What was considered a blessing in 20th Century is now deemed a curse for the mankind as well as the living world in 21st Century. It is plastic, the widespread and unrestrained use of which in various forms is the cause of concern at the present juncture.
More importantly, the microplastics and nanoplastics, which are products of plastic breakdown by various environmental factors into smaller, invisible particles, are acting as serious health hazards.
The UNEP has taken initiative to implement an international agreement on plastic ban in 2024, including a complete ban on single-use plastics. As per a UNEP report, 80% of plastic pollution can be controlled by 2040 if emphasis is being laid on reducing plastic packaging materials and increasing reuse and recycling of plastics.
These observations were made by the guests while speaking on the occasion of the World Environment Day 2023 held under the joint auspices of the Orissa Environmental Society (OES) and the SBI, Local Head office, Bhubaneswar here on Monday. OES president Dr Sundara Narayana Patro presided over the celebration.
ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneswar Director Dr Sanghamitra Pati, who was chief guest, explained how plastics in general, more significantly the microplastics and nanoplastics, are causing various ailments such as increased occurrence of cancer, reducing body’s immunity power, hormonal imbalance, birth defects and mutations in genetic materials.
Chief speaker Dr Pratap Chandra Padhi, Chief Manager (T) & Principal, CIPET Bhubaneswar, made a presentation on ‘Plastic waste management and circular economy’. He emphasised that unrestrained use of single-use plastics needs to be controlled and reuse and recycle be given priority to reduce waste and boost circular economy.
Dr Patro emphasised on abandoning the ultramodern, unsustainable lifestyle that is at the root of all environmental challenges. At the beginning, OES secretary Dr Jayakrushna Panigrahi highlighted the significance of the day’s theme, ‘Beat plastic pollution'.
On the occasion, Padma Shri Daitari Naik of Keonjhar was conferred with the ‘Water Man of Odisha Award’, Prof Kunja Bihari Satapathy with the Parbati Mishra Memorial ‘Environmentalist of the Year Award’ and Dr Prakash Chandra Jena with the ‘Green Crusader Award’.
The annual proceedings of OES ‘Lectures on Environment & Science’ was also released by the guests.