Dr Matiur Rahman :
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most pressing environmental issues, especially in urban centres like Dhaka and Chittagong.
Rapid urbanisation and industrial growth have led to an alarming increase in plastic waste, posing severe threats to the environment, public health, and biodiversity.
Plastic’s affordability and durability make it popular, but these qualities also make it challenging to manage, leading to a waste crisis that requires immediate action.
To curb plastic pollution, a joint effort from consumers, corporations, and policymakers is necessary to reduce waste and shift toward sustainable alternatives.
The widespread use of plastic has created a daunting waste management problem. Single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and packaging dominate urban landscapes. After minimal use, these items often end up in landfills or waterways, clogging drains, littering streets, and polluting rivers.
In turn, this plastic waste disrupts natural ecosystems and poses severe risks to marine life, as animals mistake it for food, leading to suffocation, malnutrition, or poisoning.
Consequently, the food chain is also affected, as people consuming fish may unknowingly ingest microplastics and toxins, compromising their health and well-being.
Plastic pollution further aggravates urban flooding, particularly during monsoon season.
With its high population density, Dhaka experiences frequent floods partly due to plastic waste clogging drainage systems. When these channels are blocked, streets overflow, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Stagnant water also creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria. The economic toll of managing these flood-related issues is considerable, diverting resources from other crucial urban development initiatives.
Corporate and consumer responsibility is essential to combating plastic pollution in Bangladesh. Consumers are encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle; however, these actions alone are insufficient to counteract daily plastic waste.
Corporations, as primary producers of plastic materials, play a pivotal role.
Despite increasing awareness of environmental issues, many corporations rely heavily on plastic for packaging due to its low cost. This is especially true in retail, food, and manufacturing sectors, where single-use plastics remain common.
Companies are increasingly expected to take responsibility by investing in alternative packaging and adopting sustainable practices.
Corporate responsibility goes beyond reducing plastic production. It involves rethinking product lifecycles and considering biodegradable or recyclable options.
In Bangladesh, some companies are already exploring alternatives, such as jute-based packaging, to reduce their plastic dependency.
Large corporations can set an example for smaller companies by demonstrating that profitability and environmental sustainability coexist.
Models like extended producer responsibility (EPR), where companies are accountable for the disposal and recycling of their products, could also encourage corporations to manage their plastic footprint effectively.
On the consumer side, there is a significant role to play in reducing plastic waste. In urban areas, busy lifestyles have created a culture of convenience that leans heavily on disposable items.
While plastic may be a cheap and accessible option, consumers must recognise these choices’ long-term environmental and health consequences.
Small shifts in behaviour, such as using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, can collectively reduce plastic waste.
Educational campaigns highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution and encouraging sustainable alternatives can empower consumers to make informed, responsible choices. Schools, community groups, and the media are critical in raising awareness and fostering an environmentally conscious society.
Government intervention is equally vital for enforcing policies that promote both corporate and consumer responsibility. Bangladesh made headlines in 2002 by becoming one of the first countries to ban plastic bags, a progressive step that inspired similar actions worldwide. However, inconsistent enforcement has led to the persistence of plastic bags in many areas.
Regulatory solid frameworks and stricter enforcement are needed to address this and ensure accountability. Implementing penalties for excessive plastic use, providing incentives for sustainable packaging, and expanding recycling programs could significantly reduce plastic pollution.
Additionally, investment in waste management infrastructure is essential. Building recycling facilities and enhancing waste collection systems can help manage plastic waste more effectively, reducing its environmental impact.
Plastic pollution also poses social and economic challenges, particularly for low-income communities. In Bangladesh, informal waste pickers play a vital role in collecting and recycling plastic, but they work in hazardous conditions and lack formal recognition.
Supporting these workers by providing safety equipment and integrating them into the formal waste management system could enhance recycling rates and address social inequities.
Embracing circular economy models, where materials are reused rather than discarded, could create jobs, boost the economy, and reduce waste. A structured recycling industry would mitigate plastic pollution and employ it in waste collection, sorting, and recycling areas.
International collaboration is another crucial aspect of the solution. Since plastic pollution is a global issue, Bangladesh can benefit from partnerships with other nations, environmental organisations, and development agencies. Sharing knowledge, technology, and resources can bolster Bangladesh’s efforts to manage plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
Additionally, Bangladesh can participate in international initiatives, such as the UN’s Environment Programme on marine litter, to align with global standards and benefit from the expertise of other countries dealing with similar issues.
Reducing plastic pollution in Bangladesh is a complex but achievable goal requiring all stakeholders’ coordinated action. Consumers, corporations, and the government each have essential roles in addressing this issue. By fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability, Bangladesh can begin to reverse the damaging effects of plastic pollution and pave the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
While the journey is challenging, committed efforts from all parties can help safeguard the environment, protect public health, and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bangladesh’s landscapes and waterways.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).