildlife.