Growing Use Of Plastic Bags Threaten Human Health, Environment

BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): Some environmental activists in central Bamyan province have expressed concerns about the increase in plastic waste in the province, emphasizing the replacement of disposable plastic bags with reusable ones, saying that this measure could play an important role in protecting the environment.

Ali Jan Refat, an environmental analyst, said plastic bags are usually released in nature after use, causing widespread pollution, the accumulation of this waste severely harmed wildlife and the environment, and also has negative effects on the health of local people.

“Plastic bags are usually abandoned in nature after use, causing widespread pollution. The accumulation of this waste severely harms wildlife and the environment, and also has negative effects on the health of local people.”

She added:“If people use cloth bags instead of plastic ones, the amount of plastic waste will be greatly reduced and the environment will be protected.”

Since many tourists visited Bamyan, most of the plastic waste is brought to these areas by these tourists, and so far no serious action has been taken to prevent this trend.

Meanwhile, environmental experts described plastic waste as extremely harmful and dangerous from a health perspective.

Ali Nazari, a graduate of natural sciences, said that plastic waste broke down into tiny particles over time and releases harmful chemicals that can enter the food chain and threaten the health of humans and animals.

He said:“As plastic decomposes and produces, harmful gases such as methane, carbon, and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, which causes air pollution and increases greenhouse gases.”

He believed that since cloth bags could be produced anywhere and could be reused and washed repeatedly, their use could be a positive step in raising awareness about the environment and encouraging people to reduce plastic consumption.

Brahim Dadfar, head of Bamyan's Environmental Protection Department, acknowledged the concerns of environmental activists and said the department has taken steps to reduce plastic pollution.

“Given that cloth bags are available to families at a low cost, they can be a good alternative to plastic bags.”

He also noted that the Environmental Protection Agency has educated thousands of local residents about climate change, reducing air pollution, conserving natural resources, and avoiding single-use items.

He said the agency has been distributing leaflets among local residents to encourage people to use suitable alternatives to plastic.

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