As dawn breaks over India’s vibrant streets, the impact of the single-use plastic ban unfolds anew each day, touching the lives of street vendors who are the heartbeat of the local economy. With their colorful stalls and spirited calls, these vendors create a lively and bustling atmosphere that is the essence of Indian street markets.
They don’t just sell goods; they weave the fabric of community life, offering a taste of home and the warmth of familiarity. Yet, now, they stand at a crossroads, their resilience tested by an environmental policy that, while noble in intent, has trapped them in a web of economic and emotional challenges. Their struggle is not just about survival; it’s about preserving a way of life integral to the Indian culture and society.
For decades, single-use plastics have been a staple in the bustling markets of India, serving as an inexpensive and convenient packaging solution for everything from hot tea and street food to fresh produce and household goods. However, the environmental toll of this convenience has become impossible to ignore.
In a bold move to combat pollution and promote sustainability, the Indian government has implemented a stringent ban on single-use plastics. This ban has already shown positive results, significantly reducing plastic waste and pollution. While the intention behind this policy is commendable, its abrupt enforcement has left many small vendors in a state of distress.
Though aimed at safeguarding our planet for future generations, this transition from single-use plastics has inadvertently cast a shadow of uncertainty over these hardworking individuals. The swift and uncompromising ban has left many vendors feeling abandoned, caught between environmental urgency and economic survival.
Their struggle is not just about adapting to new materials; it’s a deeper battle to maintain their identity and preserve their way of life amid the tides of change. For instance, a tea vendor who used to serve hot tea in plastic cups now has to find affordable alternatives that can keep the tea hot. This is just one of the many challenges they face.
Imagine, for a moment, the vendor whose day begins before dawn, setting up their stall with hopes of a bustling day ahead. The ban introduces an operational headache and an existential threat, forcing them to navigate a maze of higher costs and logistical nightmares. The essence of their trade—speed, convenience, affordability—is compromised, leaving them to grapple with the harsh reality of dwindling profits and uncertain futures.
While noble in its intentions, the ban on single-use plastics has inadvertently plunged street vendors into a dilemma. As the name suggests, single-use plastics are designed to be used once and thrown away. They have been a lifeline for many of these vendors—affordable, convenient, and indispensable for their day-to-day operations. The abrupt withdrawal of these materials has left them scrambling for alternatives, putting their businesses at risk.
The transition to sustainable packaging options is fraught with hurdles. Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic—be it paper, cloth, or biodegradable plastics—often come with a heftier price tag, a cost many street vendors cannot afford. Operating on razor-thin margins, the additional financial burden threatens to push their businesses into untenability. However, these alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics made from plant-based materials, can be viable if their production costs are reduced and made more accessible to small vendors.
“the lifetime cost of plastic produced in 2019 will exceed a staggering USD 3.7 trillion, surpassing India’s GDP”
2021 World Wildlife Fund report
SILENT CATASTROPHE: THE TRUE COST OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN INDIA
Plastic carry bags may seem affordable, but their hidden cost is staggering. A 2021 World Wildlife Fund report, ‘Plastics: The Costs to Society, the Environment, and the Economy,’ unveils a grim reality: the lifetime cost of plastic produced in 2019 will exceed a staggering USD 3.7 trillion, surpassing India’s GDP. This colossal figure includes waste management, ecosystem loss, health expenses, and measures to combat plastic pollution and climate change. These daunting numbers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive action against single-use plastics in India. By supporting the ban, we can reduce these costs and protect our environment.
The crisis is profound, woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, yet unraveling the very essence of our environment. Plastic, a seemingly harmless convenience, cloaks an insidious threat that burdens our planet and future.
The actual price we pay encompasses the unseen—the degradation of ecosystems, the invisible toll on human health, and the relentless march of climate change. Each plastic bag, each discarded piece, is a fragment of a more enormous catastrophe that demands immediate and resolute action. The time has come for India to confront this crisis with the gravity it deserves, to protect our earth and ensure a sustainable tomorrow.
INDIA TAKES A STAND: THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA WITH THE BAN ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
On June 5, 2018, to mark World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed that India would phase out single-use plastics by 2022. This was a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and pollution in the country. Fast forward three years, and on August 12, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) announced a ban on specific single-use plastic items through the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which took effect on July 1, 2022. This ban was a part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental conservation.
