Polythene - Bags of Trouble

Polythene bags were introduced as substitution to paper bags which were used initially for packing house hold commodities like eatables. Due to their characteristics like light weight and cheap cost, they gained the popularity quickly resulting in misuse rather than use of this gifted
product.

Despite of its benefits and due to misuse, polythene has become a major concern for the living environment of human being. Ignorant people have found a way to use and throw polythene converting a packing material to waste that chocks drains and become a house of many diseases. The waste from polythene carry bags is non biodegradable making it a breeding place for many germs which sooner or later can cause an epidemic in vicinity. The benefit of being light weight turn against the environment as wind can blow polythene waste from place to place distributing waste over the vast area land. Polythene waste covers the soil and blocks penetration of water into the surface of earth. Hence, degrades soil fertility as well. There are many more hazardous effects of polythene which should be viewed with utmost seriousness.

Some of the alternatives to the use of polythene bags could be the use of jute bags and cloth bags. Recycled paper can be used to make carry bags as a substitute. Education may act as Panacea to sensitize the people about dangers of improper use and disposal of Polythene. Action against Polythene should be taken by local committees and societies. Administration can guide and arrange but it should be residents who come forward to voice and act against this dangerous waste.

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