Abstract:

Plastic is a very harmful material for nature. It is reported that 40 per cent of the pollution in the globe is happening due to plastic. Some of the reports show that around 8 million tons of plastic waste is gone to ocean each year which affects the marine life extremely. Plastic is not a biodegradable material. In all dimensions, we can say that plastic is an adversary to the earth. It is very essential to reduce the use of plastic for protect our nature. Many of the countries banned single use plastic such as water bottles, bags, straws etc. by considering environmental issues. Kerala state in India is also banned the same from 1 January 2020. In this situation, bamboo products can be considered as an alternative to plastic products. Bamboo has an inevitable role in environmental sustainability like soil erosion protection, conservation of soil and water, check dams, bamboo railing in river banks, carbon absorption, reconstruction of land etc. It can be used for making bridges, paper, baskets, walking sticks, rafts, ornaments, fences, knifes, candle stick etc. The present study reviews various literatures which portray the importance of bamboo in the ecological and eco-friendlier aspect. It is needed to realize in the era of plastic ban. This study will be useful for policymakers to understand the challenges related with plastic use and to take action to reduce the dependence on the same. The bamboo product manufactures will also get an insight to produce diversified bamboo products to compete with plastic and market it easier.