Muhammad Saleem

Plastic bags have become a major source of environmental pollution. While a ban will undoubtedly improve the environment, concerns exist about its economic impact on businesses. Shoukat Ali from the Punjab Environmental Protection Department told WealthPK that climate change was impacting the world rapidly, and Pakistan was facing its severe threats. “Instead of improving the environment, we are actually polluting it more. Plastic bags have become a major source of pollution. They harm the wildlife and take centuries to decompose. Besides, they are also littering our waterways, landfills, and even the oceans. We are not doing enough to prevent our ecosystems from being destroyed by the plastic bags," he said. He supported a ban on the use of plastic bags which would significantly reduce the country’s environmental issues. “The ban on plastic bags is multifaceted. Discussions and strategies are needed to tackle the situation on a permanent basis. Without concrete decisions, we cannot achieve the desired results of protecting the environment and businesses,” Shoukat said.

Commenting on the potential economic implications of banning the production of plastic bags, Dr Ahmed from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad’s Environmental Sciences Institute acknowledged that it would hit small and large manufacturers and sellers immediately. However, he believes this decision will surely spur innovation in biodegradable bags and other eco-friendly alternatives. “We are producing tons of waste daily and its management requires hefty funds. The ban, in the long run, will lead to effective waste management, saving public funds. Owing to plastic bags related pollution and other issues, our healthcare system is also facing pressure. “To address the pressing issue of environmental degradation and impact of climate change, practical measures are crucial. Climate change is hitting Pakistan badly. The ban imposed on plastic bags will not only improve the environmental image of Punjab but also attract environmentally-conscious businesses,” he said.

Muhammad Tufail, who trades in plastic bags, told WealthPK, “Like other segments of the society, we are also concerned about the environmental challenges. It's a good sign that the government has started taking practical measures to combat the critical environmental issues. However, a complete ban on plastic bags would be challenging. This decision, without alternatives, would deprive countless people of their livelihood.” He said plastic bags was a low-cost option for the consumers and retailers alike; however, a sudden ban would be an unwise decision which would disrupt the supply chains and increase the business costs, ultimately hitting consumers' buying capacity. To address these concerns, the government should provide subsidies to the people willing to invest in alternative packaging solutions, he suggested. Zafar Ali, a private school principal, stressed the need for reusable solutions. Talking to WealthPK, he said fabric bags and plastic baskets were used in the past for shopping. Both are environment-friendly and affordable for consumers. “Focusing solely on profit cost us dearly, as we damaged our healthy environment. Plastic bags is a low-cost but environmentally damaging option. To address this issue, the government should launch an awareness campaign to promote the use of reusable plastic baskets and fabric bags for shopping,” he said.

Shoukat Ali said the government must launch initiatives to help the businesses adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Besides, the government should provide subsidies and tax breaks to the people attached with this industry. He said public awareness campaigns will ensure the success of the provincial government’s plan. The public should be encouraged to use their own reusable bags. Without public participation, the government will face issues, he stressed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk