Appraisal of awareness about single use plastic bags (supbs) among consumers and shopkeepers of Lanka market, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Abstract The awareness level of humans varies depending upon various known and unknown factors. Environmental awareness of an individual is the reflection of his/her thoughts, feelings and sensitivities towards the environment and its associated problems like degradation. It is the most important parameter for the measurement of implementation of government’s policies designed for the safeguard of environment and other related issues. The Indian Government decision for the complete ban on the Single-Use Plastic Bags (SUPBs) has been implemented in the whole country since 01 July 2022. Single-use plastic bags pose serious concerns for the environment and the economy of the country. The consumption as well as the disposal of plastic-related products is increasing day by day in India. Around 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated every year (CPCB 2020). The present paper is about the appraisal of the awareness level of consumers and shopkeepers about the use of plastic bags. In the present study, the primary survey is conducted to understand the awareness of consumers and shopkeepers regarding Single-Use Plastic Bags (SUPBs) in Lanka market, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The study tries to relate the level of literacy, economic status, hesitation to carry own bags and demand for the plastic bags with the environment awareness level. Study reflects, there is a strong relationship between uses of plastic bags with economic, social, cultural, political status of the people. It also reflects the lack of enforcement of policies about the Single-Use Plastic Bags (SUPBs).