The Odisha government has decided to ban the use of plastic in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur and Sambalpur municipal corporations and Puri town limits from October 2 this year. It is proposed that the use of plastic will be banned across the state in the next two years. A beginning is being made with the six major cities.
In this context, Orissa POST asked a few women about how they plan to help in this fight against plastic.
“We are addicted to using plastic. It’s very difficult to eliminate plastic use in our daily life. However, I will try to avoid the use of plastic bags. A single plastic bag can take a thousand years to degrade. I carry my own cotton or jute bags to buy groceries. I have stopped using plastic straws in restaurants if I order juice or green coconut,’’ said Megha, a homemaker of Rourkela.
Pragyan, a homemaker from Berhampur, said, “I buy provisions in cardboard boxes instead of plastic packets. Products like laundry detergent or biscuits come in cardboard boxes which are easily recycled. I carry my own containers to buy cereals, sugar, rice and so on from bulk bins. I prepare fresh juice from oranges and lemons instead of buying juice packaged in tetra-packs or plastic bottles. It’s healthier and better for the environment and saves hard-earned money.”
Working woman Poonam of Bhubaneswar, said, “I carry my own container to a restaurant for a doggy-bag since many restaurants use polythene bags for packaging. I avoid frozen foods because they are packaged mostly in plastic. Those that appear to be packaged in cardboard are coated with a thin plastic layer. I may not abandon plastic altogether in my home, but I am trying my best to avoid plastic use wherever I can.”
Sunita Sahoo, a social activist of Cuttack, said, “It’s not difficult to abandon plastic. Unless we reduce plastic use in our homes, the government’s mission will not be very successful. I don’t use plasticware at home and I urge all restaurateurs not to pack take-out food in plastic laminated boxes. I advise the local grocer to take back plastic containers in which he supplies fruits and vegetables. It’s better not to use disposable diapers for babies as cloth diapers reduce your baby’s carbon footprint and save your money. Although the state government is trying to make Odisha plastic-free, we should also suggest ideas to eliminate plastic in our daily life.”
SOYONG,OP