The ban on plastics is essential not only for metropolitan cities but also for urban areas environment and the well-being of living beings.
\nPeople generally do not realize the extent of harm caused by plastics. However studies have shown that microplastics (plastic particles invisible to the naked eye) have been found even in newborn babies umbilical cords. Similarly plastic has been detected in the digestive systems of various animals. This fact has been published in the Global Ecology and Conservation Journal.<\/p>\n
Plastic production also involves the use of chemicals, which release toxic gases like dioxins and furans. These gases pose a risk to human health causing respiratory, cardiac and skin-related diseases. Non-degradable plastics contribute to environmental degradation affecting the natural qualities of soil and leading to erosion and a decline in urban beauty. Rivers like Bagmati Vishnumati,
\nManohara, Dhovi Khola, Tukucha, etc. flowing through urban areas are polluted due to plastic waste. The communities living near landfills suffer severe consequences due to consuming plastic-contaminated food.<\/p>\n
Microplastics have the most harmful impact on human cells compared to any other form of plastic. This contributes to chronic diseases and a decline in public health. The long-term effects of plastic pollution also result in economic losses from health-related expenses. It affects other living organisms in a similar way. The depletion of soil fertility is another consequence of plastic pollution. Iconic rivers and open spaces of the city like Bagmati, Vishnumati, Manohara, Rajkulas, and Khulla areas have been contaminated due to plastic disposal.<\/p>\n
In the effort to control and conserve the environment, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has taken the initiative to ban plastic bags less than 40 microns in thickness, fake flowers, and other items. The Department of Environment Management and the Metropolitan Police have collaborated to implement this measure. Four teams have been formed from the police districts and one from the center to conduct inspections. They check for the use of plastic from micro-meters. If the plastic is found to be less than 40 microns in thickness, action is taken. No plastic flowers or decorations are allowed.<\/p>\n
Some Facts about Plastic Use and Its Impact
\nIn the waste produced in the city 75.5% is biodegradable and 24.5% is non-biodegradable with plastic accounting for 6.5% of the latter.
\nPlastic contributes to 70% of river pollution.
\nDaily consumption of around 5 million thin plastic bags is estimated in the Kathmandu Valley.
\nTo ban plastic, it is important to be aware of the attempts and results made so far. Therefore:<\/p>\n
A group of experts has been formed to present a report with findings and scientific evidence before the parliamentary session, starting from 8th Mangsir 2061 B.S.
\nThe report will provide information about the ban on plastic bags progress as initiated by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Environment.
\nThe Ministry of Industry is directed to study the transformation of plastic bag manufacturing factories into cloth bag factories and present the information to the committee.
\nFrom 1st Shrawan 2071 B.S. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has implemented a policy to ban plastic bags, plastic flowers, and decorations.
\nIn order to save humans and the planet, civic participation, consumer awareness, and cooperation from all sectors are required for this campaign. Simple contributions like using paper or cloth bags instead of plastic ones can make a significant difference.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The ban on plastics is essential not only for metropolitan cities but also for urban areas environment and the well-being of living beings. People generally do not realize the extent of harm caused by plastics. However studies have shown that microplastics (plastic particles invisible to the naked eye) have been found even in newborn babies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"Ballen took another action: measuring the thickness of the polythene with a micrometer and monitoring it - Shree Post","description":"The ban on plastics is essential not only for metropolitan cities but also for urban areas environment and the well-being of living beings. People generally do"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[166,170,164,168,169,163,165],"class_list":["post-611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-combat-plastic-waste","tag-environment-protection","tag-environmentprotection","tag-plastic-pollution","tag-plastic-waste","tag-plasticpollution","tag-save-our-planet"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t