Single-use plastics

Why in news?

• A new report by Australia's Minderoo Foundation, finds that just 20 companies account for more than half of all single-use plastic waste generated worldwide.
• Nearly all the single-use plastic manufactured by these companies — 98% according to the report — is made from " 'virgin' (fossil-fuel-based) feedstocks" rather than recycled materials.

About Single-use plastics:

• Single-use plastics are disposable plastics meant for use-and-throw.
• These comprise polythene bags, plastic drinking bottles, plastic bottle caps, food wrappers, plastic sachets, plastic wrappers, straws, stirrers and Styrofoam cups or plates.
• It is estimated that out of 300 million tons of plastic produced each year worldwide, half of which is for single-use items.
• Single-use plastics slowly and gradually break down into smaller pieces of plastic known as microplastics.
• These microscopic plastic fragments, no more than 5 millimeters long, are hard to detect often end up in the water, eaten by wildlife, and inside our bodies.
•  When eaten they can easily accumulate inside an animal’s body and cause health issues, like punctured organs or fatal intestinal blockages.
• It can take thousands of years for plastic bags to decompose, thus contaminating our soil and water in the process.

Prelims Question:

Consider the following statements on Single Use Plastics:
1.India is worlds largest producer of single use plastics.
2.Single use plastics break down into microplastics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims question