World Environment Day 2023

"Culture, Traditions, and Plastic: Paving the Way for a Festively Green Future!"

                World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, is an occasion to raise global awareness and take positive action towards preserving our planet's natural resources. In 2023, World Environment Day focuses on the pressing issue of beating plastic pollution, while also considering the influence of culture, traditions, and hidden festivals and events that contribute to plastic waste. Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. To tackle this issue effectively, it is crucial to develop strategies that align with cultural practices and traditions. Recognizing the deep-rooted connection between communities and their customs, solutions should aim to blend environmental consciousness with cultural sensitivity.

One approach could involve promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items that are commonly used during cultural festivals and events. For instance, traditional food vendors could be encouraged to serve meals on eco-friendly plates made from banana leaves or biodegradable materials instead of plastic plates. Additionally, community-led initiatives can raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution during festivals and suggest alternative practices, such as using natural dyes for Holi celebrations or opting for traditional clothing made from organic fabrics.

Educational programs and workshops can play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable habits and inspiring behavioral changes within communities. By collaborating with local leaders, schools, and organizations, these initiatives can introduce the concept of plastic waste management and the importance of recycling and waste segregation. Such programs should incorporate cultural elements, showcasing how ancient traditions embraced sustainability and revered nature. Moreover, community-driven clean-up campaigns can unite people in their efforts to combat plastic pollution. 

Organizing art and craft workshops where participants can create decorative items, toys, or jewelry using recycled materials. This encourages creativity while promoting recycling and reducing plastic waste. Moreover, even highlighting the significance of traditional textiles made from natural fibers, such as cotton, silk, or jute stands vital. One could discourage the use of synthetic fabrics that contribute to microplastic pollution and support artisans and weavers who produce sustainable and culturally significant textiles.

World Environment Day 2023 presents an opportunity to address the complex issue of plastic pollution while respecting and incorporating cultural traditions. By promoting sustainable alternatives, raising awareness, and fostering community participation, we can make significant strides towards beating plastic pollution and creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all. 

Let us celebrate our heritage while embracing sustainable practices, preserving our planet for generations to come. 

Dr. Adinarayanane R , Associate Professor, Dept. of Planning, SPAV.

A UNEP study has identified the most prevalent types of single-use plastics in the environment, listed in descending order of frequency: cigarette butts, plastic drinking bottles, plastic bottle caps, food wrappers, plastic grocery bags, plastic lids, straws and stirrers, other types of plastic bags, and foam take-away containers. These plastics, before their introduction into soil, food chains, rivers, and seas, were discarded by end users without consideration for the potential consequences.

• The issue at hand is whether the root of the problem lies in plastic as a material or in our flawed waste management system or designed products?
• The world we live in the importance of plastics can’t be denied, the usage of plastics is most extensive and irreplaceable in biomedical science and daily usage.
• However, the environmental problem arises with unthoughtful usage and lack of sensitivity and responsibility of the user.

Innovation in Product design is needed:

All such packets one needs to cut and the small piece which is cut rarely goes to dustbin… so we can imagine on daily basis how many such small pieces of plastics doesn’t end up in dustbins and even tougher for collection, segregation or recycling.

These all company should adapt to such designs:

The caps should be attached with the rest of the body with string or any other method, so that after being used, caps shouldn’t be thrown separately.

These are just tentative designs and not  

World Environment Day 2023
 Theme: Ecosystem Restoration

#BeatPlasticPollution

Ar. Sukanya Sharma

Conservation Architect

Assistant Professor, School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada

Every year on June 5, the world comes together to mark World Environment Day, which provides an opportunity for promoting action on urgent environmental challenges. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while actively working towards a plastic-free world in 2023 is one option for making a real difference on this momentous occasion. Combining these two important activities can help protect our world’s resources and build a more sustainable future for future generations. An important global issue, plastic pollution now has a negative impact on ecosystems, animals, and human health. The initial step in addressing this issue is to reduce and eventually stop using plastic. Individuals, communities, and organizations can join together on World Environment Day 2023 to actively reduce their reliance on single-use plastics while discovering sustainable alternatives. Making changes involves increasing awareness of the adverse effects of plastic pollution. Campaigns and activities can be started in 2023 to raise awareness of World Environment Day while emphasizing the need of taking action. This may entail planning educational seminars, webinars, and awareness campaigns with the participation of students, teachers, and local government officials at schools, colleges, and community centres. 

