‘Ubiquity of single-use plastics has divesting consequences on environment and health’

Rawalpindi: Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan Memorial Trust Chief Executive Officer Sumaira Gul said the ubiquity of single-use plastics in modern society has had devastating consequences on ecosystems, wildlife, and our own health. From pollution of oceans to air contamination from incinerators, the environmental and health impacts highlight the need for swift action to curb our reliance on disposable plastics, says a press release.

“In order to stay safe from the environmental impact of plastic there is dire need to reduce plastic use although we know that plastic is a big industry and it’s usage could be not be curtailed at a rapid pace in one go from the daily life however, it could be recycled and reused protecting the people from its harmful impacts,” she stated this while addressing a seminar ‘negative Environmental and Health Impacts of Single Use Plastics organised by Environment Protection Department, Punjab Government at Jinnah Hall, Katcherry Chowk, Lalazar Rawalpindi.

Among the guests were Fatima Jinnah Women University Vice Chancellor Dr Uzaira, Dr Saleem from Allama Iqbal Open University, Dr Muzamil from Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, EPA District’s Dr Maria, Dr Asim Rahman. A large number of participants including representatives from Rawalpindi Chambers of Commerce, university and college and school students attended the seminar.

The speakers were of the view use of single of use plastic should be discouraged and government will have to take solid steps for addressing its environmental and health impact. They said that the ubiquity of single-use plastics in modern society has had devastating consequences on ecosystems, wildlife, and our own health. They said that from pollution of oceans to air contamination from incinerators, the environmental and health impacts highlight the need for swift action to curb our reliance on disposable plastics. With lifestyle changes, innovative solutions, and political will, we can overcome the single-use plastics crisis. But it will require individuals, businesses, and governments to rethink how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastic products. They added the goal must be to drastically reduce and eventually phase out wasteful and unnecessary plastics for the sake of planetary and human health. Small steps by many will add up to make a circular economy possible.