On Saturday, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an adviser on environment, forests, and climate change, urged universities to create plastic-free campuses. She emphasized the importance of engaging students and raising awareness about sustainable options.
Rizwana believes that moving away from plastic convenience can benefit local industries, such as jute, and boost the economy. She shared these thoughts during a virtual event focused on creating a sustainable marine environment, organized by CUET.
She encouraged students, particularly girls, to explore making bags from paper, jute, or cloth. Rizwana noted that changing consumer habits requires time and effort. “Our current consumption patterns are deep-rooted and won’t change overnight,” she explained.
The reliance on single-use plastics is largely due to their perceived convenience. However, these products come with hidden costs—environmental damage and expenses related to production. “Plastic isn’t free; it comes at a significant price,” she warned.
Rizwana praised the project at CUET and supported its continuation. She noted that today’s education will shape tomorrow’s environmental outcomes. Teaching students about the sustainable lifestyles of previous generations can help guide them toward reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
Alternatives to many single-use plastic items already exist. For example, while disposable pens still lack fully sustainable substitutes, materials like jute and cloth are readily available in Bangladesh. Increased student interest in alternatives is a positive development, according to Rizwana.
She pointed out that while recycling is often seen as a solution, it can be energy-consuming and complex. Instead, Bangladesh should focus on minimizing plastic use and redesigning products for better recycling. “We also need to learn from global practices,” she suggested, mentioning concepts like bag fees and deposit-return systems.
To tackle the plastic issue effectively, Bangladesh must modernize its waste management. This includes special attention to plastics, which do not naturally break down in the environment.
Overall, it’s clear that creating a better, plastic-free future in Bangladesh requires collaboration, education, and stronger systems. As Rizwana noted, the efforts we make today will lead to a healthier planet tomorrow.
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