Ending Plastic Pollution: Practical Tips for MSMEs to Go Green

On June 5, we observe World Environment Day, a global moment to reflect on how our everyday actions impact the planet. This year’s theme — Ending Plastic Pollution Globally — is a wake-up call for businesses, communities, and individuals alike. Why? Because plastics now “permeate every corner of the planet—even in our bodies.”

This isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s a shared human concern. Our rivers, forests, oceans, and even the air we breathe are all interconnected. And pollution doesn’t recognize boundaries. Whether you’re running a kirana store or scaling a startup, the message is clear: we all have a role to play.

The Reality We Can’t Ignore

Plastic waste doesn’t just pile up on land—it finds its way into rivers, lakes, and oceans, breaking down into microscopic fragments that infiltrate the entire food chain. As per the UN Environment Programme (UNEP):

“Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks of plastic waste are dumped into our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Each year, 19–23 million tonnes of plastic leak into aquatic ecosystems.”

Marine creatures bear the brunt of this crisis. Turtles and fish mistake plastic for food, leading to internal injuries and starvation, while seahorses and seabirds become hopelessly entangled in nets and bags. Even when it fragments, plastic carries toxic chemicals into water bodies, threatening both wildlife and human health.

Plastic, once created, persists in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, during which time it can pollute ecosystems and harm the animals that inhabit them. Rather than fully decomposing, plastic slowly breaks down into smaller fragments known as microplastics and nanoplastics. These tiny particles are incredibly harmful and have infiltrated every level of the food chain, from marine life to humans, often entering our bodies through contaminated food, water, or poor waste management. In fact, microplastics have been detected in human blood, according to Henry Ford Health, and there is growing evidence suggesting their presence in the brain.

The longer action is delayed, the steeper the social, economic, and environmental costs become.

What Plastic Pollution Means for MSMEs

Everyday operations—packaging, shipping, materials handling—often rely on plastic by default. Yet its hidden costs touch every part of a business: community well-being, customer trust, and investor confidence. Over time, plastic breaks down into microplastics, which stress ecosystems and public health and also contribute to climate change.

While eradicating plastic overnight may be unrealistic, small, strategic changes can add up. Swapping to recycled or biodegradable materials, reducing packaging size, and partnering with greener suppliers are all practical first steps. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about taking meaningful steps that protect the planet and strengthen long-term business resilience.

Simple Ways MSMEs Can Reduce Plastic Use

Evaluate packaging materials: Check if packaging can be switched from plastic to cardboard, paper, or biodegradable options.
Choose recycled plastics if alternatives aren’t possible—it still makes a difference.
Reduce packaging size to cut down on waste and shipping costs.
Work with eco-friendly suppliers who support greener alternatives.
Encourage recycling: Add clear instructions on how your customers can dispose of your packaging responsibly.
Start a take-back program for reusable packaging or materials.
Manage production waste: Implement a plan to recycle scrap plastic from manufacturing processes.
Encourage customers to get their reusable bags.

Final Thought

World Environment Day reminds us that every action counts. Beyond awareness, action is key—whether it’s refusing single-use plastics, choosing recycled materials, or planting a tree. Sustainability is a shared responsibility.

For MSMEs, taking these small but important steps often requires support and resources. MyShubhLife, through its business loans tailored for MSMEs, aims to empower businesses to grow responsibly and embrace sustainable practices.