Ideas to adopt:

In order to solve the rising plastic pollution issue, biodegradable plastics provide an alternative to conventional plastics. We can encourage the use of biodegradable plastic and reduce our reliance on conventional plastics by increasing awareness, supporting research and development, encouraging collaboration, and enacting beneficial rules and regulations. By embracing biodegradable plastic, we can move towards a more ecologically responsible and sustainable future where plastic waste decreases significantly and the health of our planet remains secure for future generations. We can all significantly improve the environment by concentrating on sustainable development goals and working towards a plastic-free world on World Environment Day 2023. 

To build a more sustainable future, promoting alternatives, making regulatory reforms, and encouraging community involvement are crucial. Together, let's work to make the world cleaner, greener, and healthier for both the current and next generations.

Reducing the Usage of LDPE Plastic in Educational Institutions

India, on its march towards becoming the VISWA GURU, has the largest numbers of engineers as well as the largest number of engineering education institutes and infrastructure in the world, with more than 3500 engineering colleges, 3400 polytechnics, and 200 design and architecture schools functioning in India.

Usage of LDPE Plastic sheets for the Cover of Thesis Reports, use of OHP sheets in the Thesis Reports, create a huge demand for LDPE Plastic. Alternately, Cloth binding or any other appropriate material for the Thesis Covers can greatly reduce the demand for such Low Density Poly Ethylene usage as part of higher education.

Reducing Usage of LDPE on covers of printed Books

Worldwide, huge numbers of books get printed. The Cover Pages of most of these books normally have a thin layer of LDPE, creating a huge demand for LDPE. With a view to reduce usage of LDPE at the source, suitable alternatives should be explored.

Reducing Usage of LDPE on packaging of FMCG

With its positive economic growth in recent years, India is witnessing a huge year-on-year increase in the consumption of Fast moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs). Most of these FMCGs are marketed with attractive package boxes, mostly lined with thin LDPE layer. These package boxes, eventually become waste, and take very long time for their natural decomposition, making the solid waste management very difficult. 

Therefore, suitable policies for the eco-friendly carton boxes would reduce the pollution levels due to LDPE usage.

World Environment Day2023 

Ar. Lakshmi Prasanna . p, Assistant professor, Dept. of Architecture, SPAV

World Environment Day serves as a reminder that the fate of our planet is in our hands. Plastic pollution is a critical environmental challenge causing harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Embracing bioplastics and alternatives is a crucial step toward reducing plastic pollution and creating a sustainable future.

Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources like plants, have a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics. They help mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on finite fossil fuels. Being made from renewable resources, such as corn starch or vegetable oils, bioplastics offer a more sustainable option.

Some bioplastics are designed to be biodegradable or compostable, breaking down naturally over time. This reduces plastic waste accumulation and prevents long-lasting pollution. By implementing effective waste management systems and promoting proper disposal, we can create a circular economy, minimizing waste generation and maximizing resource efficiency.

Supporting the development and adoption of bioplastics and alternatives is vital. It aligns with the goal of reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. However, responsible production and disposal practices must be considered to fully realize their environmental benefits.

Not only On World Environment Day, we have to recognize our responsibility to protect and conserve our environment. By embracing bioplastics and alternatives, we can make significant strides toward a plastic-free future. Through collective action, innovation, and sustainable practices, we can create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable planet for future generations.

Ar. Lakshmi Prasanna . p

                                                                   Assistant professor

                                                                   Department of Architecture

                                                                    SPAV

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, 2023

Deepthi Varghese, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture

Plastic is in everything we use and own. The reality of plastic pollution is that much of it is not even visible to the naked eye. Even as we predict a dawdling 8% reduction in the consumption of plastic by 2040, ‘micro plastics’ have infiltrated our soil, water and even our bodies. 

From its inception in 1973, World Environment Day has been celebrated every June 5^th and unfailingly upholds its role as a global platform to raise awareness on environmental challenges and to encourage public participation in mitigating these challenges. The theme of this ‘World Environment Day’ is a call to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ through accelerating solutions to plastic pollution. 

