For Kind attention Mr Jungle Safari (Rao Narbir Singh)
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana- Pawan Kumar Bansal
For kind attention Mr Jungle Safari (Rao Narbir Singh) By Vinod Bhatia retired IFS officer Haryana.Carbon Footprint of Nursery setup in Haryana Forest Department and Solutions Thereof. Haryana Forest department raises around 10 million plants annually by
using polythene bags which are single use and have an average thickness of 60 to 80 microns. They vary from transparent to black recycled plastic material. For raising tall plants much bigger polypot or attabags made up of polythene are used. The environmental impact of 10 million wasted polybags used for raising nursery plants in the Haryana Forest Department is significant, both in terms of carbon footprint and pollution and this needs to be taken very seriously.
Carbon Footprint and pollution must be two major worries for Haryana Forest Department while raising plants in nurseries. The manufacturing of plastic bags requires fossil fuels, leading to greenhouse gas emissions throughout the process, from extraction of raw materials to transportation and production. Distributing these bags to various nurseries within Haryana also contributes to
the carbon footprint through fuel consumption by vehicles. If the polybags are not properly recycled or disposed of, they can end up in landfills. Decomposing plastic in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change. Improper disposal can lead to littering, especially in rural areas where waste management infrastructure might be limited. This visual pollution degrades the landscape and can harm wildlife. Polybags that end up in natural environments can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water bodies, impacting plant and animal life. Over time, plastic degrades into tiny microplastics that can enter the food chain, posing a threat to both wildlife and human health.
Quantitative Estimates of Carbon Footprint:
Let’s assume an average carbon footprint of 0.01 kg CO2-equivalent per plastic bag for production. Then for 10 million bags: 0.01 kg/bag * 10,000,000 bags = 100,000 kg CO2-equivalent = 100 Tons of Carbon dioxide equivalent emitted annually.
Though it is difficult to quantify without specific data on distances and modes of transport. But let us assume a very rough estimate of 0.001 kg CO2- equivalent per bag for transportation and for 10 million bags: 0.001 kg/bag * 10,000,000 bags = 10,000 kg CO2-equivalent which is 10 tonnes. Methane emissions from landfill decomposition varies significantly. Let’s assume a conservative estimate of 0.005 kg CO2-equivalent per bag and for 10 million bags: 0.005 kg/bag * 10,000,000 bags = 50,000 kg CO2-equivalent Total Estimated Carbon Footprint: 100,000 kg + 10,000 kg + 50,000 kg = 160,000 kg CO2-equivalent which is 160 tonnes from Nursery alone. A single tree of around 20 years can absorb 15 kg carbon dioxide equivalent and around 40 years old tree can absorb 22 kg carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
To absorb 160,000 kg of CO2 equivalent, approximately 100,000 semi-mature trees are required on annual basis. This is astonishing that forest department of Haryana is a net polluter on Nursery Production Part alone. It should be noted
that these figures are only rough estimates. The actual carbon footprint can vary significantly depending on factors like the type of plastic, manufacturing processes, transportation distances, and landfill conditions. This calculation only considers the direct carbon emissions associated with the plastic bags themselves. It does not include the potential environmental impacts of plastic
pollution on ecosystems and human health. These estimates provide a general idea of the potential environmental impact. Accurate quantification would require detailed data and a more sophisticated environmental impact assessment.
To mitigate these impacts, the Haryana Forest Department must explore eco- friendly alternatives to plastic bags, such as biodegradable or compostable options made from plant-based materials. It must implement robust recycling programs to recover and reuse plastic bags whenever possible and ensure proper waste disposal practices at all nurseries to prevent littering and contamination.
Raising awareness among staff and the public about the environmental consequences of plastic waste and the importance of responsible disposal should be focussed religiously. Planting in the records only needs to be stopped as much wider activities are required for a proper tree plantation programme.