Headlines proclaimed that India had banned single-use plastics, but the reality was more nuanced. Only 19 specific items were prohibited, leaving many others still in circulation. The August 2022 notification also introduced India’s first definition of single-use plastic as a “plastic item intended to be used once for the same purpose before being disposed of or recycled.” While this definition was a significant step, it needed to be more complex, failing to differentiate between necessary and unnecessary plastics or recyclable and non-recyclable plastics. It is crucial to prioritize phasing out unnecessary and non-recyclable plastics. Yet, a considerable amount of problematic non-recyclable plastics—such as multi-layered packaging—continues to be allowed, justified by the lack of viable alternatives.
This partial measure underscores the complex and challenging journey towards a plastic-free India. It is a path fraught with hurdles but one that demands our unwavering commitment and innovative spirit. The struggle to reduce our reliance on plastic is not just about policy but about fostering a deeper, more responsible relationship with our environment. The dream of a cleaner, greener India remains alive, driven by the hope and determination of millions who believe in a sustainable future.
The process of identifying single-use plastic items to be phased out was anything but arbitrary. It was grounded in a comprehensive report by an expert committee on single-use plastics, constituted by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) under the directive of the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. This meticulous assessment compared two crucial factors: the Utility Index of each type of single-use plastic and its Environmental Impact. However, despite the logical framework, some items scoring low on utility and high on environmental impact were not included in the phase-out. This seemingly counterintuitive decision aimed to ensure the ban did not disproportionately impact specific industries.
The banned single-use plastic items amount to roughly 0.6 million tons annually. The remaining single-use plastics, mainly packaging products, fall under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) in 2022. The EPR policy sets targets for collecting and recycling these plastics yet overlooks that some non-banned items, such as multi-layered packaging, are non-recyclable.
According to the Plastic Waste Makers Index 2019 report, India was the thirteenth-largest global single-use plastic polymer production investor. Reliance Industries, a major player producing 3 million tons of single-use plastic waste, ranked eighth among polymer companies. Globally, India ranked third in contributing to single-use plastic waste, with a staggering 5.5 million tons, and stood ninety-fourth in per capita single-use plastic waste at 4 kg per year. This means the ban in India addresses roughly 11 percent of the overall single-use plastic waste.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ’s country-wise plastic data revealed a stark reality: India mismanages 85 percent of its plastic waste. Predominantly single-use in nature, this waste is often discarded or burnt by roadsides, clogging drains and flowing into rivers, eventually dispersing into the ocean. It harms marine life directly or indirectly, degrading into micro- and nano-sized particles over months, years, and decades. The emissions from single-use plastics’ production, use, and disposal significantly tarnish the country’s environment.
This complex and arduous journey toward a plastic-free India is marked by progress and setbacks. It is a call to action, resonating with urgency and demanding collective effort to heal the land, waters, and air. The vision of a sustainable future glimmers with hope, carried forward by the determination to transform these challenges into opportunities for profound change.
The process of identifying single-use plastic items to be phased out was anything but arbitrary. It was grounded in a comprehensive report by an expert committee on single-use plastics, constituted by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) under the directive of the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
This meticulous assessment compared two crucial factors: the Utility Index of each type of single-use plastic and its environmental impact. However, despite the logical framework, some items scoring low on utility and high on environmental impact were not included in the phase-out. This seemingly counterintuitive decision aimed to ensure the ban did not disproportionately impact specific industries.
The banned single-use plastic items amount to roughly 0.6 million tons annually. The remaining single-use plastics, mainly packaging products, fall under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) in 2022. The EPR policy sets targets for collecting and recycling these plastics yet overlooks that some non-banned items, such as multi-layered packaging, are non-recyclable.
This complex and arduous journey toward a plastic-free India is marked by progress and setbacks. It is a call to action, resonating with urgency and demanding collective effort to heal the land, waters, and air. The vision of a sustainable future glimmers with hope, carried forward by the determination to transform these challenges into opportunities for profound change.
To deal with this issue and phase out single-use plastics, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a Comprehensive Action Plan on February 1, 2022, to all the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). The Action Plan comprises four parts.
SUPPLY-SIDE INTERVENTIONS: Bring to an end the supply of plastic raw materials, close down the manufacture of banned SUP items, and end the sale of prohibited SUP items
DEMAND-SIDE INTERVENTIONS: Eliminate the usage of banned SUP items. CPCB directed 18 plastic raw-material manufacturers, nine sellers of single-use plastics, and 30 e-commerce companies to phase out single-use plastics. Additionally, letters were issued to all SPCBs and PCCs, Chief Secretaries of all the states, and customs authorities (to regulate/ cease import).
