Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and improper solid waste disposal, especially of plastic bottles and kaveras (plastic bags)—is silently fueling this crisis. In many communities, these plastics are carelessly thrown away, burnt, or dumped in open spaces due to a lack of awareness, poor waste management systems, weak enforcement of laws, and a culture of convenience. Plastic is cheap and widely used, but it is non-biodegradable, meaning it can stay in the environment for hundreds of years. When not properly disposed of, it blocks drainage systems, causes flooding, and pollutes water bodies and soils. Burning plastics releases toxic gases like dioxins and furans that can cause respiratory illnesses and cancer, while microplastics contaminate soil and water, eventually entering the food chain and affecting human and animal health. Plastics also contribute to global warming through emissions released during their production and open burning. To solve this, communities must adopt the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—by avoiding single-use plastics, reusing containers, and supporting recycling initiatives. Governments should strictly ban single-use kaveras, enforce anti-littering laws, invest in waste collection and recycling infrastructure, and support plastic alternatives. Community awareness campaigns, school education, and local clean-ups are essential to changing behavior and building collective responsibility. Households should separate organic and inorganic waste, while entrepreneurs, especially youth and women, can be empowered to turn plastic waste into useful products like pavers, crafts, or construction materials. Everyone has a role to play. By rejecting plastic bags, reusing what we can, and encouraging others to act responsibly, we protect our health, preserve our environment, and contribute to climate action. The fight against climate change begins with simple actions and with us... Together let's conserve the environment and promote good health and wellbeing 

Source : Ayoo Mary Goretty