Assignment

“The usages of polyethylene in Dhaka: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions”

ENV101, Section 8

Group 7
Members ID

Md. Ridwane Faiaz 2121097

Mohosina Afrin Shoborna 2010455

Orpa Tabassum 2010418

Anas Ali 2130755

Submitted To: Md. Ekhtekharul Islam, Senior Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science &
Management (DESM).

Submission date: 12 April 2023

 The usages of polyethylene in Dhaka: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions
A common material in many developing nations is polyethylene, a kind of plastic because of its strength,
adaptability, and low price. However, significant environmental pollution has been brought on by the
widespread use of polyethylene, particularly in developing nations like Bangladesh. Bangladesh's capital
city, Dhaka, is not an exception to this trend.
This assignment will examine a particular instance of environmental pollution brought on by the use of
polyethylene in Dhaka, provide justification for the choice, and offer a solution or management strategy.
Justification for Choosing the Case: Whether it is any local community of Dhaka like Bashundhara or
Dhaka city as a whole, significant polythene usage is prevalent. Waste made of polyethylene is
frequently not disposed of properly and is left lying around on the ground, in open landfills, and bodies
of water. Significant environmental effects of improper polyethylene waste disposal include soil and
water pollution, harm to wildlife, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, since
polyethylene waste is not biodegradable, it can linger in the environment for a very long time. However,
people are negligent about its detrimental effects. Due to its severity and urgency, the case of
environmental pollution brought on using polyethylene in Dhaka was selected.
Proposed Idea to Solve or Manage the Problem: It would take a multifaceted approach to control or
resolve the issue of environmental pollution brought on using polyethylene in Dhaka. To handle or
address the issue, the following suggestions are made:
Re-use, recycle and use sustainable alternatives: Polythene bags can be used multiple times before
disposal; thus, we should consider re-using them. Moreover, polythene can also be recycled into plastic
products like garden furniture, waste bins, traffic cones etc.
Again, as alternatives to polythene usage, we can use paper bags, cloth bags and biodegradable plastics.
Besides being biodegradable, they are also reusable and recyclable.
Limit or outlaw the use of polyethylene: The government has the authority to restrict or outlaw the use
of polyethylene in particular contexts, such as single-use plastics. Regulations and legislation can be used
to accomplish this. The government can also advocate for non-traditional materials like paper, cloth, and
biodegradable plastics.
Boost public understanding and instruction: The government can launch public awareness campaigns to
inform people about the dangers of polyethylene waste and the value of proper waste disposal. The
community's involvement, school initiatives, and media campaigns can all help achieve this.
Infrastructure improvements for waste management: To facilitate better waste collection,
transportation, and disposal, the government can make infrastructure investments in waste
management. Creating waste-to-energy plants, establishing recycling centers, and developing a thorough
waste management system are a few examples of what this can entail.
Implement incentives and penalties: The government can implement incentives, such as tax breaks and
subsidies for businesses that adopt sustainable practices, and penalties for businesses that do not. As a
result, companies may be inspired to take steps to lessen their negative environmental effects.
Promoting circular economy practices like recycling, reuse, and waste reduction is one way the
government can support sustainable practices. The government can also support sustainable land use
strategies like parks, green roofs, and urban agriculture.
To conclude, the improper disposal of polyethylene waste harms wildlife, ecosystems, the quality of soil
and water, and contributes to climate change. The use of polyethylene has become a significant
environmental problem in Dhaka. It is urgent to pay attention to and act on the issue of environmental
pollution brought on by the use of polyethylene in Dhaka. The issue must be handled or resolved using a
multifaceted strategy that includes outlawing or restricting the use of polyethylene, raising public
awareness and education, enhancing waste management infrastructure, promoting sustainable
practices, and enacting incentives and penalties.