Did you know that almost 80% of marine debris is made up of plastic waste? While the entirety of the world population is guilty of contributing to this staggering reality, only a fraction of initiatives is currently underway to combat plastic contamination. However, looking at the present-day scenario, it doesn’t look like much is being done in reality; although severe concerns are being raised by planet activists on a regular basis. 

It’s known to all that 97% of Earth is made up of oceans, and most of the largest rivers are connected to the ocean bodies. The Brahmaputra river in Assam also eventually finds its way to the Bay of Bengal after meeting the holy Ganges in the Sundarban delta (also known for being the largest delta in the world). This explains how the majority of our plastic waste ends up in ocean bodies. 

Not only does plastic contamination of oceans affect marine lives, it also disrupts the ecological balance of Earth. It is also one of the largest contributors to climate change and carbon footprint around the globe.

Understanding everyday plastic usage

Nearly 50% of plastic waste contaminating water bodies and filling up landfills constitute single-use plastic items, which get quickly discarded right after consumption. Some of the most commonly available plastic commodities include -

• Water bottles

• One-time plastic bags

• Plastic spoons, cups & straws

• Food wrappers

• Female hygiene products (pads, tampons)

• Earbuds

It was in the late 1960s when plastic pollution was first noticed by scientists carrying out plankton studies in the ocean. Growing concern around plastic pollution has definitely raised many eyebrows over the decades; with the latest concern directly linked to climate change. However, the stats related to plastic consumption do not seem like we are taking plastic pollution seriously. From an annual worldwide plastic production of 1.5 million metric tonnes in the 1950s to 359 million metric tonnes of production by 2018 (source: PlasticsEurope trade association), the global plastic industry grew more than 200x bigger! 

From grocery shopping to online delivery of food and consumer products, plastic packaging takes up a prominent spotlight of the whole experience. Admittedly, there are a couple of organisations investing in planet-friendly packaging initiatives, but the larger part of our daily usage still heavily depends on plastic products. For instance, the very first thing we use in the morning is the toothbrush (made of plastic) & toothpaste (comes in a plastic tube). Now think about the rest of the products we use on a daily basis and check for yourself how much dependent we are on plastic. 

Combating plastic contamination in Assam

Phasing out of single-use plastics in Assam has been recently approved by the Assam Cabinet in February 2022, which was chaired by Assam Chief Minister, HImanta Biswa Sarma. 

Meanwhile, regular cleanup drives are being taken up from time to time by volunteers and organisations working toward reducing carbon footprint through proper plastic waste management. Several eco-friendly initiatives have also taken shape in Assam, some of which are as follows -

• India’s first biodegradable plastic has been developed by IIT Guwahati’s Centre of Excellence-Sustainable Polymers. 

• Assam-based entrepreneur, Dhritiman Bohra manufactures organic bamboo bottles to replace plastic bottles and fight the menace caused by plastic pollution. 

• Assam-based Akshar Foundation has merged education and plastic waste management together under an innovative model where students bring in plastic waste as ‘school fee’ where it gets recycled. 

• Village Weaves is an enterprise started by Rupjyoti Saikia Gogoi, which engages the women community in converting plastic packets into home decor and utility items.

There are many more instances of organisations and activists working in this field to reduce plastic waste. However, serious innovations and mainstream measures are needed in this sector to amp up the progress. To speak of a few initiatives that can be prioritised are -

1. Set up recycling centres in every locality per district and sensitise the public to drop discarded plastic items there. 

2. Educate households to separate dry and wet waste before taking the trash out and label them appropriately for easy waste segregation.

3. Cleanliness drives across all localities and river banks on a weekly basis by volunteers, activists, students, etc. 

4. Make eco-friendly packaging a mandate at restaurants, grocery stores, and vegetable markets. 

5. Practice a minimalist way of living at an individual level to consciously reduce plastic utility and contribute toward generating market demand for eco-friendly commodities. 

The road to a zero-waste reality is definitely long. To be honest, it may not even be possible in our lifetime. However, if we do not take all possible steps towards reducing plastic waste right at this very moment, the future for our upcoming generations can become downright catastrophic. 

If you’re someone who is interested in making a difference in tackling plastic contamination, you can start by learning about the impact of plastic waste on marine life and its effect on Earth’s ecosystem. You can find several groups and organisations in your area who are working in this sector and join them as a volunteer to serve the cause. The possibilities are endless if we really put our heads to it. The question is, are you willing to make the effort?