The use and generation of single-use plastics is one of the biggest threats to the environment at a global level.
While plastic and plastic-related materials have played an important role in the global economy, but with the ongoing climate crisis, we have to pivot economic practices in such a way that growth can be achieved in a sustainable way.
As such, it is good news that Bangladesh has pledged to cut down on the usage of single use plastics by 90% in the next three years. The government has also announced plans to increase the recycling of plastic waste to 80% while reducing the generation of plastic waste to 30%.
Bangladesh has achieved tremendous growth in the last couple of years, positioning itself on a course to become one of the biggest economies in Asia. At the same time, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries when it comes to contending with the fallbacks of the climate crisis. Given our status as an LDC, we are obviously entitled to some leeway that allows us room to grow. At the same time, contributing to worldwide climate degradation will inevitably translate into our own doom.
The effects of unsustainable growth policies can be seen within our own borders as well, with the air quality of cities like Dhaka consistently being termed hazardous. As such, the official announcement of putting an emphasis on plastic waste management could not have come at a better time.
The advantage of taking environmental integrity into cognizance early on, when it comes to planning our growth, also presents opportunities to pioneer strategies and models on the international stage that will give us a competitive edge.
What we need to do now is effectively implement these guidelines.
The authorities need to set up regulation bodies to make sure we are on track of achieving these objectives by 2026. Companies also need to be given incentives to circumvent the usage of plastic that can be adopted by the world over.
Growth is paramount, but that growth cannot come at the expense of life itself. Bangladesh has been a leader when it comes to climate preservation. It's time we walked the talk.