Single uses plastic bottles ban is a bold move by Kerala, which is considered a naturally gifted state and a progressive environmental policy. This move is a response to the increased awareness of the damaging effects plastic pollution has had on the environment of all eco-systems as well as the people around the world. This ban, as one of the consumers and citizens of Kerala, has impacted me and my routine in a variety of practical ways, fundamentally changing how I look at my daily routines, consumer preferences and even altering how companies in the area conduct their business. More to the point, I have gained a clear understanding of environmentally friendly options that can significantly cut on the use of plastic, including the newly developed Gable Top packaging adjustment.

The single-use plastic bottle ban is not only a move instituted by regulations, but a cultural change. Plastic bottles have over the years offered a convenient and a cost saving method of storing and transporting water, beverage and other liquids. Nevertheless, that convenience was highly expensive to the environment. Plastic bottles, which people dispose in a haphazard way that blocks the rivers, suffocates fish stalls, and adds to the already infected hills of non-compostable garbage in dumps. This decision of Kerala to prohibit such bottles demonstrates its willingness to preserve the rivers, backwaters and beaches guaranteeing cleaner environment to further generations.

At first there was some difficulties presented by the ban to me and many others. The short term disadvantage was the availability of substitutes to water and other liquid packages, particularly on trips, employment, or even in a field. Bottles made out of plastic were common and readily accessible. They had to alter their mindset on the transition, such as carrying their bottles or obtaining an applicable form of packaging that is more environmentally friendly. Over time the change has prompted me to be more aware of my consumption behaviour and the environmental impact of my daily products.

The use of Gable top cartons, a versatile, robust, and sustainable packaging material, also promotes an alternative that I find one of the most promising to achieve this, as it will minimize my dependency on plastic. The cartons used in Gable Top are mostly made using renewable materials with a mixture of paperboard laminates which is followed by a thin product safety and freshness inducing material made of food grade plastic and aluminum. These cartons are also environmentally friendly compared to the conventional plastic bottles due to very minimal use of plastic, ease of transportation since they are lightweight, and are less in carbon emissions in production and transportation.

The aspect that I like the most about Gable Top cartoons is functionality and usability. They have different opening mechanism to them i.e. they may be in the form of twist caps, pull tabs or resealable spouts, making them applicable to several liquid products such as milk, juice water and even non-food products. This makes them not only convenient but also user-friendly, which ensures that I do not make any sacrifices in the name of sustainability. It is pleasant to observe a packaging which is not only functional but also does not neglect environmental responsibility and allows conscious choices to be made by regular consumers, including myself.

Besides, Gable Top cartons help to reduce a lot of wastes. They are indeed made using some layers of plastic and aluminum, but despite this fact, they are becoming more recyclable due to the advancement in recycling technologies. The carton recycling process is already being pushed by many communities and other existing waste management systems in Kerala and rest of India, which increases the environment sustainability level. As a consumer, I would be more willing to enroll in the responsible disposal of such cartons, as opposed to disposing of single-use plastic bottles, where I am more concerned that it will always find its way to the landfill.

Single-use plastic bottles ban has also affected local businesses and manufactures of products. The environmental credentials and the sales advantage of greener packaging products have seen many companies in Kerala change the packaging of their products to Gable Top cartons. Among local dairy brands as well as beverage companies, the use of these cartons will mark a significant change to the increase of sustainability in the business sphere. The switch does not only reduce plastic waste but also increases the level of consumer trust in green products since it is a win-win situation, and both businesses and consumers win.

At a personal level, the process of adjusting to the ban and using the alternative solutions such as Gable Top cartons helped me to get a better understanding of the bigger picture of plastic waste. I have also motivated me to change the way I buy products and give priority to products that are packed well (sustainably) as well as raising awareness to my family and friends. The ban has also raised the debate of the necessity to solve the problem of plastic pollution and consider the alternative ways of dealing with it: finding new solutions that will not affect the quality and convenience of the products but preserve the environment.

Although the prohibition on single-use plastic bottles in Kerala is a huge step in the right direction, it also shows why future innovations and engagement of people always matter. Such solutions as Gable Top cartons are just a single step on the way to sustainable living. It takes the input of government agencies, industries, consumers, and waste management authorities to develop a circular economy in which packaging materials are efficiently reused and recycled. The ban makes us all question ourselves to adapt to the change, adopt new environmental friendly habits and sponsor the sustainable products.