“From June 23, India’s second-populous state Maharashtra has started penalizing all those found using plastic products, including single-use disposable items.”
So here are few important things you need to know :
# Products which are banned –
- Plastic carry-bags with or without handle.
- Disposable cups, plates, spoons, forks, glasses and containers made of plastic or thermocol.
- Plastic used to wrap and store food items.
- Thermocol and plastic used in decoration purpose.
# Products which are not banned –
- Plastic used for packaging medicines and drugs.
- Food grade virgin plastic used in packaging of milk.
- Plastic used for handling dry waste.
# Alternatives for plastic products
- Paper or Cotton bags replacing Polythene Bags. [ You can even make your own paper bags at home at free of cost. Why not to try! ]
- Steel or Glass bottles in place of plastic bottles. [ Steel bottles are sturdy too ]
- Steel or glass containers for carrying wet food items.
- Edible Food Grain spoons and forks.
# Cost breaking the rule –
‘YOUR HEALTH!’
Yes its the first thing you have to pay in return of using plastic now or later! Environment has to face the big issues and hence you being part of it! Maharashtra Government under act of ‘Maharashtra Non Biodegradable Control Act 2006’ will punish with a fine of Rs. 5000 for first time getting caught while using plastic items, second time Rs. 10000 and third time if you get caught then Rs. 25000 of fine and 3 months of jail.
So don’t show your skills in using plastic and not getting caught but do spread awareness among others, sharing awareness as much as possible and making our place clean and healthy to live!
GreenTech 