Plastic…Plastic…and Plastic…: Are we Serious?
Plastic, an integral part of life has reached from mightiest to the minutest creation. The impact is visible and direct but not limited to the immediate one. Globally efforts are being made to reduce and restrict usage of plastic but instead of quantity reduction it is growing disproportionately. It appears like a malignant growth which grows faster with an attempt to fix it at the site. Also, efforts towards corrections to the plastic induced problem have not made significant impact. Instead of yielding positive outcomes in terms of reduced use, it is being used in several new forms. Current thrust is limited to direct usage of plastic, but indirect usage has been growing in this materialistic world. In the indirect form, Community does not understand how plastic is being used to worsen the environment. Every day, knowingly or unknowingly, a new form of plastic emerges to the usage stream and keeps growing. If investigated analytically, plastic in any form entered at a small scale but within no time got habituated. Basic problem lies within dual standards of life. On individual use, it is not considered as a problem being small in quantity or mindset of no option available. But, if used by someone else, it harms the environment. Unfortunately, blame always goes to the government policies. In casual conversation also, it is expected from the government to ban all kinds of plastic. The most desired, responsible consumerism has not been practiced. Population at large either do not bother about the adverse impact of plastic or consider jobs done accusing policies and material.
It has been a priority subject for Governments, International agencies, NGOs and all stakeholders but none has ever dared to get PLASTIC AUDIT of their establishments done.
India faces a significant plastic pollution problem, generating 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, which accounts for about one-fifth of global plastic emissions. While India's per capita plastic waste generation is relatively low (around 0.12 kilograms per day), the overall volume generated is substantial. As per estimates, India stands at 127th position in global tally of per capita consumption but stands as the largest contributor to plastic waste.
India with a population of more than 1.4 billion generates approximately 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste – every day. This is the equivalent of approximately 26,000 small cars! Plastic waste generation has quadrupled in India over the past five years.
India had banned the import of plastic waste in 2019 to promote the management of locally generated plastic waste. It was also to reduce packaging pollution in line with 'Swachh India' and 'Swasth India' campaigns.Later, in March 2022 an amendment to replace the term 'prohibited' with 'restricted' in the import policy of polyethylene terephthalate (PET or single-use plastics) flakes/PET waste was introduced. It means the ban on import of plastic waste has been partially lifted. The reason being cited for the decision is the shortage of waste generated in India. In 2021, seven Indian companies sought the government's permission to import 93,000 tonnes of plastic bottles waste from countries such as the USA, Canada and Germany. Polyethylene Terephthalate(PET) is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family . It is used in containers and plastics for liquids and foods. PET is 100% recyclable, and hence preferred by manufacturers. But the top three plastic polluters in the world, according to the Break Free From Plastic brand audit, are the largest users of PET viz. The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and Nestlé. These companies consistently rank among the top plastic polluters, with Coca-Cola being the top polluter in the 2023 audit. The lobby of PET is so strong to get its products like small packaged water bottles excluded from the list of Single Use Plastic, though its abuse is the most common.
Plastics bring many benefits for humanity – in healthcare, in clean energy technology and much more. Plastic is a useful, durable material that has a role to play in societies and economies, including as we transition to a greener, safer world. The problem is that the way we produce, use and discard many plastics – particularly single-use and short-lived products used for convenience, not necessity – has swamped the world in pollution.
For India, the problem is not the Plastic but Management of Waste generated out of it. Contrary to the age-old system of being traded separately through the KABADI System, as a valued material, it has become part of mixed waste. Crux of the plastic problem lies in being stored, collected and disposed of in the most unscientific manner. Awareness has risen to over 80% post inception of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014 but due to lack of appropriate collection system fissures appear in the entire value chain.
Currently, a large fraction of plastic waste in India goes to landfill or leaks into the environment. A significant portion of plastic waste in India is uncollected, with 40% being dumped in landfills. India recognises the scale and complexity of the plastic waste problem. It also understands how this plastic waste connects to global ocean plastic pollution and global warming concerns.
Vulnerability of plastic waste does not end at disposal but continues further. Open burning of waste and in particular of plastic waste is a matter of great concern but mostly ignored. As per estimates, India burns approximately 5.8 million tons of plastic waste annually. This practice worsens air pollution and releases harmful pollutants like dioxins and furans. The burning also contributes to the release of toxic substances into the environment, impacting human and environmental health.
Plastic waste, when not properly managed, often ends up in oceans. If not burnt, recycled or processed Plastic waste clogs waterways, leading to flooding in urban areas. An estimated 11 million tonnes of plastics leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. Marine pollution is a significant concern, with an estimated 0.6 million tonnes of plastic entering India's oceans annually. Plastic debris affects marine life, including sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. There it adds to marine pollution, taking a heavy toll on marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, the production, disposal, and degradation of plastic releases greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
This year, World Environment Day is being observed globally with its theme of Ending global plastic pollution. As a solution, it is an urgent need to follow strategies to support a circular economy. It requires participation of all stakeholders in a responsible manner.
Seven strategies to support a circular economy
The roadmap lays out seven strategies, developed in consultation with industry, government and community:
Circular design and production
Designing products and processes in a way that minimises waste and makes it easier to reuse or recycle materials. This supports a sustainable cycle of production and consumption.
Investment in infrastructure
Allocating resources towards building and enhancing facilities that support effective waste management. This includes recycling centres, collection systems, and advanced sorting technologies.
Improved recycling capability
Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes. This ensures that a greater proportion of plastic waste can be recovered, processed, and turned into usable materials.
Consistent compliance
Waste management practices that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Industries, businesses and individuals must adhere to these environmental regulations and standards.
Commercial viability of technologies
Developing and implementing technologies for waste management and recycling that are not only environmentally effective but also economically feasible. This will encourage widespread adoption.
Uptake of secondary materials
Encouraging the use of materials that have been recycled and repurposed and making this option financially viable. This will support the market for recycled products.
Sustainable consumption
Adopting consumption habits that are environmentally friendly, such as choosing products with less packaging or those made from recycled materials. This could reduce the overall demand for new plastics.
Plastic Pollution is not excluded by colour, creed or country; hence, every individual needs to act towards the end of Plastic Pollution. Be Responsible, Think Rationally and Refuse, Rethink before using plastic and in particular Single Use Plastic.