Why is it in the news?

• Earth Action has released Plastic Overshoot Day 2024 report.

Key findings

• Plastic Overshoot Day for 2024 is projected to occur on September 5th, indicating that by that date, the world will have generated more plastic waste than it can manage effectively.
• The projected global plastic waste generation for 2024 is 220 million tonnes, marking a 7.11% increase since 2021.
• Twelve countries are responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste, with China, India, and Russia leading the list.

Specific to India:

• India is classified as one of the Low-Waste-Producing Polluters, yet its Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI) is very high at 68.62%.
• India’s annual per capita plastic waste production stands at 8 kg per capita per year.
• India’s amount of plastic waste exported is lower than what it imports.
• Causes of Plastic Waste in India: Improper disposal leading to the release of microplastics, and the use of additives in plastic production and processing.
• Recommendations for India: Develop local waste management infrastructure, invest in waste management policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility.