The Fight Against Excessive Plastic Use in Bangladesh
Bangladesh, the world's second-largest producer of jute, an environmentally friendly fiber, has been struggling for decades against the increasing use of plastic-based packaging and synthetic fibers, which are cheaper and more popular but harmful to the environment. As a safeguard, the government, 16 years ago, enacted a law that made it mandatory to use jute bags and sacks to contain and transport 19 essential commodities, including rice, wheat, and fertilizers.
However, the measure has been largely ineffective, with the invasion of plastic and synthetic fibers as packaging ingredients continuing unchecked. Synthetic and plastic bags have caused environmental problems, such as waste disposal. Nazmul Haque, the government-appointed jute official in the northern district of Sherpur, told Mongabay that a small semi-automated rice mill, Sakhina Rice Mill, has been using jute bags exclusively.
The Success Story of Sakhina Rice Mill
Sakhina Rice Mill in Sherpur stands out from the crowd by using jute bags and sacks exclusively, debunking the narratives of other rice mills that jute bags and sacks reduce their profit margin. "A 50-kilogram [110-pound] plastic bag costs 20 takas [16 cents], while a jute bag costs 80 takas [65 cents]. A plastic bag cannot be reused; it's for single use. On the other hand, we can use the same jute bag at least three times to transport rice or paddy and then repair it, if torn, and use it three more times to transport rice bran," Md. Hamez Uddin, owner of Sakhina Rice Mill, told Mongabay.
Why This Matters
The loss of jute to plastic has significant implications for the environment and economy of Bangladesh. Jute is a renewable and biodegradable fiber, while plastic is a non-renewable and non-biodegradable material. Excessive plastic use has contributed to environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
The Scientific Mechanism Behind Jute's Loss of Ground
The loss of jute to plastic can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of awareness about the benefits of jute, limited availability of jute bags and sacks, and a lack of infrastructure to produce and distribute jute. Additionally, jute is a more expensive fiber than plastic, making it less attractive to producers and consumers.
Bigger Picture
The loss of jute to plastic in Bangladesh is an example of a broader problem affecting many developing countries. A lack of awareness about the benefits of natural fibers and a lack of infrastructure to produce and distribute these fibers have contributed to the loss of jute and other natural fibers to plastic.
What Happens Next
To reverse the loss of jute, it is necessary to increase awareness about the benefits of jute and improve infrastructure to produce and distribute jute. Additionally, it is necessary to implement policies and regulations to reduce plastic use and promote the use of natural fibers. Sakhina Rice Mill is an example of how companies can contribute to sustainability by using jute bags and sacks.
Conclusion
The loss of jute to plastic in Bangladesh is a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach. It is necessary to increase awareness about the benefits of jute, improve infrastructure to produce and distribute jute, and implement policies and regulations to reduce plastic use and promote the use of natural fibers.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.