India has a long history of traditional practices that align with the principles of a circular economy, which aims to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency through reusability, and promote sustainable consumption and production. India's rich tradition of handicrafts embodies the principles of a circular economy by aiming to extend the life cycle of materials. Artisans often use recycled or up-cycled materials to create products. Repairing and repurposing items rather than discarding them is a traditional practice in many communities in India. For example, the "kabadiwala" system involves collecting and reselling recyclable materials like paper, plastic, and metal, giving them a second life. Drawing inspiration from Kintsugi, more so an embodiment of the Japanese way of life than an art form, a focus on repairing existing plastic products might indeed slow down consumption and critical requirement for production of new plastic products. Kintsugi in essence, extends the lifespan of broken pottery by repairing and reinforcing it. Instead of discarding the damaged item and acquiring a new one, kintsugi allows for the continued use and appreciation of the original object. By valuing and repairing items, kintsugi promotes a shift away from the throwaway culture and supports sustainable consumption.

Through embracing the repair of existing plastic products as an artistic endeavour we can challenge the notion of disposability and encourage a more sustainable mind-set. This can be approached through exploring options such as plastic mending techniques (using adhesives or 3D printing replacement parts), turning the repair into a creative patchwork such as in Kintsugi, functional up-cycling through transforming repaired plastic products, collaborating with the local community to raise awareness about repairing plastic waste through collaborative art projects. These approaches highlight the potential for creativity and artistic expression in repurposing and transforming existing plastic objects, turning them into unique and cherished artworks.

Written By-

Deepthi Varghese

Assistant Professor

Department of Architecture

AWARENESS, POLICY MAKING AND INCENTIVIZATION ON UPCYCLING

Environmental Day, also known as World Environment Day, is observed on June 5th each year. It is a global initiative that promotes environmental conservation and sustainability by raising awareness and encouraging action. The United Nations General Assembly created the day in 1972 to commemorate the start of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The purpose of World Environment Day is to provide a forum for promoting environmental initiatives and actions among people, communities, organisations, and governments. Every year, a particular theme is chosen for the day in order to draw attention to a crucial environmental issue. Air pollution, plastic pollution, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable consumption have all been themes in the past.

Plastic Pollution:

We humans are becoming more environmentally responsible in this decade because we have begun to value and comprehend the importance of the environment to our survival. This raises our awareness of carbon emissions, GHG emissions, plastic pollution, and energy saving, among other things. Though we strive diligently to address the aforementioned environmental difficulties, we also face new challenges. 

We are making more imaginative and continuous efforts to eliminate plastic pollution. REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE, for example.Our administration has now developed good policies, waste management governance, and an excellent implementation team on the ground. Even so, we were unable to develop effective mitigation plans because 20% of garbage is unaccounted for and only 80% is recycled. We have implemented novel mitigation measures like,

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - The Plastic Waste Management Rules include the concept of EPR, which holds producers responsible for the management of their products' waste. Producers are required to establish collection systems, set up recycling facilities, and ensure proper disposal of plastic waste generated from their products.

Ban on Single-Use Plastics - To reduce plastic waste generation, several states and cities in India have implemented bans on single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, cups, plates, and cutlery. However, the implementation and enforcement of these bans vary across different regions.

Though the eradication is again a question. I see UPCYCLING (the process of transforming or repurposing discarded or unwanted materials or products into new and higher-value items. It involves taking waste materials and creatively reimagining them to give them a new purpose or function, often with aesthetic or practical improvements) can be one of the mitigation in overcoming the issues partly because it avoids major processes like incineration, recycling, byproducts production and way more energy will be conserved and effectively reduce the carbon emission as well.

