Jusco and JNAC are launching a war against the pollutant in run-up to World Environment Day, says Animesh Bisoee Plastics are useful in small doses but a ticking time bomb for our planet. To reduce their use in Jamshedpur, which generates some 15 tonnes of plastic waste daily, Tata Steel civic utilities wing Jusco and Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee are gearing up to beat plastic pollution in the run-up to World Environment Day on June 5. JNAC focus After the state cabinet imposed a blanket ban last November against plastic carry bags (irrespective of thickness and size), barring their use in packaged food products, milk and use in nurseries, JNAC started crackdown from this year in markets to enforce the ban. But, in the wake of World Environment Day, raids will be held daily in markets, against plastic bag wholesalers and godowns. Offenders will be prosecuted under Jharkhand Municipal Act Authorityspeak The use of plastic carry bags has decreased significantly. Acting on a tip-off, we recently raided a plastic bag godown in Kharangajhar, Telco, and prosecuted the owner. Our enforcement team will conduct more such raids in the run up to World Environment Day Sanjay Kumar Pandey, JNAC special officer Jusco ambit Jusco will focus on behavioural changes with nine tips for living with less plastic, encouraging reusable items over single-use ones. It will also spread information on hazard levels of various grades of plastics in daily use. Nine tips to live green* Carry your own jute/cotton shopping bag Carry a reusable food grade water bottle to limit buying single-use water bottles Bring your own cup to work to avoid single-use plastic cups for tea or coffee Pack your meals in reusable containers Say no to disposable straws and cutlery, use steel and wooden cutlery and biodegradable straws Skip produce packed in plastic, opt for products packed in cotton and jute bags Slow down and dine in at hotels and at home instead of taking packaged foods in plastic carry bags from takeaways Store leftovers in glass jars rather than in plastic Share these tips with friends and relatives Know PET from PVC* Hazardous: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) used to make cleaner bottles, toys, shower curtains etc), PS (Polystyrene) used in cups, plates and take-out containers Moderately hazardous: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) used to make soft drink, water and ketchup bottles Less hazardous: HDPE (high-density polyethylene) milk pouch, cosmetic cases, shampoo bottles and plastic bags; LDPE (low-density polyethylene) used in produce and garbage bags; PP (polypropylene) used in pills bottles, bottle caps, straws and yoghurt tubs Authorityspeak We are working on creating leaflets and posters to share nine tips to reduce plastic in daily life and pass information on different types of plastics used in daily life and its hazard levels. We will distribute these leaflets among the masses, our employees and also put up banners at over 50 flats and residential complexes managed by Jusco in different parts of the city. This will continue till June 5