Topic – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
5) Discuss the efficacy of banning single use plastics in solid waste management?(250 words)
Why this question
Tackling plastic waste was the theme of the world environment day and has come under intense focus. Several states have banned the use of single use plastics, while a few have reversed this step. The effectiveness of banning single use plastics need to be analyzed in depth.
Key demand of the question
We need to discuss the pros and cons of implementing the policy of banning single use plastic. Alternatives to banning single use plastic may also be provided.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Highlight the recent pledge by the government to ban all forms of plastic by 2022 and the step taken by state governments like Maharashtra to ban single use plastic.
Body – Analyze the pros and cons of such a move. Highlight pros like the necessity to ban plastic because of its non biodegradable nature, the massive ill effects that dumping of plastic in oceans and as landfills have on ecosystem, the necessity of weaning people away from a convenient item like plastic etc. Highlight the cons like lack of assessment of its actual impact, lack of focus on collection and segregation which is the real bane of waste management etc. Discuss alternatives to banning.
Conclusion – Mention the way forward for mitigating the ill effects of plastic pollution.
