Unintended consequences: Street vendors in India struggle amid the single-use plastic ban

In an effort to combat the global plastic crisis, governments worldwide have implemented various measures to reduce single-use plastic consumption. India, in particular, has been proactive in addressing the environmental impact of plastic waste through policies such as the single-use plastic ban. 

While the initiative aims to tackle a significant environmental issue, its unintended consequences are disproportionately affecting street vendors, who are grappling with the challenges posed by the ban.

Plastic predicament

Plastic pollution has emerged as a major environmental concern, with oceans choked by plastic debris and landfills overflowing with non-biodegradable waste. Large corporations have been identified as the primary contributors to this crisis, yet the burden of solutions often falls on small businesses and individuals. 

In India, the government’s single-use plastic ban, initiated to curb the environmental fallout, has inadvertently created a host of challenges for street vendors.

Street vendors play a crucial role in India’s informal economy, providing affordable and accessible goods to a large section of the population. From food vendors to small-scale retailers, many rely on single-use plastics for packaging due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience. The sudden ban on these materials has left vendors grappling to find suitable alternatives, significantly impacting their businesses.

Problems aplenty

One of the immediate challenges faced by street vendors is the increased cost of alternative packaging materials. While single-use plastics were economical, eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, cloth or biodegradable plastics often come at a higher price. For small-scale vendors operating on thin profit margins, this added expense can be a substantial burden, potentially rendering their businesses unviable. 

Unlike large corporations that can invest in research and development for sustainable packaging solutions, street vendors lack the financial capacity to explore and implement such changes. The ban, therefore, places an undue burden on these small businesses, hindering their ability to comply with the regulation.

The abrupt transition away from single-use plastics has also been met with resistance from customers accustomed to the convenience they provide. For street food vendors, who rely on quick and efficient service, the shift to alternative packaging can slow down operations and impact customer satisfaction. This resistance further compounds the challenges faced by street vendors in adhering to the ban.

The success of any environmental policy relies on effective implementation and support structures. In the case of the single-use plastic ban, street vendors often lack the necessary infrastructure and support to make a smooth transition. The absence of collection and recycling facilities for alternative materials exacerbates the problem, leaving vendors with limited options for sustainable waste management.

Policy tweaks for holistic approach

While the intention behind the single-use plastic ban in India is commendable, its unintended consequences on street vendors highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to environmental policies. Large corporations, as the primary contributors to the plastic problem, should bear a more significant share of the responsibility and contribute to sustainable solutions. 

At the same time, policymakers must recognise the challenges faced by small businesses and work towards providing support, both financial and infrastructural, to help them adapt to environmentally friendly practices.

Addressing the environmental crisis requires a collaborative effort that acknowledges the diverse needs and constraints of different stakeholders. Balancing environmental conservation with the socio-economic realities of small-scale vendors is crucial to ensure that the burden of sustainability is not disproportionately shouldered by those least equipped to bear it.

Jay Vyas is with the National Hawker Federation.

Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth. 

Subscribe to Daily Newsletter :

SUPPORT US

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.