‘Easy, Convenient, Cheap’: How Single-Use Plastic Rules the World

AFP

Bangkok: Each year, the world generates around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste, much of it discarded after mere minutes of use.

Negotiators aim to finalize the world’s first treaty on plastic pollution this year. However, across five countries, AFP found single-use plastic remains a popular choice due to its low cost and convenience, highlighting the challenges ahead.

On Bangkok’s bustling streets, food vendors, such as Maliwan’s 40-year-old business, rely heavily on plastic. Steamed layer cakes and taro pudding are packaged in at least two kilos of single-use plastic daily.

“Plastic is easy, convenient, and cheap,” said owner Watchararas Tamrongpattarakit, who noted that alternatives like banana leaves are costly, hard to source, and impractical for the fast-paced sales environment.

Despite earlier initiatives to limit single-use plastics, Thailand produces two million tonnes of plastic waste annually. According to the Pollution Control Department, 11% goes uncollected, leaking into rivers and oceans.

Lagos

In Lagos’ Obalende market, discarded water sachets, often called “pure water,” are a common sight. For many, these affordable sachets, costing just 3–15 US cents compared to bottled water at 250–300 naira, are a necessity.

Water sachets, introduced in the 1990s, have since become a significant pollutant in Nigeria. The United Nations estimates up to 60 million sachets are discarded daily across the country.

Although Lagos banned single-use plastics in January, enforcement remains weak. Lisebeth Ajayi, a 58-year-old vendor, emphasized the economic pressures driving sachet use: “They don’t have the money to buy bottled water.”

Rio

In Rio de Janeiro, beach vendors selling mate, a tea-like drink, serve their beverages in plastic cups, a practice embedded in local culture. Vendor Arthur Jorge da Silva, 47, explained the cost-effectiveness of plastic, with a tower of 20 cups costing just $1. However, Brazil’s recycling rate remains abysmal at 3%.

Despite efforts like banning plastic straws since 2018, plastic waste continues to dominate. Congress is considering broader legislation to address single-use plastics, but challenges remain.

Paris

France banned single-use plastics in 2016, eliminating items like straws and cutlery. However, plastic bags persist in markets like Paris’ Aligre Market, often marketed as “reusable” or “compostable.”

Laurent Benacer, a vendor, shared that despite alternatives like paper bags, customer preference keeps plastic in use. “Everyone asks for a bag,” he said.

Dubai

At Dubai’s Allo Beirut restaurant, plastic containers are indispensable, used for over 1,200 daily deliveries. Mohammed Chanane, the delivery manager, emphasized that plastic’s airtight properties better preserve food in Dubai’s harsh climate.

While single-use plastics are banned for certain items, such as bags since June, and polystyrene containers are set to follow, alternatives remain limited. Customer Youmna Asmar expressed her concerns over excessive plastic use, observing, “If all of us are doing this, it’s a lot.”

A Global Challenge

Single-use plastics remain deeply ingrained in daily life across diverse regions, reflecting a complex mix of cultural, economic, and logistical factors. Tackling this global crisis will require innovative solutions, strong enforcement, and widespread behavioral change.