Use of plastics goes unhindered

Chennai: Environmentalists' outcry over usage of plastic didn't bring out much change to Tamil Nadu as the state generated over 20,5724 tonnes of plastic waste per annum, according to the data obtained by the team of doctors from SRM Dental college and hospital through Right To Information Act. With Sunday being the International Plastic Bag Free Day, DC talked to hotel association members, biologists and city based environmental NGO's to know about the steps in order to make the earth 'plastic-free'.

Staff members from SRM dental college - Dr D. Prabu, Dr R. Swetha, Dr Sunaina Manipal and Dr Raj Mohan have filed an RTI to Ministry of environment, forest and climate change, according to which, the state has over 137 registered plastic manufacturing units.  Data regarding the unauthorized units in Tamil Nadu is not available, the RTI reply stated.

Citing cost factors, President of Chennai Hotel Association, K.T. Srinivasa Raja said that paper bags costs three to four times more than plastic bags. "Consumer is not willing to bear the cost. Paper bag production, which is very meager should be increased to cut down the cost," he added.

Conducting awareness campaigns against plastic use is no change maker, said Chennai district organizer of Pasumai Thaayagam, K. Ponmalai as he said that eradicating plastic is a collective effort of consumers, traders and government. Talking about the adverse effects of plastic usage, Dr Swetha said that it threatens marine life as plastic clogs water. "Carbon emissions while burning plastic are carcinogenic and could lead to asthma and impotency," she said.