Plastic no bane: traders to campaign against ban in Delhi

Alongside the Delhi government’s anti-plastic campaign,plastic traders and manufacturers have set up a ‘Plastic Bag Awareness Forum’,which sports the tagline: “Save environment,use plastic”.

“We are launching a campaign to spread awareness on how plastic is actually environment-friendly. The problem is not the product but the ensuing litter. We are ready to provide volunteers who can work with the government on systematically organising plastic litter so it can be recycled. Paper bags end up harming the environment more than plastic bags. Manufacturing paper bags requires 40 per cent more energy,deforestation and potable water to make paper. Plastic,on the other hand,is recyclable and recoverable,while non-recyclable plastic can be used as fuel for energy production,” said PBAF convener Rajesh Mittal.

The Forum is,however,yet to place its proposals before the government. Meanwhile,the government has written to the Ministry of Environment and Forests for a ban on metallised plastic pouches. Minister of State for Environment Namo Narain Meena,while replying to a question in the Lok Sabha,said on Wednesday,“The government has sent a request for banning coloured,recycled plastic bags and multilayered and metallic pouches.”