People continue to use polythene in the lack of a cheaper alternative
The use of polythene continues to rise as people do not have cheap alternatives. Though there is a suggestion of using jute bags as an alternative, its implementation is rare to observe. After a golden era in the jute sector, the country is now on the verge of a polythene calamity.
Golam Dastagir Gazi Bir Pratik, minister of Textiles and Jute ministry of Bangladesh, claimed that they had instructed all the deputy commissioners of each district to strengthen the monitoring of mobile courts in regards to using jute bags rather than polythene.
There was also a lengthy discussion over polythene products. Our former government also worried about polythene, and they decreased its use to some extent at that time.
However, due to a lack of low-cost alternatives, polythene usage continues to rise. People continue to use polythene without contemplating the environmental consequences.
There is malpractice in our country regarding discarding polythene. People would throw away polythene. Due to its unbiodegradable nature, polythene would remain in the environment for millions of years.
Almost everyone knows the fact. Still now, the indiscriminate use of polythene has not stopped. The problem is not only in Bangladesh but globally. The whole world is now arguing about the pollution of plastic waste.
Talking about discarding or dumping polythene as waste, people would first separate the trash in developed countries depending on its biodegradable nature and discard it outside.
Usually, people in our country would dump polythene and household waste altogether. Our city corporation is also not so concerned regarding this practice.
According to experts, a Jute bag is environmentally friendly as it becomes organic manure after mixing with the soil. However, the irony is that it is currently unavailable in markets.
Government-financed jute mills stopped their production long ago. Private companies are also losing their interest. This huge scarcity of bags also led to the increased price. Each jute bag would cost BDT.20-50, whereas one kg of polythene is available at BDT.150-180.
However, bags made of cloths and paper are a good substitute for jute-made bags. Except for some well-established shops, marginal shopkeepers such as vegetable, fruit sellers, or grocery owners stick to using polythene bags for lower prices. Strict monitoring might help to overcome the scenario.
Keya Khan, Additional Secretary (Environmental Pollution Division) at the Ministry of Environment Bangladesh, said, “To be honest, currently, we are unable to provide any cheap alternative.
However, we have taken up a relevant project. We will go for recycling. We aim to stop the use of single-use polyethylene shopping bags. Nevertheless, we have to emphasize public awareness.”
Abu Naser Khan, a member of the Save the Environment Movement, said, “We need cheaper alternatives along with strict monitoring so that people cannot use polythene. If people cannot use it, they will find alternatives independently. “
