Mitigation of Plastic Pollution in Sajek by Cassava-derived Bio-Plastic: A Review

The tourist site at Sajek, a thriving spot in Bangladesh, has been generating a huge number of plastic wastes that has impacted the normal lifestyle of the Indigenous people in a dilapidated condition. The increasing demand for plastic products is a threat to the natural environment, traditional biodegradable products, and Indigenous culture. The primary purpose of this study is to promote eco-friendly plastic products to reduce the usage of single-use plastics. In doing so, this study describes the process of making cassava-based bio-plastic and demonstrates how this can create employment opportunities for the Indigenous women at Sajek. The study used a rapid literature review that identified and synthesised 19 articles. Results suggest that eco-friendly products are in today’s demand for saving the environment and health. Cassava starch can be a good solution for producing biodegradable plastic products, such as single-use food utensils and packaging products by using cassava starch blended with malt bagasse, sugarcane bagasse, or orange bagasse, where the gelatinised solution of cassava starch can be used as a binder. Next, this study proposes an implementation plan involving local Indigenous woman. Thus, this paper shows that cassava bio-plastic has the potential to mitigate plastic pollution and generate income among Indigenous women at Sajek. The main aim of this study is to propose a culturally respectful, eco-friendly tourism that promotes a circular economy.