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By:

Minal Sancheti

2 May 2026 at 12:26:53 pm

Funeral for animals

Mumbai: On the occasion of National Animal Rights Day, a funeral was held for all the voiceless creatures that humans have killed for selfish reasons. The act was a campaign and was a brainchild of Animal Climate and Health in collaboration with Our Planet Theirs Too. The purpose was to spread awareness about animal cruelty. The campaign took place at Carter Road Amphitheatre and so a crowd of both young and old supported the cause. Speaking about animal cruelty, recently the internet was...

Funeral for animals

Mumbai: On the occasion of National Animal Rights Day, a funeral was held for all the voiceless creatures that humans have killed for selfish reasons. The act was a campaign and was a brainchild of Animal Climate and Health in collaboration with Our Planet Theirs Too. The purpose was to spread awareness about animal cruelty. The campaign took place at Carter Road Amphitheatre and so a crowd of both young and old supported the cause. Speaking about animal cruelty, recently the internet was flooded with a viral video of a group of men at Mira Road taking a piglet to a locality where goats were brought for religious sacrifice. Aparjita Ashish, the founder and director of Animal Climate and Health said, “It is an act of cruelty to kill animals for religious sacrifice but to protest against this they were harassing a baby pig. The poor pig was screaming for his life. So how’s that right? If you want to protest, protest peacefully.” Ashish also comments on the Apex Judiciary’s decision of euthanising terminally ill dogs, “If the dog has a serious illness like rabies and is in a lot of pain, with a doctor’s permission and in a peaceful manner, they should be euthanised. The apex court also spoke about the ABC or animal birth control which if done with correct procedures, can help bring down issues related to the stray dogs. Many times the process is wrong so the animals become subject to cruelty.” She even added that the strays should not be displaced as that will leave them confused. This is also an act of ill treatment. The occasion saw a large number of gatherers. According to the campaigners, being vegan is not just for protecting animals but also for the climate. Ashish explained, “If you see the name of our NGO, it is Animal Climate and Health. So we also talk about the impact of consuming animal products on the environment.” She gives an example of how methane gas is produced because of the dairy animals and how the food and resources to breed animals are so much that it affects the environment. The supporters who participated in the campaign said they also noticed many health benefits of going vegan. Anil Nagpal, a senior citizen and volunteer with the organisation said, “For many years I was going through ill health. I tried every treatment but nothing really helped much. But then someone convinced me to go vegan and since that time my health has improved drastically. After this many people in my circles who used to eat animal products have given up.” When asked what his protein sources are, he said, “I eat lentils and legumes. Vegetables also contain protein.” Ashish claimed that humans have an ego that makes them think they are above animals.

From PVC to LDPE: The Plastics Hidden in Everyday Life

From packaging to household goods, RIC 3 and 4 plastics are everywhere. Learn how to identify them at a glance.

In my previous article, we explored the first two Resin Identification Codes—RIC 1 (PET), commonly used in beverage and food containers, and RIC 2 (HDPE), found in sturdy household bottles and a wide range of utility products. Both plastics are among the easiest to recycle, making them central to responsible waste management and to the broader shift towards more sustainable patterns of consumption. With this foundation in place and a clearer understanding of how these codes guide our daily choices, let us now move on to the remaining classifications in the Resin Identification System and understand what each one signifies.


Code 3: PVC

Code 3 refers to products made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—a remarkably versatile and inexpensive plastic valued for its durability, water resistance, and excellent electrical insulation. As the world’s third most produced plastic, PVC is manufactured in both rigid and flexible forms, each designed to meet a wide array of everyday needs. Flexible PVC, produced using plasticisers, appears in raincoats, boots, shower curtains, handbags, and imitation leather upholstery. It is also used in bottles for non-food items such as shampoos and cosmetics, in clear blister packaging for medicines, and in cling film that helps preserve the freshness and quality of food.


Rigid PVC, prized for its strength and longevity, is used to manufacture credit cards, debit cards, national identity cards, and various inflatable items—from pool toys and floats to air mattresses. It is also present in yoga mats, sports equipment, and numerous DIY and craft materials that require durability and ease of handling.


One of the most significant industrial uses of PVC is in piping. Rigid PVC pipes have increasingly replaced metal pipes in water supply, sewage, and drainage systems due to their resistance to corrosion, leakage, and environmental wear. Unplasticised PVC (uPVC) is widely used for window and door frames, offering excellent insulation, weather resistance, and minimal maintenance requirements. Vinyl flooring—produced as tiles, sheets, or planks—is another major PVC-based product, valued in homes, offices, and hospitals for its durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. PVC’s strong insulating properties also make it ideal for coating electrical wires and cables, while PVC membranes and siding provide long-lasting, weather-resistant coverings for roofs and exterior walls.


Although PVC can be recycled, the process is considerably more complex than with many other plastics. The numerous additives used to improve its flexibility, strength, and stability often interfere with the recycling process and can reduce the quality of the recycled material, limiting its suitability for certain applications.


Code 4: LDPE

Code 4 identifies products made from low-density polyethylene, or LDPE—one of the most widely used plastics thanks to its lightness, flexibility, and overall durability. LDPE is commonly found in stretchable grocery bags, shopping bags, and general-purpose garbage bags. It is also extensively used in milk pouches, bread and frozen-food packaging, cling film, snack and toiletry pouches, and other everyday wrapping materials. Many squeeze bottles for glue, paints, condiments, and household liquids are made from LDPE, as are numerous lids and caps. Additionally, LDPE forms the waterproof inner lining of juice and milk cartons, helping protect the contents and extend shelf life.


Beyond packaging, LDPE serves as a protective coating in various products, appears in trash-can liners, and is widely used in children’s toys such as buckets and play balls due to its resilience and safety profile. Some household goods—including certain cutting boards—are also manufactured from LDPE, benefiting from its strength and ease of cleaning.


Despite its versatility and widespread use, LDPE poses notable challenges for recycling. Rigid LDPE products are somewhat easier to process, but thin bags, wraps, and cling films are difficult to collect, separate, and recycle efficiently. As a result, a significant proportion of these items unfortunately ends up in landfill.


Our discussion will continue in next week’s instalment, where we will explore the remaining Resin Identification Codes in greater depth and understand how they influence recycling practices. Until then, I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable weekend.


 (The author is an environmentalist. Views personal.)


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