Have you heard of this new Whats SUP?
The Central Government has banned single use plastic (SUP) with effect from 1st July, 2022. Let’s have a look at what, why and how these SUP are banned.
What are banned? Ear buds, balloons with plastic sticks, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice cream sticks, decoration items, cups, plates, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping, packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packs, stirrers, plastic banners less than 108 microns
Why are these items banned? Single use plastic account for 5-10% of Green House gas emissions by 2050. Single use plastic items are difficult to collect and re-cycle. If plastic remains in the environment for long periods of time and does not decay, it enters our food sources and harm the human body.
How does Government plan to implement the ban?
· Directions issued to petrochemical industries not to supply raw materials to industries engaged in banned items.
· Revocation of consents/ commercial licenses issued to existing industries engaged in SUP
· Fresh commercial licenses will be issued with the condition that SUP items will not be sold on the premises
· Penalty under Environment Protection Act, 1986 can be imposed ie., imprisonment up to 5 years or penalty up to Rs. 1 lakh.
· Such industries may also be sued for environmental damage compensation
