Offices are prohibited from using plastic tote bags, plastic or hot melt disposable tableware; plastic flowers, banners, flags, flower pots, water bottles, plastic folders and trays are discouraged.
India's Goa state environment department on Wednesday issued an order asking all government departments to curb the use of single-use plastics. director Dashrath Redkar said in the directive that initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics should start in government offices.
Departments have been told to stop using items such as plastic folders, artificial flowers to decorate offices, and the use of PVC flex board for advertising.
"The Goa government, considering the public and the possible impact on the environment in the state, feels the need to strictly reduce the use of avoidable plastics. And this initiative should start from various government departments." Redkar said.
Redkar has directed the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of General Administration to issue an order to impose such restrictions in all government departments, autonomous bodies and companies. The order states.
Government offices must segregate waste at the source: the green sector
All government offices should also practice waste segregation at the source.
"All government offices/subordinate offices and all other offices may restrict the use of single-use plastic items/disposable items, including: all types of plastic tote bags; plastic/thermal-fused (polystyrene) disposable tableware, including cups/glasses, bowls, forks, spoons, containers, straws, etc., for serving food and beverages. " the order reads.
Redkar has said that products such as artificial flowers, banners, flags and pet water bottles are discouraged and that departments should choose environmentally friendly alternatives to these products.
"The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has drawn the attention of all states to the misuse of disposable or short-life PVC flexible sheets or posters in government agencies and offices for short-term advertising and other purposes, and the serious hazards they pose to human health and the environment," the order reads.
Such banners or posters contain vinyl chloride, a plastic polymer that, when burned, releases toxic fumes such as dioxins and furans, Redkar said. Using this non-biodegradable material increases the risk that the material will enter the food chain and endanger human and environmental health, he added.
Public sector enterprises operating in Goa should also be encouraged to restrict the use of disposable products, Redkar said.
