- Plastic Overshoot Day marks the point when amount of plastic waste exceeds the world’s capacity to manage it, resulting in environmental pollution
- It is determined based on a country’s Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI).
- In 2024, Global Plastic Overshoot Day is projected to occur on September 5th.
- Each country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day with India’s falling on 23rd April.
- Key findings
- Global
- In 2024, 220 million tonnes of plastic waste will be created.
- Plastic waste has risen by 7.11% since 2021.
- 12 countries are responsible for 60% of world’s mismanaged plastic waste. Top three are China, India, and Russia.
- India
- Classified as one of Low-Waste-Producing Polluters.
- MWI is very high (68.62%).
- Annual per capita plastic waste production is 8 kg per capita per year.
- The amount of plastic waste exported is lower than imported.
- Global
- Causes of plastic waste in India
- Improper Disposal resulting in release of microplastics.
- Use of additives in plastic production and processing.
- Recommendations for India
- Develop local waste management infrastructure.
- Invest in waste management policies like Extended Producer Responsibility.
Initiatives taken by India to reduce plastic waste
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