Reducing Plastic Waste in India for Improved Human Well-being: A Look at Management Initiatives
Reducing Plastic Waste in India for Improved Human Well-being: A Look at Management Initiatives
Plastic waste has become an unavoidable aspect of our daily lives, and it’s evident just by taking a glance around us. According to the United Nations Environment Program, the world produces 400 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste per year, which is about 47% of the total plastic waste. Unfortunately, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally. In India, 60% of plastic waste is recycled, while the rest is dumped into the environment, which is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Waste management is becoming a critical issue for all human settlements worldwide. Proper waste management must be prioritized globally and nationally as it poses severe health risks and pollution to land, water, air, and food. Waste management is becoming increasingly challenging as human communities become more modern.
The Central and State Governments, along with local authorities in India, have taken significant steps towards plastic waste management (PWM) in recent years. PWM partnerships and alliances have been formed in Indian cities, consisting of public-private, community-public, and private-private partnerships. These partnerships provide a range of solid waste management-related services and aim to reduce pollution, increase efficiency, and save energy.
Plastic recycling should be done in a way that reduces pollution throughout the process, and newer plastic recycling and reuse procedures can be implemented. India’s regulatory framework for plastic waste management, including The Plastics Manufacture and Usage (Amendment) Rules (2003) and UNDP India’s Plastic Waste Management Program (2018-2024), highlights the country’s initiatives towards plastic waste management. India’s environment minister recently unveiled an innovative program called the “Prakrit” initiative, which includes an absolute prohibition on single-use plastic items starting July 1, 2022.
The issue of plastic waste cannot be ignored, and it’s up to all of us to recognize our social duties and reduce our use of plastics to the greatest extent possible. Burning plastic releases millions of tonnes of gases into the atmosphere, posing a climate change and global warming threat to the planet. Governments worldwide are taking steps to reduce plastic usage, but as individuals, we also need to take responsibility and strive to make this world a safe and healthy place for all living species. Proper waste management practices and reducing plastic usage are essential steps towards achieving this goal.