n an era of increasing environmental awareness, the battle against plastic pollution has taken centre stage. Plastic, once hailed as a revolutionary material, has become an undeniable environmental menace, contaminating soil as well as oceans and threatening countless species. While plastic accounts for approximately 10 percent of the waste we generate, there is a glimmer of hope amidst the growing concern as innovative solutions pave the way for a sustainable future.

According to a United Nations report, plastic production is expected to quadruple by 2050, reaching a staggering 34,000 million tonnes. Considering the plastic economy and carbon pollution, it is alarming to note that plastic’s share of total oil production was only one percent in 2014. It is expected to reach 20 percent by 2050.

Since plastic is manufactured primarily from fossil fuels, the more plastic we produce, the more fossil fuels we consume, thereby intensifying the climate crisis. Moreover, plastic products contribute to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. According to an estimate, more than one million bags are used every minute, and the average “working life” of plastic bags is 15 minutes. Plastic products create greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. Micro-plastics, in particular, pose a significant threat. They consist of various chemical compounds and are linked to hormonal disruption and various diseases.

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with an estimated eleven million tonnes of plastic waste flowing into the ocean each year, impacting over 800 marine and coastal species. Experts predict that this number could triple by the end of 2040.

According to a UNDP report from September 2021, Pakistan has one of the highest percentages of mismanaged plastic waste in South Asia. Over 3.3 million tonnes of plastic ends up as waste annually, and a significant portion ends up in landfills and unmanaged dumps or is scattered across the country’s land and water bodies, causing damage to the environment and endangering people’s health.

Recognising the severity of the situation, Pakistan is determined to support the international community in combating plastic pollution. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) was established under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act of 1997. Each province has its own environmental protection agency.

These agencies are continuously enacting legislation to address climate and pollution issues. In 2019, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency imposed a ban on polythene plastic bags in Islamabad Capital Territory, prohibiting their unauthorised manufacture, import/ distribution, sale, purchase, storage and use.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Amendment Act of 2022 banned the manufacture, import, sale, purchase, storage, distribution, supply, and transportation of plastic bags. Violations of these laws can result in fines of up to five hundred thousand rupees. However, the implementation of these laws remains a challenge.

Muhammad Sajjad, a social psychologist specialising in behaviour change, says that addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach that targets both individual actions and systemic changes. Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in shaping consumer attitudes and promoting sustainable choices.

Unveiling the plastic paradox is not just about mitigating the negative impacts of plastics; it is also about envisioning a world where plastics coexist harmoniously with the environment.

A comprehensive national strategy should be developed and implemented to raise environmental awareness among the general public, as well as specific target groups such as elected representatives and religious scholars, at the union council, tehsil and district levels. Such campaigns not only raise awareness about the climate-related sensitivity of the issue but also expand knowledge about the threats posed by plastic to human health.

In analysing the extensive awareness campaigns launched by the government and some NGOs, we find that they focus on strategies, reach and effectiveness. The campaigns aim to change mindsets and behaviours by educating people about the environmental impact of plastic and its threats to human health.

Doun Moon, a policy researcher at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), highlighted in a lecture on Plastic Pollution at the Zero Waste Academy that plastic has multiple impacts on human health throughout its life cycle. Plastic products contain various chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food, beverages and the environment, leading to health risks such as hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, developmental problems in children and certain types of cancer.

Additionally, micro-plastics, which are particles less than 5mm in size, can be found in food, water and the air we breathe. Ingesting micro-plastics may result in inflammation, organ damage and other adverse health effects. The long-term consequences of micro-plastic exposure are still under study.

Moon further explained that during the extraction and transportation of plastic, humans working in these industries directly inhale it, causing various respiratory diseases and severe lung impacts. At the refining and manufacturing stage, plastic can cause skin and eye irritation. During consumer use, its health impacts range from developmental toxicity to diabetes and cancer. In the final stage of waste management, plastic’s impacts on human health include neurological damage and cancers.

The production and disposal of plastic also have economic implications. Plastic production relies on non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Inefficient waste management and cleanup efforts incur costs for governments and communities.

Addressing these challenges requires significant investments and resources. Dr Mehreen-ul-Hassan, an assistant professor at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University specialising in medical microbiology, tells The News on Sunday, that there is a need for government allocation of resources for educational programmes and public awareness campaigns that highlight the environmental impacts of plastic and encourage behaviour change. These campaigns should target schools, workplaces and communities to ensure widespread understanding and engagement.

To effectively combat plastic pollution, the implementation of policies on plastic bans is crucial. Governments can impose taxes or fees on plastic products to discourage their use and generate revenue for environmental initiatives. They can also establish extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes, holding manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including proper disposal and recycling. This approach encourages manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind and invest in recycling infrastructure.

By implementing these policies and strategies, governments can create an environment conducive to behaviour change and sensitise people about the importance of reducing plastic use. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving legislation, economic incentives, education and collaboration to effectively address plastic pollution at the societal level.

Unveiling the plastic paradox is not just about mitigating the negative impacts of plastics; it is also about envisioning a world where plastics coexist harmoniously with the environment. By embracing innovative solutions, supporting research and development, and fostering a culture of sustainability, we can pave the way for a future where plastics no longer threaten our planet.

The writer is a freelance journalist