Towards a Circular Plastics Economy: India's Actions to #BeatPlasticPollution

World Environment Day 2023 serves as an important reminder that the actions we take to mitigate plastic pollution have a significant impact. Now, more than ever, we must intensify these efforts and swiftly transition to a circular economy. Avanti Roy-Basu and Girija K Bharat say that as the world celebrates World Environment Day in 2023 focusing on "solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlastic Pollution", it is crucial to understand that each one of us has multiple roles to play to address this global crisis.

- Avanti Roy-Basu and Girija K Bharat

Plastics are ubiquitous in our natural environment. They leave a substantial carbon footprint throughout their life cycle, accounting for 3.4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic waste is not just a solid waste management issue, but a chemical waste issue as well. Throughout the life cycle of plastics, especially when plastic waste is not scientifically managed, harmful chemicals are released into air, water, and soil, posing serious risks related to environment and human health. Plastics, especially the single-use plastic (SUP) products are ubiquitous, and therefore have severe environmental, social, economic, and health consequences. As the world celebrates World Environment Day in 2023 focusing on “solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution”, it is crucial to understand that each one of us has multiple roles to play to address this global crisis. The need of the hour is for governments, industries, packaged goods companies, waste management workers, consumers, innovators, and the public—across the plastic value chain—to work together to design and implement solutions.

Current Scenario of Plastic Waste Management in India