To raise public awareness about the hazardous environmental consequences of using single-use plastic sachets and to motivate mass people to stop using them, Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) held a day-long mobile and signature campaign to gain public support for banning all single-use plastic products including sachets on May 28, 2022, at multiple locations around Dhaka city.
The campaign started off around 10 a.m. from TSC, University of Dhaka. Through this campaign, ESDO team consisting of four members and two volunteers gathered public opinion on the hazardous consequences of single-use plastic sachets. The vast majority of people appreciated ESDO’s efforts and expressed their worry about the harmful impacts of sachets on the environment, recommending that manufacturers seek out alternatives and modify their goods. They requested the government to pass legislation for prohibiting single-use plastics, such as sachets, and encouraging product redesign and showed solidarity by providing their signature for banning all single-use plastic products. Mass people also much appreciated the recent gazette published by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change regarding phasing out single-use plastic from exposed coastal zone by 2023.
The discarded packaging, which had the names of well-known multinational brands of coffee creamer, biscuits, laundry detergent, and confectionery, was highlighted as one of Asia’s most serious environmental concerns. Sachets, which are palm-sized packets, have expanded in emerging nations, allowing low-income consumers to purchase single portions of practically any product. Sachets are a daily reality for most people, but they are also one of the most significant waste challenges we face.
People voluntarily engaged in this day-long mobile and signature campaign. More than 600 individuals signed the petition in support of the effort. The campaign began at TSC and traveled via Motijheel, Gulshan Lake, and Shanshod Bhavan and ended at Rabindro Sarobor, Dhanmondi around 5 p.m.
