The second-most populous country in the world has banned an array of single use plastics, such as cutlery, plates, and thin bags, beginning July, 2022.

India's rule states: The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of (the) following single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from July 1, 2022:

…"ear (swabs) with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration; plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays; wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers."

The provisions will not apply to products made of compostable plastic.

Furthermore, it will be the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer, and/or brand owner to dispose of any other plastics which are deemed no longer useful to consumers.

The Environment Ministry has also set up a national-level task force to look into eliminating more single-use plastics, and is working with 14 states to responsibly recycle the plastic containers which are recyclable, like water bottles.

Learn more at India Today. (Featured Photo by Snemann, CC license)

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