Quaker launches findings of ‘Bowl of Growth’ program addressing malnutrition
There is a need to spread awareness to curb plastic usage
Highlighting the ill effects of Plastics the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan informed at a media interaction that 95 lakh tonnes of plastic waste is generated by single use plastic out of this 6 lakh tonnes goes into the sea contaminating the waters.
He also said that plastic waste when burnt gives rise to respiratory illnesses. The aim of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is to phase out plastic use in packaging and move towards 100% use of jute in packaging foodstuff.
Informing the media about initiatives taken by his Ministry in replacing one time use plastic bottles for drinking water with suitable alternatives, the Minister said that during a meeting attended by industry organisations and stakeholders and various government departments there were deliberations on issues relevant to packaging of drinking water.
All stakeholders presented suggestions on replacing one time use plastic bottles for drinking water with suitable alternatives.They said there is a need for formulation of standards for packaging of drinking water using compostable material and a need to spread consumer awareness to curb plastic usage.
Paswan informed that all attached, subordinate autonomous bodies under the administrative control of his Ministry have stopped using single use plastic.