Article:
Plastic waste is an issue of global concern due to its detrimental impact on the environment. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Annual Report on Implementing the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, there was a production of 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste in the year 2018-19. This translates to approximately 9,200 tonnes of plastic waste generated daily across the globe.
Understanding Plastic
Plastic is a synthetic organic polymer derived from petroleum, boasting properties that make it suitable for a myriad of applications. From packaging and building to the creation of sports equipment and electronic devices, plastic’s low cost, lightweight nature, strength and malleability have paved the way for its widespread use. Unfortunately, this has resulted in over 300 million tons of plastic produced annually, half of which is used for single-use items. Alarmingly, only 9% of this plastic waste is recycled, with 79% landing in landfills, while the remaining 12% is incinerated.
Marine Plastic and Its Sources
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that around 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year. This marine plastic primarily originates from land-based sources such as urban runoff, sewer overflow, inadequate waste disposal and management, industrial activities, and illegal dumping. Additionally, the fishing industry, nautical activities and aquaculture contribute significantly to ocean-based plastic pollution.
The Concerns Surrounding Marine Plastic Waste
Marine plastic waste poses multiple threats including blockage in sewer systems, dangers to marine life and health risks for humans. The economic implications are just as serious, with a forecast predicting an annual harm of USD 2.1 billion to the Southeast Asian Nations’ blue economy. Moreover, inhabitants of coastal areas bear the brunt of harmful health impacts resulting from plastic pollution. Boats can become ensnared in discarded fishing nets, engines can be blocked with plastic debris and industries such as shipping, fisheries, aquaculture and maritime tourism suffer adverse effects which ultimately harm coastal communities.
Actions Taken to Combat the Plastic Waste Issue
Various initiatives have been launched to address this global problem. Among them is the GloLitter Partnerships Project, a joint venture by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Aided by the Government of Norway’s initial funding, this project aims to reduce marine plastic litter from shipping and fisheries and assist developing countries in managing maritime transport and fisheries sectors’ waste.
India’s Efforts in Plastic Waste Management
India has also brought stringent regulations into effect to manage plastic waste, including the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 and its subsequent amendment in 2018. These rules made local bodies responsible for the infrastructure needed to segregate, collect, process, and dispose of plastic waste. Additionally, the amendment introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), making producers accountable for collecting and recycling products they release into the market. India also committed to eliminating single-use plastics by 2022.
Suggested Solutions
Effective solutions to this pressing issue include the design of more sustainable products, balancing the cost structure of plastics with environmental needs, harnessing technology to monitor plastic waste, encouraging a plastic-free workplace ethos, ensuring producer responsibility in recycling, and promoting municipal and community actions such as beach cleanups and disposable plastic bag bans.
About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
The CPCB, a statutory organization established in September 1974, promotes the cleanliness of streams and wells and improves air quality across India. Providing technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change, the CPCB plays a vital role in preventing, controlling, and abating water and air pollution.