Nurseries, while essential for greening our landscapes, contribute to carbon emissions through energy use, transportation, and the production of inputs. Carbon footprint offsetting in this sector involves implementing strategies to counteract these emissions. This can be achieved through initiatives like renewable energy adoption, sustainable sourcing, and carbon sequestration projects. Coupled to these steps, the Haryana Forest Department can significantly reduce the carbon footprint and pollution associated with the use of polybags in their nurseries, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to plant propagation by using best biodegradable alternatives available in the market for Poly bags in raising nursery plants. It will be interesting to look for some of the options which may
not be cost friendly but looking at the carbon footprint must be a part of carbon offsetting by ignoring costs as environmental costs are always very high than small financial inputs.
1. Coir Pots/Coco Pots:
Coir Pots/Coco Pots for nursery plants
* Made from coconut husks, these are completely biodegradable and
environmentally friendly.
* They provide good aeration and drainage for the roots.
* Can be planted directly into the ground, reducing transplant shock.
* Relatively affordable and readily available.
2. Jute Bags:
Jute Bags for nursery plants
* Made from jute fibres, a natural and sustainable material.
* Strong and durable, making them suitable for various plant sizes.
* Allow for good air and water circulation.
* Can be reused multiple times.
3. Paper Pots:
Paper Pots for nursery plants
* Made from recycled paper or other biodegradable materials.
* Lightweight and easy to handle.
* Biodegrade quickly and easily.
* Can be planted directly into the ground.
4. Bamboo Pots:
Bamboo Pots for nursery plants
* Made from bamboo, a renewable resource.
* Durable and long-lasting.
* Provide excellent drainage and aeration.
* Can be reused multiple times.
5. Peat Pots:
Peat Pots for nursery plants
* Made from compressed peat moss.
* Biodegradable and can be planted directly into the ground.
* Provide good moisture retention.
* However, peat extraction can have environmental impacts.
6. Newspaper Pots:
Newspaper Pots for nursery plants
* Made from rolled-up newspapers.
* Easy to make and readily available.
* Biodegradable and compostable.
* However, may not be as durable as other options.
7. Coconut Husk Discs:
Coconut Husk Discs for nursery plants
* Made from compressed coconut husks.
* Expand when soaked in water, providing a growing medium for seedlings.
* Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
* Can be planted directly into the ground.
It needs to be mentioned here that the best alternative for user will depend on his specific needs and resources. Moreover, factors such as cost, availability, ease of use, and the specific requirements of the plants one is growing also need to be considered. However, cost considerations should not impede environmental protection efforts. Many biodegradable materials, such as coconut husks, jute, bamboo, and recycled paper, can be more expensive than the petroleum-based plastics used in traditional Poly bags. Manufacturing
biodegradable alternatives often involves more complex processes, leading to increased labour and energy costs. The production infrastructure for biodegradable alternatives may not be as well- developed as that for traditional plastics, leading to lower production volumes and potentially higher unit costs. In some regions, biodegradable alternatives may not be as readily available as traditional Poly bags, leading to higher transportation costs and potential supply chain disruptions. Some biodegradable
materials may not be as durable as traditional plastics, leading to higher rates of breakage and spoilage, and potentially higher costs for replacement. The demand for biodegradable alternatives may not be high enough to justify large-scale production, preventing the realization of economies of scale that could lower costs. In some cases, the production of biodegradable material may be subsidized by governments, making them artificially cheaper than the plastic products. Consumers may be more price-sensitive when it comes to purchasing
nursery plants, making it difficult for nurseries to pass on the higher costs of biodegradable alternatives but somewhere a balancing line has to be drawn if plastics are to be rid off from nurseries. It’s important to note that the cost of biodegradable alternatives is gradually
decreasing as production technologies improve and demand increases.
Additionally, many governments and organizations are providing incentives and subsidies to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, which could help to make biodegradable alternatives more affordable. What Haryana Forest Development Corporation is waiting for. It must be entrusted the task of supplying biodegradable alternatives by establishing production and processing facilities.