Plastics, a boon or bane? Most probably a Ban, which is what we should be looking at. At least for the direct offenders in the system (plastic carry bags). All forms of Single-Use plastics are chocking everything from water cleaning systems to river systems to oceans, you name it. In fact, it does not come as a surprise that satellite images have found several Garbage Patches in the Pacific and Atlantic, which are covering areas as big as several European countries combined. The sad part is that Wildlife and the overall Ocean life is suffering because of it.

Now is the time that something needs to be done about it. Multiple companies are looking at plastic as a bigger problem than any other thing and many super-stores have already started using bags made out of disposable material, which is remarkable. There are unique ideas flowing in from across the world to help figure out how to deal with our mess.

The only problem with having been dependent on something for too long cripples us. Once it is taken away, replacements take time to come. It is all simple math and economics of how a new product should be launched, providing enough profit and usability. There are biodegradable plastics already floating in the market and it is a welcoming step from the government to help stop the usage of plastics across multiple states, something which needs rigorous follow-ups.

We being the part of everything, every plan, and step, need to step-up and use methods which help us adopt a healthier lifestyle. We deserve a healthy planet, and we need to make sure we make it. Some of the steps that should be a part of our daily lives are given below, hoping we all will follow it:

• Using Glass products
• Using Reusable plastic bags or cloth bags
• Additive plastics – made using Milk Protein/ other biodegradables etc.
• Using direct plastic alternatives such as PCL, PHA and PLA Polyesters

Water one of the 5 elements of life, without which Earth would have been a barren land, today is being treated like a neighbor. Nobody cares.

What we need to recap is that our own body is made up of 70% water and we are running out of it. Our water bodies are being pushed to the limits and moving towards extinction.

Most, if not all the rivers in the Northern Indian region are endangered and in very bad condition. Crores are spent every year in their conservation but nothing seems to change. The more we populate the more need for water will drive our water bodies to the point where we will be waiting for a miracle to help us survive.

The natural habitat where a water body can thrive, is now all but a concrete Jungle. The concept of Johad (water storage body) has become drainage, underground water is not fit for drinking, and it is full of all the things we send down in the ground.

So, how can we deal with all this mess?

• By saving as much water as possible
• Harvesting Rain Water
• Using buckets to bathe instead of Shower
• Using waterless car cleaners
• Fixing leaks and faulty taps
• Shrinking Lawns
• Using water-efficient flushes
• Utilizing RO wastewater for washing Utensils

Finally reducing chemical inflows in the drainage systems which eventually end up in bigger water bodies. Our efforts will be focused on identifying elements which are harmful to marine life and in general reduce the oxygen retention ability of water.