With a fresh vow to save the earth and continue to raise awareness about its environment, the World Earth Day 2024 was observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe. The theme for the Earth Day 2024, this year was “Planet vs. Plastics”.
Earth Day Org has announced a global campaign to demand a 60pc reduction in plastic production by 2040, aiming to build a plastic-free future. Curtailing the estimated 400 million metric tonnes of waste produced every year is a crucial part of efforts to protect biodiversity, with microplastics found everywhere from the mountainous Himalayas to staple foods and even human blood, according to media reports.
With rapid growth and urbanisation, Bangladesh faced a sharp increase in both plastic use and pollution. However, it is a worldwide issue that impacts every nation, group, and individuals. The widespread use and mismanagement of single-use plastic products are destabilising ecosystem.
Globally, over the past 70 years, multipurpose and uncontrolled use of plastics, especially over-production of single-use plastic, its widespread use and mismanagement are causing waterlogging and destabilising ecosystems ranging from fertile agricultural land to waterbodies.
The government as well as businessmen, consumers and all concerned should take a concerted initiative to check plastic pollution in the country.
There is no alternative to pollution-free and natural environment for the existence of mankind and the entire living thing in the world. But we are constantly polluting the environment in various man-made ways.
We think the Earth Day observed yesterday was a powerful expression of global solidarity and concern for the environment. This year World Earth Day again reminded us about the adverse impact on climate change and pollutions caused by plastic and various other wastes.
400 million metric tonnes
of waste produced every year
Experts repeatedly urged the government to impose an immediate nationwide ban on single-use plastic with strict enforcement as plastic pollution is a vital problem for both humanity and the environment.
Reducing plastic pollution requires collaboration between the government and the public, eventually leading to a global agreement.
It is quite alarming that Bangladesh is one of the most plastic-polluted nations in South Asia. The government must put a stop to the use of polythene bags.
Despite government’s efforts, plastic pollution remains a perilous problem. Each person therefore has to be environmentally conscious to combat the plastic pollution.
Small actions, like reducing single-use plastics, using alternative products, and choosing to refill, can collectively result in substantial changes. Our rivers are a representation of our country’s scenic beauty since it is a riverine country. However, plastic pollution mostly contaminates these rivers.
We need to stop plastic pollution at the source and properly segregate our waste at the source. However, Bangladesh banned plastic bags two decades ago, but non-biodegradable items are still found in kitchens, public spaces, and upscale retail centers.
Polythene bags are still being made, bought, and used in Bangladesh despite being banned in 2002. The authorities concerned has been sluggish in implementing this law strictly.
Plastic waste is present in even in the most isolated areas of our planet, suffocating marine life and littering beaches. From marine fish to other marine animals, livestock and humans, the micro-plastics are entering through the food chain.
As a result, the number of marine animals is decreasing and various living creatures, including human, are suffering from cancer and various chronic diseases. Now is the right time to reduce the production and use of plastics and develop viable alternatives to plastics. We think sustainable management of plastic will be crucial for Bangladesh to tackle the increasing plastic pollution and ensure green growth.