There is no denying the fact that plastics are the bane of
modern civilization. If our generation is really to be called a civilization,
it is pertinent that its activities shall not lead to environment degradation
and loss of lives of any living being. The use of plastics has endangered the
lives of terrestrial, marine, aquatic and aerial lives. To this end of saving
the lives, saying no to the use of plastics is a movement which has been
catching on for the last couple of years.
The awareness generated by the various people and groups through various platforms has resulted in taking concrete step by all to stop the use of single use plastics. It shall be noted that single use plastics, or those plastics which are consigned to the garbage bins after using once, are the major environment pollutants. Alaska Airlines, one of the major US airline companies, has tweaked its policy a little and provided a simple solution of reducing the use of single use plastic bottles.
The airline, in a recent notification, has said that it will
encourage its passengers to bring their empty water bottles which can be
pre-filled after the TSA security screening at airports. It estimates that even
if 10 percent of passengers bring their bottles and pre-fill it with water
prior to boarding the plane using the water filling facility present at the
airport, it will lead to reduction of 7 lakh bottles and 4 million plastic cups
annually.
This is a staggering figure. Imagine the scale of reduction if all
passengers begin to bring their bottles and pre-fill with water, and this
happens not just for Alaska Airlines but for all airlines globally. However, to
match that scale of a reform, the airline or the airport authorities will have
to put up a number of filling stations since almost everyone would be requiring
to pre-fill the bottles before boarding.
It shall be noted that the filled water bottles of more than
100 ml quantity are not allowed during security clearance. Therefore, these
have to be filled at the airport from designated filling points where water
dispensers are present, after clearing the security check. So, people doing
Alaska Airlines reservations can take solace in the fact that it will allow
you to carry a standard size empty water bottle for pre-filling water at the
airport before boarding.
