Question

Why is Government of India imposing a ban on the use of polythene bags? Suggest two alternatives to these bags and explain how this ban is likely to improve the environment.

In some states of our country there is a ban on the use of polythene bags for shopping. Why? List three advantages of using jute or cloth bags over polythene bags.

Answer 1

Government of India is imposing a ban on the use of polythene bags because they cannot be degraded naturally by the action of microorganisms. Because of their non-biodegradability, they stay in the soil for a long time and continue to poison it with toxic by-products that keep leaching from them. Also, they do not allow water to seep in, as they are waterproof. These polythene bags, when accidentally eaten by stray animals, can harm them and can even lead to their death.

Jute and cloth bags can be used in place of polythene bags.

The advantages of using cloth and jute bags are as follows:

• They are environment-friendly as they are biodegradable.
• They are renewable and can be easily recycled.
• They have more strength than polythene bags because they are thick and can be used again and again.

Thus, using jute and cloth bags will helps to reduce pollution.

Answer 2

There is a ban on the use of polythene bags for shopping in some states of our country because they cannot be degraded naturally by the action of microorganisms. Because of their non-biodegradability, they stay in the soil for a long time and continue to poison it with toxic by-products that keep leaching from them. Also, they do not allow water to seep in, as they are waterproof. These polythene bags when accidentally eaten by stray animals can harm them and can even cause their death.

The three advantages of using jute or cloth bags over polythene bags are as follows:

• Cloth or jute bags are environment-friendly; they are biodegradable.
• They are renewable and can be easily recycled.
• They have more strength than polythene bags because they are thick and can be used again and again.