Policy making for upcycling plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting the practice of upcycling on a larger scale. Here are some key considerations for policy makers when formulating policies related to upcycling:

• Awareness and Education: Policies should focus on raising awareness about the benefits of upcycling and educating the public about the practice. This can be done through public campaigns, workshops, and educational programs that highlight the environmental, social, and economic advantages of upcycling.
• Infrastructure and Resources: Governments can support upcycling by providing infrastructure and resources to facilitate the process. This includes establishing recycling centers or upcycling hubs where materials can be collected, sorted, and made available for upcycling projects. Additionally, governments can invest in research and development to explore innovative upcycling techniques and technologies.
• Regulations and Standards: Policy makers can establish regulations and standards that promote upcycling. These can include guidelines for waste management and recycling, ensuring that materials suitable for upcycling are properly identified, collected, and made available for upcyclers. Standards can also be set for the quality and safety of upcycled products to build consumer confidence.
• Financial Incentives: Governments can provide financial incentives to encourage upcycling initiatives. This can include grants, tax breaks, or subsidies for businesses or individuals engaged in upcycling activities. Financial support can help cover the costs of equipment, training, and marketing, making upcycling more economically viable.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Policy makers can foster collaboration between different stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, and communities. By creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration, policies can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and joint efforts to promote upcycling.
• Procurement Policies: Governments can lead by example through their own procurement policies. By prioritizing the purchase of upcycled or recycled products in government operations, policies can create a market demand for upcycled goods and encourage the growth of the upcycling sector.
• Integration with Circular Economy Strategies: Upcycling should be seen as an integral part of a broader circular economy strategy. Policies can align with circular economy principles, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste, extending product lifecycles, and maximizing resource efficiency. This integration can help create a comprehensive framework that supports upcycling and other sustainable practices.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Policy makers should establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of upcycling policies. Regular assessments can provide insights into the progress, challenges, and areas for improvement, allowing policies to be adjusted and refined accordingly.
• By implementing these policy measures, governments can create an enabling environment for upcycling, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable consumption. Such policies can contribute to waste reduction, resource conservation, and the transition towards a more circular and sustainable economy.

- Ar. Adhava Maha Ganapathy A S

World Environment Day, 2023

World Environment Day, observed on June 5th every year, as a part of Environment Programme embraces millions of people across the world to care the mother Earth. Theme for 2023, ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’ holds a pledge to minimise the plastic usage and consumption from micro to macro and further global challenges. 

Use and throw plastic beverage cups, end not only with landfills and global carbon footprint but also its detrimental carcinogenic occurrences to variety of species and their existence.          

A small step forward to minimize and replace those cups usage; as per the Indian mythology, ‘Panchamahabhuta’ as ‘Terracotta and leaf’ which perishes well within mother earth in continuity and Harmony.   

Keyur L. Shah

(Assistant Professor)

Ar. Tanaya Paul & Manali Basu, Ph. D Scholars, SPAV.

We should not snip off the tip of milk packets

In addition to fragments of milk packets, the caps of PET bottles and crown corks of beverage bottles, too, have to be disposed of responsibly.

If milk packets are opened without separating a small piece of it, about 50 lakh such pieces can be prevented from making it to the garbage. These small pieces cannot be recycled.  - Karnataka BJP Vice-President Tejaswini Ananthkumar

Why small plastic pieces are not recyclable?

“Milk packets are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is a subclass of plastics. To be recycled, this type of plastic has to be compressed at a high temperature and in certain shape; else, they add no value. If such pieces do not reach the recycling units, it disintegrates into microplastics, that is, less than five millimetres in length, like the size of microbeads used in gels and toothpaste. Rain and wind carry these smaller fragments into drainage systems, which could lead to clogging. These can even enter waterbodies, and as a result, marine organisms may mistakenly consume them.”

Dr. Prasanth Vardhan , Assistant Professor, Dept. of Planning, SPAV.

World Environment Day, Beat Plastic Pollution

Planning strategy to minimise the impact of plastic on the environment and public health

The impacts of single-usage plastic and its unsafe disposal are very well-researched globally. The Governments, development banks, and multi-lateral agencies have taken actions to keep society informed about the existing and upcoming concerns on the environment and public health and initiated reforms to minimise the impacts. However, there is not much positive impact that these reforms attributed with as it linked to the behavioural change of the population, agents, and the institutions. There are two types of behavioral change that one can observe post-implementation of a reform, i.e., a temporary effect and a permanent effect. The permanent effect often requires more time with continuous efforts and anticipating the minimum time required to bring change in the society, the planning strategy of “incentivising the recyclers to divert the waste from water bodies and land bills to recycling facility and to reinforce the producer’s responsibility in recycling through an inventory and geo-tagging with the state of the art technology” can help in reducing the impact of plastic on the environment and public health. There is a need for governments at all levels to become vigilant on the production and recycling of plastic through inventory and geo-tagging. The local governments through their state governments can formulate a policy at the local level to operationalise this.