ENABLING THE ENVIRONMENT TO PHASE OUT SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
Promote alternatives to single-use plastics (SUPs) and create awareness on phasing out SUPs. The action plan centered on extending guidance documents for various processing technologies available in the Indian market.
Unlike their larger corporate counterparts, street vendors need more resources to invest in developing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions. This disparity places an undue strain on these small entrepreneurs, making compliance with the ban daunting.
Moreover, the shift from single-use plastics has yet to be smooth sailing with consumers. The convenience and efficiency of plastic packaging are deeply ingrained in customer expectations. Street food vendors find that alternative packaging solutions must improve their service speed and efficiency, leading to customer dissatisfaction and further complicating their adherence to the new regulations.
The heart of the issue lies in the practicality of implementing such sweeping environmental policies. The lack of adequate infrastructure and support for street vendors to transition smoothly to sustainable practices exacerbates the challenge. With proper facilities for collecting and recycling alternative materials, vendors are in a lurch, with few viable options for managing waste sustainably.
The plight of street vendors in the wake of India’s single-use plastic ban underscores environmental policy-making’s complex, multifaceted nature. While the intent behind the ban is undoubtedly laudable, its implementation reveals a stark disparity in the burdens borne by different sectors of the economy. It highlights the imperative for a more nuanced approach that targets the root contributors to the plastic crisis and supports the small businesses most vulnerable to the repercussions of such policies.
Navigating the path towards environmental sustainability requires fostering a collaborative ethos that considers all stakeholders’ diverse challenges and capacities. By ensuring that the journey towards a greener future is inclusive, we can aim for a balanced approach where the drive for ecological preservation does not come at an unjust cost to those least prepared to bear it.
Raju Singh Chaiwala, a Noida-based tea vendor, shares his story of resilience. “The ban hit us like a thunderbolt. I worried about losing customers who rely on the convenience of grab-and-go teacups. But necessity breeds innovation. I’ve started using clay cups again, like in the old days. It’s more expensive, but customers appreciate the eco-friendly touch and the traditional feel. Some even come back just for that,” said Raju Chaiwala.
Sunita Gehlot, who sells spices and snacks in Mumbai, has turned the challenge into an opportunity. “I was scared at first. Plastic bags were all we knew. Then, my daughter suggested using fabric bags. We make them from old clothes, adding a personal touch. It was a small step that brought my community closer. Now, customers bring their bags, and we talk about sustainability. It’s a conversation starter,” she said.
The emotional toll is immense. Beyond the economic calculus lies the stark human element—families dependent on the day’s earnings, dreams tethered to the fortunes of these humble stalls, and the personal pride in their entrepreneurial spirit. While environmentally commendable, the ban inadvertently sends ripples through their lives, stirring a mix of anxiety, frustration, and a desperate scramble for viable alternatives.
Yet, amidst this turmoil, there’s a stirring undercurrent of adaptability and resilience. The story of India’s street vendors in the face of this ban is not just one of struggle but of the indomitable human spirit. Faced with adversity, many have begun exploring innovative solutions, turning to eco-friendly alternatives that, although more costly, signal a willingness to be part of the solution to the environmental crisis. This shift, albeit forced, hints at a silver lining—the potential for a more sustainable future where the environment and livelihoods can coexist harmoniously.
But the journey is far from over. The narrative unfolding on India’s streets is a clarion call for a more inclusive approach to environmental policy. It underscores the need for a framework that combats the perils of plastic pollution and cushions the vulnerable sections of society from the brunt of such transitions. Support mechanisms, financial aid, and educational programs are imperative to bridge the gap between environmental aspirations and the on-the-ground realities small vendors face.
Moreover, this scenario illuminates the broader dialogue on sustainability and equity. The fight against plastic pollution is undeniably a collective endeavor, requiring contributions from all sectors of society. Yet, as we forge ahead, it’s critical to ensure that the burden of change is equitably distributed, that large corporations and individuals share the responsibility and that the voices of the minor players are heard and valued.
Meanwhile, the tale of India’s street vendors and the single-use plastic ban is a poignant chapter in the larger story of our environmental journey. It reminds us that compassion, inclusivity, and support are just as vital as the policies we enact in the quest for a sustainable future. As we navigate this path, remember that the heart of sustainability beats preserving our planet and its people’s well-being, ensuring no one is left behind as we stride towards a greener, more equitable world.
