Plastic Overshoot Day Report

According to the Plastic Overshoot Day report by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action, India has one of the lowest per capita plastic waste production rates globally. However, global plastic waste generation has increased by 7.11% since 2021, with an estimated 220 million tons of plastic waste generated this year.

India is classified as a “low-waste-producing” polluter but is projected to have 7.4 million tons of mismanaged waste in 2024, which is considered high.

Twelve countries including China, India, the US, and Brazil are responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste. India is expected to release a significant amount of microplastics and chemical additives into the environment and waterways.

Belgium tops the list for plastic waste production per person, while Oman leads in mismanaged plastic waste. The report warns that by April 2024, almost half of the world’s population will be living in areas where plastic waste exceeds the ability to manage it.  The report stresses the need for aggressive reductions in plastic production and better waste management to combat the plastic pollution crisis.

About Plastic Overshoot Day

Plastic Overshoot Day is the date when humanity’s demand for plastic exceeds the Earth’s ability to regenerate it in a sustainable manner. This day symbolizes the overconsumption and harmful impact of plastic on the environment. It serves as a reminder to reduce plastic usage, recycle, and find alternatives to single-use plastics. Plastic pollution poses a threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Taking action to reduce plastic waste is essential in order to protect the planet for future generations.

In 2024, the world is expected to reach Plastic Overshoot Day on September 5th, indicating that the amount of plastic waste generated will exceed the global waste management capacity. The total plastic waste produced in 2024 is projected to be 220 million tonnes, with nearly 70 million tons ending up in the environment due to insufficient waste management infrastructure. This represents a 7.11% increase in plastic waste since 2021. To better understand and address the plastic waste crisis, countries are categorized into six archetypes, each with its own set of challenges and tailored recommendations for managing plastic waste effectively. Plastic Overshoot Day for India is estimated to be on April 23.

About Plastic Waste

Plastics can be classified into two main categories: degradable and non-degradable. Degradable plastics, such as those made from organic materials like starch or cellulose, can break down naturally in the environment through the action of microorganisms, heat, or light.

On the other hand, non-degradable plastics, like most conventional plastics made from petroleum-based chemicals, do not decompose easily and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, leading to pollution and harm to wildlife.

Plastic waste refers to any discarded plastic materials that are not properly recycled or disposed of. It is a significant environmental issue, as plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution in oceans, rivers, and landfills. The production and improper disposal of plastic waste contribute to climate change, harm wildlife, and contaminate soil and water sources. Efforts are being made globally to reduce plastic waste through recycling, sustainable packaging alternatives, and legislation to limit single-use plastics.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: Important Days & Events Current Affairs