India’s Prime Minister has pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022 with an immediate ban in urban Delhi.
The plan announced by Narendra Modi is by far the most ambitious from any of the many nations which have so far promised to take action to tackle plastic pollution.
While plastic use per capita is much lower in India than many western nations, its population of 1.3 billion and the fact that the country is the fastest growing economy in the world will make fulfilling the promise a huge challenge.
“The choices that we make today will define our collective future,” the Prime Minister said. “The choices may not be easy. But through awareness, technology, and a genuine global partnership, I am sure we can make the right choices. Let us all join together to beat plastic pollution and make this planet a better place to live.”
A United Nations report issued to mark World Environment Day showed more than 50 nations are acting to cut plastic, including bans on single use plastics in the Galapagos and styrofoam in Sri Lanka, and the promotion of biodegradable bags in China.
But millions of tonnes of plastic still enter the sea each year, threatening wildlife and even the human food chain. Microplastics have now been found in tap water and human food around the world. According to a World Economic Forum report, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050 if we carry on with business as usual.
The UN report says taxes and bans on plastic have been among the most effective strategies to curb plastic waste - but only when they are properly enforced.
The report says there is a fundamental need for broader cooperation from business, including obliging plastic producers to take responsibility and offering incentives to stimulate more recycling.
Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment says the world is on the “edge of a plastic calamity” but praised the new plan announced by the Indian government, “They have shown that political motivation, turned into practical action, can inspire the world and ignite real change”.
India has also announced a national marine litter action campaign and a programme to measure how much plastic enters India’s coastal waters.
maveing on August 1st, 2018 at 14:11 UTC »
So India's Plastic consumption is a tenth of the US's. But India is the fastest growing economy with a billion people. Makes sense to ban now before it is too late or too difficult to implement. As Prime Minister Modi said, "The choices that we make today will define our collective future".
VBlinds on August 1st, 2018 at 13:37 UTC »
Meanwhile in Australia after the two big supermarkets banned single use plastic bags, today Coles decided that due to a vocal minority complaining about having to pay 15c for a resuable bag if they forgot are now offering them for free.
To be honest the 15c reusable bag was an absolute sham, but come on, it wouldn't have taken too long for people to remember to bring their own.
vishesche on August 1st, 2018 at 11:02 UTC »
Im an Indian, and although i support the prime minister, i think people should be given time and provided with better alternatives before implementing this ban. India recently banned all plastic bags, and made a steep fine of 5000 rupees if caught with a plastic bag, and double fine if caught again, people panicked, traders who's business depended on plastic bags made a huge rukus, then finally the ban was lifted, the government should not implement such things in a hurry. It should be done systematically and slowly.