On July 28, 2023, the planet marked Plastic Overshoot Day, indicating a point where the year’s generated plastic waste surpassed the world’s capacity to manage it. This notion was brought to light by the Plastic Overshoot Day Report from Earth Action, a Swiss research firm. The report revealed alarming data concerning the escalating plastic pollution problem and its environmental repercussions.
Unpacking the Report’s Major Findings
The Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI), calculated using a country’s gap between plastic consumption and waste management capacity, determines the date of Plastic Overshoot Day. According to the report, an extra 68,642,999 tonnes of plastic waste is set to infiltrate nature in 2023, highlighting a critical plastic pollution crisis. It also flagged 12 countries, including India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Russia, Mexico, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Congo DRC, Iran, and Kazakhstan, as contributing 52% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste. Interestingly, according to the MWI, India ranks fourth, with 98.55% of waste being mishandled.
The Role and Importance of Plastics
Despite the pervasive issues related to its improper disposal, plastic remains intrinsic to several sectors. Food packaging extensively utilizes plastic, prolonging perishable goods’ shelf life, minimizing food wastage, and facilitating efficient transportation. In healthcare, plastics are essential in devices like syringes, artificial joints, and catheters, augmenting patient care. Its application in vehicles enhances fuel efficiency and diminishes emissions due to reduced vehicle weight. As an excellent insulator, plastic aids in maximizing energy efficiency in buildings and electronics. Additionally, certain plastics employed in irrigation systems and pipes aid water conservation by enhancing distribution efficiency and reducing leakages.
Challenges Posed by Plastic Waste in India
India’s inadequate waste management infrastructure significantly impacts its plastic waste handling capabilities. Most municipal authorities lack the required facilities for efficient plastic waste segregation, collection, transport, and recycling, leading to significant portions of plastic waste ending up on open dumpsites, landfills, or littered around, causing severe pollution. Moreover, the rampant use of single-use plastics contributes significantly to the country’s waste accumulation. Coastal regions are also adversely affected by plastic litter infiltrating water bodies, endangering marine ecosystems and economies dependent on them. The improper disposal and incineration of plastic waste generate toxic fumes that pose serious health hazards to communities residing near waste sites or those involved in unofficial recycling activities.
Government Initiatives and Policies on Plastic Waste Management
India has taken a proactive approach to tackling this crisis through initiatives such as the National Dashboard on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management, the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2022), and Project REPLAN. These initiatives emphasize the need for Extended Producer Responsibility, promoting a circular economy where manufacturers take responsibility for their products’ end-of-life disposal.
Strategies for Effective Plastic Waste Management
It is essential to invest in waste-to-energy plants utilizing advanced technologies to convert non-recyclable plastic into energy, reducing fossil fuel reliance, providing a sustainable electricity source, and managing plastic waste more effectively. Identifying plastic items that can be replaced with recyclable, biodegradable, or non-plastic alternatives represents a crucial step. Encouraging the use of Oxo-biodegradable plastics that break down faster than regular ones is another way forward.
Supporting Global Measures to Curb Plastic Pollution
India’s crucial role in tackling plastic pollution was evident when it was one of the first countries to propose a global ban on single-use plastics in 2019. The country should continue its active stand against plastic pollution and commit itself to supporting global measures like the UN Treaty to End Plastic Pollution. Such concerted efforts can help drive significant change in reducing the world’s dependency on plastic and its associated environmental hazards.