Ar. Rajeev R , Assistant Professor, Dept. of Planning, SPAV.

Plastic Boon or Bane? - # BeatPlasticPollution

In present modern times, life without plastics is unimaginable. The key advantage that plastic has is its versatility, durability, cost-effectiveness and light-weight. This benefit has led to the spread of its use in multiple applications, making it ubiquitous and thus becoming the ‘Plastic ERA’. However, the steady exponential increase in plastic usage over the past few decades after its introduction and its wide application has led to the burgeoning crisis of plastic pollution and ancillary problems of plastic accumulation, environmental degradation, bio-magnification, and negative health concerns.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative impacts of plastic, leading to increased efforts to reduce plastic consumption, improve recycling systems, and promote sustainable alternative materials. Architects and Planners, who build the future cities and plan communities, should become torchbearers to bring in innovations through design that encourage minimization of plastic usage and maximization of plastic waste management and reduction.

From the recent study in Kochi, Kerala by the I Year II Semester Master of Environmental Planning and Management students of School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada as part of their studio exercise (academic project?), ‘Bin-less City’, ‘Low-Carbon Waste Management’, ‘Decentralised Management’, ‘Circular Economy’, ‘Waste to Wealth’ economics, ‘Ecological Footprint’ etc. were concepts explored under the sub-sector of Solid and Liquid Waste Management. In previous year studio exercises with case studies from various geographies at South Goa (Goa), Alappuzha (Kerala), Salem (Tamil Nadu), Puri (Odisha), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) etc. similar waste management approaches were introduced to students on-ground. 

Few Ideas which can be encouraged at Household, Community/ Neighbourhood and City-level for reducing Plastic Waste and Waste Management include:

1. Popularize the use of plastic-free products:

• In schools every child can be taught and encouraged to reduce the use of plastic like alternative materials in lunch boxes, pencil boxes, etc.
• Bamboo, Steel and Paper can be seen as alternatives.

TARGET: ‘Towards Circular Economy for Ending Plastic Pollution’

"Plastic Paradox: The Curious Case of Paper Straws in Plastic Packages"

On a scorching summer day, I decided to cool down with a refreshing butter milk packet from a well-known dairy manufacturer. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a paper straw inside, seemingly a sustainable choice. But hold your cows, folks! The perplexing part was that this eco-friendly straw was enclosed in a plastic package. Talk about an obsession with plastic that's harder to decipher than the ingredients on a candy wrapper!

Now, don't get me wrong—I appreciate the efforts being made to ban plastic and focus on sustainability. We've done quite well in exploring the social and environmental aspects of the problem, raising awareness among the masses. However, it seems like we're missing a trick when it comes to the economic dimension. After all, money speaks louder than a herd of environmental activists. We need stronger incentives to motivate people to reduce pollution, rather than simply relying on fines and regulations.

Let's take a whimsical detour to Indian railway stations, where a small yet effective idea has been implemented. When buying mineral water, passengers are charged only 2 rupees if they bring their own bottle instead of the usual 5 rupees. It's a win-win situation that saves tons of plastic and provides a jingle in our pockets. Now, let's apply this concept on a larger scale—plastic credits! Similar to carbon credits, individuals and companies can earn credits by reducing plastic usage and invest them in sustainable initiatives. It may sound challenging, but hey, aren't we up for the challenge?

On this World Environment Day, it is imperative that we push the boundaries of conventional thinking when it comes to handling plastic waste and we must seek grounded solutions. So let's raise our cups, filled with a dash of humour and a dollop of concern, and ponder upon unconventional ways to tackle plastic waste. Because, my friends, plastic credits might just be the funky solution we've been searching for.

Takeaway: Plastic credits, akin to carbon credits, could revolutionize the way we handle plastic waste. This innovative concept would reward individuals and organizations for reducing their plastic usage and encourage them to invest in sustainable alternatives.

