Given the amount of plastic waste we generate on a yearly basis, it is only natural that we do something with this waste instead of throwing it away. Due to the nature of the waste itself, it is much safer to use plastic in various sustainability initiatives than trying to get rid of it altogether.
As such, the recently announced government initiative to turn the massive amount of plastic waste generated into road construction material is both clever and environmentally sound.
The rate at which Bangladeshis have been using plastic goods has gone up in recent years. The per capita plastic consumption in 2020 was around 9kg. Even if we were to change our minds suddenly, we would still have to deal with a lot of waste -- waste we have few facilities to recycle.
Given this reality, it is only logical that plastic be used, instead, to make roads. Given that 30% of our existing infrastructure is coming apart, it is all the more reason for us to go all-in with such a project.
Simultaneously, plastic roads are considered to be stronger than traditional roads when it comes to durability and structural integrity. Plastic roads don’t break open and crack up as easily as traditional roads made of asphalt.
One of the common complaints the authorities have to face are the sorry state of affairs for the roads, especially during the rainy season. The initiative for plastic roads has the potential to sidestep this issue completely.
All in all, plastic roads are both sustainable and practical. Given the future realities of the country, we need to go all in on this initiative. Dhaka’s future ambitions and sustainability practices call for it.