Sindh bans plastic bottles in government offices

KARACHI: The Sindh government enacted a ban on plastic water bottles across all government offices in the province on Friday.

The directive was issued in a recent notification. It mandates the use of jugs and glasses as replacements for disposable plastic bottles.

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The decision follows concerns raised by the Sindh Chief Minister during a cabinet meeting about the environmental impact associated with the disposal of plastic mineral water bottles. The provincial cabinet agreed on the ban as a measure to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability.

The notification tells all Sindh government departments and offices to stop using plastic water bottles right away. Instead, officials are to use jugs and glasses for drinking water.

The change is part of a larger effort to tackle environmental issues and encourage more sustainable practices within government operations.

Plastic waste poses huge environmental and health hazards. Disposable plastic bottles often end up in landfills or the ocean, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. As they break down, they release harmful chemicals into the environment, contributing to pollution and affecting wildlife.

Plastics are harmful to human health. Chemicals found in plastic bottles, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, can leach into the water or food contained within them. The substances have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

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Reducing plastic use and opting for safer alternatives, like glass, can help mitigate these health risks.