Environment Ministry urges plastic bottle switch

The Ministry of Environment has urged the public to decrease their use of single-use plastic water bottles and instead adopt reusable alternatives as part of a strategy to mitigate plastic pollution. In a public announcement, the Ministry cautioned that plastic bottles, purchased for momentary convenience, could persist in the environment for centuries, inflicting long-term environmental harm.

It encouraged individuals to use reusable water bottles, including glass containers and other eco-friendly alternatives, emphasizing that adjustments in daily habits could substantially reduce plastic waste. The Ministry announced that measures have already been implemented to limit the acquisition and utilization of single-use plastic water bottles in state institutions.

A directive issued by the Ministry became effective on May 31, 2026, instructing state institutions to limit the purchase and use of such bottles. Initiatives aimed at reducing the use of plastic and polythene are ongoing across state institutions, in accordance with commitments made on World Environment Day 2025, according to the Ministry.

It further stated that arrangements were being made under revised environmental legislation to introduce nationwide initiatives to curtail plastic use in partnership with industries. Nevertheless, the Ministry stressed that regulations alone would not suffice in addressing plastic pollution and called for heightened responsibility and behavioral change among individuals.

"True change starts with altering our everyday routines," the Ministry stated, urging people to begin by carrying their own reusable water bottles when leaving their homes. Minimizing reliance on single-use plastics is crucial for fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations, the Ministry asserted.