The offices have been asked to avoid the use of single-use plastic plates, glasses, cups, straws, cutlery, and other disposable items
Single use plastic items. Photo: UNDP
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Single use plastic items. Photo: UNDP
The government has directed all the ministries, divisions, agencies and offices to use alternatives to single-use plastic items.
The move has been taken to control environmental pollution, said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division today (5 September).
The notice also includes a set of alternative products to promote the use of environmentally friendly materials.
It requested agencies to replace plastic files and folders with options made from recycled paper, cardboard, or sustainable materials like bamboo or hemp.
Instead of single-use plastic bags, departments under the environment ministry have been asked to opt for cotton or jute bags.
The cabinet division also asked offices to use glass bottles and glasses for water and other beverages.
They also requested to use banners made from cotton, jute, or biodegradable materials rather than plastic.
Instructions have been given to avoid plastic lamination in invitations, visiting cards, and promotional materials. Instead, recycled paper or eco-friendly printing methods have been suggested to use for lamination.
The government also asked agencies to ensure food packets served at meetings and seminars are made from paper or other eco-friendly materials and to avoid single-use plastic containers.
The offices have been asked to avoid the use of single-use plastic plates, glasses, cups, straws, cutlery, and other disposable items.
They have been directed to use pencils or paper pens instead of plastic pens.