Plastic was celebrated as something revolutionary, very light, durable and versatile. Our marks on the environment, though, have become the number one issue of concern in the past decades as one of the most acute ecological problems today. Whether it is plastic pollution in our oceans or microplastics in the food and in water, the plastic issue is prevalent, and the effects are threatening.

India, much like most of the rest of the world, has an uphill task to handle plastic wastes. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that India produces over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year and the amount of single-use plastics is quite substantial. Despite the government prohibiting some single-use products in 2022, the enforcement and options are still not standardized.
The oil that is more problematic is plastic itself because of the fact that it is not viable to decompose. A plastic bottle can decompose in 450 years and most of the plastics that have ever been manufactured are in some way found today. Moreover, the fact is that plastics are not always disposed properly so they usually end up in rivers and seas and become the deadly source of danger to marine life. Research indicates that more than 100,000 marine species have been killed annually every year as a result of entanglement in the plastic or ingestion.
It is not only visible waste, microplastics, small pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5mm, have been found in drinking water, sea salt, and even human blood. The particles find their way into the food chain as contaminated seafood and may lead to untold effects in the long term.
Do we do enough then? Well, the answer regrettably is no. Despite the progress in awareness and recycling activities, the main issues are organized as a system. In most regions, the urban infrastructure is unable to contain the amount of waste produced. Their lack of public involvement, particularly in segregation at the source is also very wide.
Nevertheless, all is not lost. Other entrepreneurs and inventors are working on the alternative in the form of a biodegradable substance, such as banana peels, algae, or cassava. The emergence of refillable product systems and plastic credits as well as local based clean up platforms demonstrates that change is not impossible- as long as it is long term and reinforced by policy.
The burden is collective- between the governments, industries and individuals. Whether it is bringing the reusable bags or pushing the policies that reduce the manufacture plastic, a single step will help reach the greater purpose. We need as citizens to transform ourselves out of convenience into consciousness.
The plastic issue may be solved. But the need is urgent, concerted and consistent. We have caused the crises; we have to be able to offer an answer as well.

Email;---------------------- apurba.e17565@cumail.in