LETTER: Given the current situation and the greater need for us to adapt to the new norm, e-commerce has seen an unprecedented rise, and so does plastic use.
Wrapping and packaging materials are plastic. In addition to bubble wraps, we also have foam peanuts. Even boxes have an extra layer of plastic.
Addressing this issue requires a collective effort from many parties at different levels. There is a pressing need for Malaysians to cut down on plastic use as we are its largest consumers in Asia.
In 2019, Malaysia's carbon emissions associated with plastic had reached 860 million tonnes. This was more than the annual emissions of the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. World Wide Fund for Nature coordinator on plastic circular economy Thomas Schuldt said Malaysians used the most plastics because they were among the wealthiest.
Malaysians generally lack the awareness of or do not seem to care about the dangers of plastic pollution. Just like the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. If a person does not experience the effects of plastic pollution, he will remain ignorant about it.
We should teach children to cut down plastic waste or go green. They should have a syllabus or subject on sustainable living. China is among the world's top plastic consumers, however, one of its cities, Shanghai, has come up with policies to cut such waste, specifically from e-commerce packaging.
In 2018, the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change Ministry had come up with a blueprint titled "Malaysia's Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030".
This blueprint highlights a framework to eradicate single-use plastic use. It does not specify or address the use of plastic packaging through e-commerce. Instead, it focused on food packaging, which is also equally critical.
Looking at the current situation, there is a need for the blueprint's revision so that plastic packaging from e-commerce is included. Its implementation must be done aggressively. Many alternatives are yet to be explored as replacements to packaging materials.
For example, biodegradable packaging peanuts, corrugated bubbles made from cardboard to replace plastic bubble wraps, air pillows from recycled materials, corn starch (derived from maize) packaging, which has plastic-like properties, mushroom packaging which is popular in the international market, have yet to be introduced here.
This composite material is made up of mushroom mycelium and has Styrofoam-like properties and is compostable at home. Seaweed packagings are made without the use of chemicals. If they were discarded, these would not cause marine pollution. Finally, we can opt for recycled cardboard, paper, eco-friendly and recycled plastics.
As consumers, it is time to throw away the don't care attitude and take responsibility for our actions. We can start with reducing our daily plastic consumption and supporting local enterprises that use less plastic or recyclable papers as their packaging materials. Be it from your favourite takeaway restaurant or the clothes you wear.
Yello Macha founder Rinisha Devi Vijayen emphasises the importance of using recyclable plastic for packaging and goes a step further by producing apparels using eco-dye, which is environmentally friendly.
Many other enterprises that focus on plastic-free products, such as Foodabox, Paper Inc and Le Starry, must receive our support so that we can achieve a sustainable future.
DR. PRAVEENA
GV Medhini
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times