Focus on sustainability and incorporating green practices in everyday operations is increasing by the day. Landfills are teeming with garbage and other waste products. Governments are forcing corporations and other institutions to check their wastages by not only reducing the consumption but also reusing and recycling. Moreover, a focus on remedial measures is essential for green activities.
Plastic is the major source of wastage and consumption all over the world today. The convenience and less cost of the material has enabled its wide usage. Today, almost everything is available in plastic coating or material. It does not require too much processing and is readily available. Moreover, for one time use only, plastics are used the most. Let it be cutlery, bath supplies or kitchen items, plastic dominates all sectors of our consumption.
The problem lies in the fact that most plastics that are used so generously are non-biodegradable which means they do not disintegrate and stay as landfills for centuries. This emerging plight will lead to irreversible damage to our environment. In order to rectify this appalling situation, New Zealand government has estimated that they will put an end to the plastics which are made for one time use only by 2025.
The materials specifically talked about are PVC, food packaging, and polystyrene. New Zealand has always been a pioneer in controlling situations that are potentially a threat in future. The country’s Environment Minister stated that New Zealand is one of the major contributors in plastic consumption and there is a dire need for it to control its profuse usage. Plastic straws are the dominant constituent of this plastic consumption.
The plan is to divide this goal into phases and the first phase will reach its climax by 2022. Change cannot be created overnight. This is why the government has made realistic and time-bound subdivisions of the major goal of plastic eradication from the country. It is about time these practices are adopted across the globe.