Nepal Moves Forward with Sustainability: A Look at Recent Plastic Bans

Nepal has achieved amazing progress in cutting down plastic consumption due to its harmful impact on the environment. The eco-friendly initiatives have been embraced by the public, including those passionate about the environment.

On July 6, 2023, the government put a ban in place on super-thin plastic materials, as they pose a significant danger to the environment and wildlife. It was up to the Ministry of Federal Affairs to enforce this ban with the aim of reducing plastic waste throughout Nepal.

Just three days afterward, on July 9, the Supreme Court asked the government to create additional regulations concerning plastic bags because of their negative effects on both the environment and public health. Problems arising from plastic bags involve reduced soil fertility, blockage of water flow, and contamination of food and water sources.

By July 18, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, had entirely prohibited the use of plastic. This substantial move towards sustainability could inspire other cities in Nepal to do the same.

The government is committed to endorsing eco-friendly methods and minimizing pollution. Their objective is to persuade individuals to opt for alternatives like cloth bags and biodegradable materials rather than plastic.

For these prohibitions to work well, proper enforcement and citizens' compliance are essential. It's up to the government to guarantee that people follow these rules and offer education on ways to decrease plastic usage.

Nepal's recent endeavors demonstrate its dedication to preserving the environment. These progressive steps can significantly contribute to creating a sustainable future. As Nepal forges its way towards environmental balance, it stands as a motivational example for other countries fighting against plastic pollution.

Understanding the Plastics Less Than 40 Microns

Thin plastic materials, especially those less than 40 microns thick, create a myriad of issues. Due to their lightweight, they can easily become airborne, spreading across vast areas and polluting our surroundings. Landscapes, water sources, and eventually oceans are all harmed by these plastics.

Recycling thin plastics is quite challenging due to their delicate structure. The sorting and processing at recycling facilities become complicated, often resulting in the contamination of other recyclable items. Consequently, these plastics often end up in landfills or incinerators, leading to increased pollution and emission of greenhouse gases.

Plastic Ingestion: A Threat to Humans and Animals Alike

Moreover, thin plastics pose a serious threat to wildlife. Animals frequently mistake these plastics for food, causing disastrous effects when ingested. In aquatic environments, thin plastics degrade into microplastics – minute particles that marine creatures consume. These particles may go on to enter the food chain, potentially posing risks to human health.

Given these concerns, Nepal's ban on thin plastics is a crucial move in minimizing the environmental impact of plastic waste. The ban specifically addresses one of the most widespread and detrimental forms of plastic pollution: thin plastics.

Nonetheless, the effectiveness of this ban relies on proper enforcement and raising public awareness about its gravity. It's crucial to educate people about the reasoning behind the ban and emphasize the importance of embracing eco-friendly alternatives.

The consumption of plastic, whether deliberate or accidental, presents considerable risks for both human beings and animals. For animals, especially those in the wild, the perils are immediate and frequently lethal.

Due to their vibrant colors and ability to float, animals often confuse plastic debris for food. Once consumed, plastic can lead to numerous health complications. It can result in physical harm, frequently perforating the animal's internal organs or creating obstructions in the digestive tract. Consequently, this can cause starvation as the animal feels full and ceases to eat, which ultimately results in malnutrition and death.

Additionally, plastics present in the environment are capable of retaining hazardous chemicals that can be released into the animal's system upon consumption. This can trigger an array of health problems like reproductive issues and stunted growth or development.

The problem of plastic consumption extends to humans as well, predominantly through eating seafood. Oceanic plastics degrade into minuscule particles called microplastics, which marine life might ingest. These microplastics can then move up the food chain and find their way onto our dinner tables.

A research paper published in Environmental Science & Technology approximated that a typical seafood consumer could ingest around 11,000 plastic particles annually. Although the impact of microplastic consumption on human health is not yet fully comprehended, it has been established that similar to animals, plastics have the potential to emit noxious chemicals within the human body, possibly giving rise to various health concerns.

Nepal's Battle Against Plastic Waste

In 2019/20, Nepal's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) carried out a comprehensive waste management survey across 271 municipalities. The goal was to gather systematic data regarding the status of solid waste management, including municipal solid waste (MSW) volume and composition.

The study found that each municipality had an average of 114 human resources overall, with metropolitan cities boasting 477 individuals and smaller municipalities employing 99. However, those specifically dedicated to waste management were much fewer - just 118 in metropolitan cities, 59 in sub-metropolitan cities, and 12 in municipalities.

Municipal waste was classified into three main categories: organic, inorganic, and other waste. Organic waste included paper, textiles, and agricultural materials; inorganic waste consisted of plastic, glass, rubber, metals, and minerals; while other waste covered anything not falling into the previous groups.

The average yearly total waste collected per municipality was 2231.0 mt in 2073/74, 2164.4 mt in 2074/75, and 2232.7 mt in 2075/76. This translates into daily averages of 6.1 mt, 5.9 mt, and 6.1 mt for each year respectively. Of all the different types of waste collected, organic materials constituted the largest share.

Notably, plastic is a subset of inorganic waste requiring special attention due to its harmful properties - particularly when it measures less than 40 microns. These plastic particles are banned because they are so light that they can easily become airborne or clog waterways. Furthermore, they are non-recyclable and take centuries to degrade, causing significant harm to both the environment and wildlife.

If consumed by humans or animals, plastics can lead to serious health issues by blocking the digestive system or disrupting hormonal balance through chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA).

Nepal, like many countries, faces considerable challenges in addressing plastic waste. Its involvement in global organizations and commitment to sustainable development offers a solid foundation for tackling this problem. However, achieving real progress will demand concerted efforts at every level - from policymaking and regulation to public awareness and altering people's habits. The road ahead may be long, but by taking the right steps, a plastic-free Nepal can become a reality.