Universities should to take effective steps to stop plastic pollution- Environment Advisor of Bangladesh
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh, urged universities to take action to reduce plastic waste.
She mentioned that once BRAC University, Bangladesh, finalizes its plan for a plastic-free campus, other private universities should follow suit to encourage future generations to be more responsible.
She said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the program titled ‘Plastic-Free Zero-Waste Campus: Green Pledge’ at BRAC University on March 3.
The environment advisor said that plastic pollution is now entering the human body as well. Studies have shown that microplastics have been found in the kidneys, liver, and even the brain. Microplastics in the brain can block blood flow, which can pose serious health risks.
She said that 20 million plastic bags are produced in Bangladesh every day. The bottom of the rivers is being covered with plastic waste. A thick layer of polythene has accumulated on the bottom of the Buriganga River, which is also making dredging expensive.
The impact of plastic waste is not only on the river but also on the agricultural sector. Farmers are finding plastic bags under the ground during land preparation, which is a result of unplanned waste management.
She advised citizens to reduce their use of plastic. Our ancestors could go without plastic bags, why can’t we? Take your own bag for shopping. There are plenty of jute bags available in the market; use them, she said.
Acknowledging the importance of recyclability, she said that recycling is not the final solution. Although developed countries have advanced recycling systems, they are emphasizing alternative uses because recycling is complex and expensive. Our goal should be to stop the creation of new plastic waste.
She emphasized the need for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to ensure producers are accountable for collecting and recycling their plastic waste. Bangladesh will soon finalise the EPR guidelines. Big companies should take responsibility for the waste management of their products, he said.
Tamara Abed, Chairperson, Board of Trustees; Dr Syed Farhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor; along with teachers and students of BRAC University were present at the event
A memorandum of understanding was signed between BRAC and BRAC University at the event. Subsequently, the advisor visited the booth at the plastic alternative materials exhibition, proudly presenting certificates to the winning students.
