Pollution from plastic waste and proper waste management

Rephrased Version:

Plastic pollution is an escalating environmental crisis that demands our continued attention. The sheer amount of plastic waste and litter surrounding us is alarming, yet many remain indifferent. Our cities, towns, and marketplaces are increasingly turning into wastelands, making them unlivable. Even suburban areas and small communities are suffering due to this growing problem.

Reports indicate that Bangladesh generates approximately 800,000 tons of plastic waste annually. In Dhaka alone, a staggering 14 million polythene bags are used daily, not to mention the widespread usage across the country. A significant portion of this waste remains uncollected, ending up in landfills, streets, water bodies, and ultimately the ocean. According to a UN report, Bangladesh ranks sixth globally in plastic pollution through its rivers and canals. Furthermore, the Bay of Bengal is projected to receive five times more plastic waste in 2025 compared to 2010.

The country produces around 25,000 tons of waste daily, much of which remains unmanaged. Bangladesh is among the top nations struggling with plastic waste mismanagement. The excessive use of thin polythene bags, single-use plastics, and food wrappers is worsening environmental degradation. Plastic waste clogs drainage systems, reduces soil fertility, disrupts ecosystems, and pollutes rivers and oceans. Shockingly, microplastics are now infiltrating our food and bodies, posing serious health risks. The impact of plastic pollution is multi-dimensional, affecting both human life and the environment.

Bangladesh made history in 2002 as the first country to ban polythene bags, and recently, the ban has been reinforced. However, due to the lack of practical alternatives, its implementation has been ineffective. Additionally, the country has introduced an ambitious National Action Plan for Sustainable Plastic Management, aiming to recycle 50% of plastics by 2025 and reduce single-use plastics by 90% by 2026. While this initiative sounds promising, the reality on the ground tells a different story. People continue to use plastic bags for convenience, yet fail to dispose of them responsibly. Unlike biodegradable waste, plastic persists in the environment for years. The real issue is not just inadequate waste management or recycling systems but rather our careless attitude towards plastic disposal. We thoughtlessly discard plastic items without considering the consequences, which is deeply concerning.

To mitigate this crisis, individuals must take responsibility. Until every city and town has a proper plastic waste management system, we can at least segregate our plastic waste and hand it over to local collectors once a week. This simple step can prevent plastic from littering our surroundings and polluting nature.

Raising mass awareness across the country is crucial to improving plastic literacy and promoting responsible usage. Corporations and non-governmental organizations should play an active role in addressing this issue. If each person becomes more conscious and takes individual responsibility, a significant portion of the problem can be resolved. By working together, we can keep our environment clean and ensure a healthier future for all.