There is absolutely no doubt in the harm that is being caused by the use of single-use plastics in the global food industry.The increasing reliance of their use has caused a huge challenge for everyone who is trying to manage and reduce environment pollution.There are serveral reasons due to which this issue has not been solved till date.All of this can be managed if government and individuals play an active part in taking measures to solve this crisis.
In order to solve this problem we must look at the core factors of this dependecy.One reason is the cost-effectiveness of these plastic packagings.Even though strict regulations are there, and even mild awareness exists, a simple fact cannot be denied that these packagings are extremely cost-effective as compared to other ones.Glass packagings or even wooden ones can not be produced at such a mass scale or have such level of production cost. Moreover, it is a fact that recycling them is much easier as compared to other products.The process of recycling plastic is cheaper,easier and more efficient as compared to that of other materials.
This is indeed a very pressing matter but proper steps from goverment and individuals can really help in mitigating this issue. As a first step goverment should deploy plastic bins in all rural and urban areas with symbols on them. Awareness should be given to the public regarding these trashbins so that they know their importance and role in the community, in order to manage environment pollutions. Heavy fines must be imposed on any member of the society if they throw these plastic waste into any place other then the trash bins.
Furthermore, individuals need to be responsible themselves. A thought needs to be integrated in their minds that their act of negligance can prove to be fatal for others around them. Steps could be taken by them to reduce the need of such mass production of single-use plastics. For example instead of getting food delivered in plastic containers or bottles, they could give the food outlet their own containers and bottles. A simple step like this could help revolutianise an entire industry.
In conclusion,it can be said that it would be a dream to think that singe-use plastic could be entirely removed or replaced in the upcoming future, but awareness made by the governement and resposnible habits of individuals can really help in managing environmental pollution.