Dr. Arpan Paul Singh

Dept. Of Planning

School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada 

Dr. Siva Prasad P , Assistant Professor, Dept. of Architecture, SPAV.

Eco-Friendly Food Packaging

Greater % of plastics utilisation worldwide are related to  food packaging, that means several millions of  metric tons of plastics are needed for food packaging alone.

To promote more sustainable food packaging, 5 eco-friendly food packaging options that are better for the planet & health are: Glass Containers, Stainless Steel containers, Bamboo, Rice Husk and Gelatin films.

Conventional plastics contain many additives, such as stabilizers, fillers, plasticizers, flame retardants etc. Hence the types of plastic to avoid are  : Single use plastic, Plastic with BPA and Plastic take out containers.

Informal Sector integration into conventional Solid Waste Management framework to tackle plastic menace and help preserve our natural ecosystems.

The World Environment Day, conceptualised in 1972 by the UN is an annual event celebrated on 5^th June to raise awareness and encourage global action for environmental protection. This year’s theme corresponds to 'Ecosystem Restoration’ and beating plastic pollution. In this regard, we have to realise the presence of numerous unique and diverse ecosystems all across planet earth with our country specifically being blessed with significant unique assets such as the Western Ghats, Ramsar notified wetlands such as the Vembanad Lake, Chilka Lake, Loktak Lake etc, unique flora and fauna such as the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Nilgai bulls, Gharials, Gangetic Dolphins, Asiatic Sloth bear etc. 

At this point, it is vital to point out that the material, plastic, that we all use in our daily life, its management and preventing it from penetrating into the ecosystem and animal food chain is a troubling issue that we are currently facing and is something that we all have to realise as a pressing reality and work together in solving, as this can have far reaching implication on the planet and its various natural constituents. It has been observed through several literature and research works that plastic and precisely microplastic has already penetrated our ecological systems and is influencing the degradation of biological systems. (Mansi Vaid, Komal Mehra & Anshu Gupta , 2021) 

A large part of this negative impact can be resolved if the waste management system at a local body level is strengthened through adequate infrastructure provision and capacity building. Conventionally, waste management takes place through a sequence of steps such as, Segregation at source, Collection and transportation, Recycling & Composting, Treatment of hazardous waste and even conversion of waste to energy if such facility is accessible. Segregation at source, Collection and recycling are all areas that can be improved in several Indian cities and large towns. Here there already exists people who are engaged in informal sector and are currently included in the waste management system in a vague/undefined manner, often carrying out intermediary activities such as collecting recyclable plastic, metals, electronic wastes etc to exchange with parties that reutilise such material and to create new products such recycled plastic utilities. 

Since statistics point out that almost 80% of Indian economy is in the informal sector where there is no job security and consists of unpleasant working conditions, formalising communities currently involved in waste segregation and management into the conventional city waste management framework can only help uplift and compliment in reduction of plastic pollution. It can also help in giving better employment opportunities to those at a lower economic level and can also have the potential to result in appropriate capacity building and skill development where these personnel can also be used in waste processing, recycling and treatment. This should also be complimented with appropriate policy and regulatory framework focusing on reducing plastic and suggesting suitable alternatives such as through R&D in plant-based plastic such as sea grass (technology which is still in conceptual stage) along with effective stakeholder collaboration. Such similar successful models can be seen in Dhaka, Bangladesh and the ‘Haritha Karma Sena’ of Allapuzha in Kerala which has helped in reducing solid wate menace in the tourism significant backwater area of Vembanad Lake. 

Finally, these recommendations are to be further enhanced through appropriate Infrastructure Development and Capital Investment in the Solid Waste Management sector which in recent years can be developed using innovative models such as PPP but should be done in a manner that is people centric, economically viable and accounts for ecological considerations as per the context. These can help in contributing to a better future and enable us to achieve several Sustainable Development Goal Indicators such as; SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Regards, 

Sreekanth Satheesh

SCHOOL OF PLANNING & ARCHITECTURE, VIJAYAWADA

            World Environment Day 2023 - #BeatPlasticPollution. 

