Ban on disposable cups, water bottles and cutlery next?

After the ban on single-use plastic bags in Oman, is it now time to restrict the use of disposable cups, water bottles and cutlery?

Barakath Ahamed

Engineer

The ban on single-use plastic bags was a good decision. The human stomach usually flushes out whatever wax is ingested through disposable cups. However, in the long term, it may accumulate and cause obstruction in the intestines. Plastic cups are said to be more dangerous than wax-coated paper cups because they release polymers into hot liquid.

Muna Basheer al Zadjali

Private sector employee

We use plastic utensils for just a few minutes before tossing them away, and then they can pollute our environment for hundreds of years. We can protect our health and marine life by banning or limiting these products.

Jayatee Choudhury

Student

It is high time we banned the use of disposable cups, cutlery and water bottles for good. These items do make our tasks easier, but the protection of the environment and the priceless gift of a pure Mother Earth for the next generation is more important than our comfort.

Mohan Anandan

Banker

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an eye opener in that it has made everyone think beyond individual wants and needs. There is an all-round change in attitude and perception and people are willing to go the extra mile to safeguard their world. In that context, it is now apt time to restrict the use of disposal cups, water bottles and cutlery.

Vandana Anoop

Civil engineer

Yes. All plastics should be stopped. Our habit of using plastic due to its convenience is like any other bad habit. Initially it’s difficult to give up the habit, but in the long run you realise how that change will help humanity. We owe it to our children.

Sanjeet Kumar Das

Teacher

Plastic water bottles and cutlery disrupt our ecosystem. Marine life is affected by plastic water bottle caps. Apart from that, water bottles have harmful chemicals and these toxins are not good for health.

Harish Danani

Senior manager

During COVID-19, there is always a mixed reaction to disposable items. It will be a new normal soon to take along a reusable cup when buying a drink or takeaways. Café and bars are more likely to serve food and drink to customers using cutlery and glassware accompanied with post usage instructions.

Vinod Raghavan

Social media strategist

What’s the hurry? The world is not going to end so soon. Let the people get used to this single-use plastic bag ban first. Besides, people have already been hit hard in the last one year.

Ghosh-

Gautam Dastidar

Teacher

Paper-made disposable cups, wooden cutlery and water bottles made from bamboo are not only biodegradable, but they also help us develop a keen sense of aesthetics and drive innovation.