Tamil Nadu will be banning single use plastic and other biodegradables from January 2019. Not wishing to impose restrictions on unprepared citizens, the state government has given itself and its people a good six months before the ban kicks in and plans to conduct back-to-back campaigns over this period. From sensitising shopkeepers and consumers about switching to biodegradable bags to campaigning against plastic in schools, the civic body is leaving no stone unturned to ensure successful implementation.
But, how are the people of the city reacting to the prospect of doing away with single-use plastic altogether? Responses have been mixed so far. While environmentalists are elated at the prospect, casual workers dealing in plastic waste stare at an uncertain future.
Citizen Matters talks to various people including plastic dealers, waste pickers and experts to understand their perspective.
Video and text by Aruna Natarajan and Laasya Shekhar