Plastic Straws and the Pressing Need to Explore Their Alternatives 

-Aparna Dharmavarapu (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Planning,SPAV) 

World Environment Day is an annual event that takes place on June 5th is organized by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote positive environmental action. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1974 and has since become a global platform for advocating environmental sustainability. 

Each year, World Environment Day has a specific theme that focuses on a particular environmental concern. The theme serves as a call to action and encourages individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to address the issue. The theme for World Environment Day 2023 focuses on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. 

Plastic has been a big problem and it is a quick solution to most of the demands of the people. Being readily available whenever required has made plastic one of the most used materials in daily life by man. As it is lightweight, flexible, resistant to moisture and inexpensive, it is found anywhere where there is human intervention. Considering that it is a non-biodegradable material, due to its heavy use, plastic pollution is a major problem towards the environment in many countries. Plastic littering has a shocking impact on biodiversity. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2018 – the World’s production of plastics strongly expanded, from 1.7 million tonnes in 1950 to 335 million tonnes in 2016. 

Reducing plastic waste production is a complex challenge that requires a collective effort from individuals, governments, businesses, and organizations. One of the predominant typologies of plastic waste found these days are plastic straws which are unnecessary utensils for the vast majority of people and are usually thrown away after just one use. They may be small and lightweight but they are a BIG problem as these straws are not recyclable so they end up in landfills and incinerators as well as littering our streets, parks and roadsides, clogging our gutters, rivers, lakes, streams, and polluting our environment where they may persist for more than 200 years. To address this issue, exploring alternate and environmentally friendly options to replace the usage of plastic straws would contribute significantly to the environment. One such alternative option is wheat straws, which are 100% natural and eco-friendly products, single-use straws made from the stem of the wheat crop, which is usually burnt and treated as a residue. The stem of the wheat crop is hollow and when cut in the proper size and treated, can be used as a straw in replacement of plastic straw. They can be of low cost and the prices could be directly compared with the plastic straws and paper straws. The cost of wheat straws would be around 0.50 rupees to 1 rupee which would help consumers, shopkeepers, cafe owners, and street vendors to adapt to an eco-friendly option rather than using plastic straws. 

Encouraging restaurants, cafes, and other businesses to offer eco-friendly straw alternatives can help promote their adoption and reduce plastic straw usage. To mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution, it is crucial to promote sustainable waste management practices, reduce plastic consumption, improve recycling infrastructure, and encourage the use of alternative materials. Additionally, raising awareness and implementing regulations to minimize plastic pollution can help protect ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. 
 

Pacing Towards a Plastic-Free Environment – Local to Global

The First plastic manufacturing in India started in 1957 and has grown rapidly, with 1,78,00,000 tons of plastic consumption by 2017(CPCB). Plastics have become an integral part of daily life and the global economy due to their low cost, durability and high strength-to-weight ratio. As a developing economy, the rapid growth induced by government policies has also complemented the production of plastic in the country. India has a per capita plastic consumption of 11kg (2015) of which the packaging industry has a majority share of 24%. At present India has a Plastic recycling rate of 60% which mostly comprises of PET and High Density plastics. There is a need for infrastructural and technological interventions to enhance the recycling rates of other types of plastics like Chip bags, garbage bags, one time use sachets, diapers etc. 

Out of the total plastic waste generated only 19% is being treated and 50% is ending up the landfill sites. The treatment rates have to be beyond 100% in order to address the issues of piling up legacy wastes. 8 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in oceans every year which has accounted to a total of 150 million tonnes. By 2014 There was 1 kg of plastic waste for every 5kgs of fish in the oceans if the same trend continues by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. The Government of India have taken a bolder step of banning the production, distribution and use of single use plastic since July 2022. The plastic waste Management rules also emphasize on producer responsibilities but there is less awareness among producers and strict enforcement is required. 

As a First step towards plastic free environment, we could start with implementing a ‘Plastic free Campus’ at School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada. By starting this initiative with estimate of 11kg per capita consumption we can save approximately 11,000 kgs of plastic waste per year. With the same initiative, other educational institutions in the city can also be influenced to follow the same which may lead to plastic-free educational institutions in the city and eventually scaled up to the state of Andhra Pradesh.

V. Sai Sesihdar 

Assistant Professor 

School of Planning and Architecture Vijayawada