Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Plastic pollution arises from the accumulation of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers in the environment. Mitigation strategies emphasize the hierarchy of waste management-Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle-and the adoption of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to minimize ecological footprints.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Paper bags are biodegradable and recyclable. Insisting on paper bags reduces the demand for single-use plastic bags, thereby decreasing the volume of plastic waste generated.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Burning plastic is not an eco-friendly method of disposal. The incineration of plastics releases hazardous toxic fumes, including dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute significantly to air pollution and pose serious health risks.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Cloth and jute bags are sustainable alternatives to plastic. They are durable, reusable multiple times, and fully biodegradable. Their use aligns with the principle of "Reuse" and significantly lowers the consumption of single-use plastics.
Key Takeaway: Minimizing plastic pollution requires shifting towards biodegradable and reusable alternatives like cloth, jute, or paper bags. Incineration of plastic is environmentally harmful due to the release of carcinogenic and toxic emissions.