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By:

Dr. Sanjay Joshi

31 August 2024 at 3:05:29 pm

India: The Largest Source of Plastic Pollution Worldwide

So, dear readers, now that we have learnt how and why waste plastic causes pollution, let us look a little deeper into this problem, which has grown out of proportion both globally and locally. Plastic pollution is no longer a distant issue; it has become a serious and immediate threat to our environment. According to the latest data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and several international researchers, over 460...

India: The Largest Source of Plastic Pollution Worldwide

So, dear readers, now that we have learnt how and why waste plastic causes pollution, let us look a little deeper into this problem, which has grown out of proportion both globally and locally. Plastic pollution is no longer a distant issue; it has become a serious and immediate threat to our environment. According to the latest data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and several international researchers, over 460 million metric tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide every year. This plastic is used in a wide range of applications, many of which are short-lived and quickly discarded. From this, an estimated 20–23 million metric tonnes of plastic waste end up in the environment annually. This figure is expected to increase sharply by 2040 if strong measures are not taken. Plastic litter is now found everywhere—on land, in rivers, in oceans, and even in the air as microplastics. Although plastic pollution is a global problem, Mera Mahan Bharat is sadly at the forefront of this crisis. A recent paper published in Nature states that India has become the world’s largest contributor to plastic pollution, accounting for nearly 20% of the total global plastic waste. India generates about 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. This is more than the waste produced by many regions. Of this, nearly 3.5 million tonnes are improperly discarded and mismanaged, meaning they are neither collected nor scientifically processed. Plastic waste in India has been rising at an alarming rate due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and economic development. In cities, the demand for single-use plastics and packaging materials has increased drastically, driven by convenience and changing lifestyles. India’s per capita plastic consumption has reached around 11 kg per year and is expected to grow further with increasing industrialisation and consumerism. This trend places enormous pressure on our already overburdened waste management systems. The major factors responsible for the sharp increase in plastic pollution in India are as follows. Single-Use Plastics Single-use plastics, such as polythene carry bags, straws, disposable cutlery, cups, and packaging materials, form a large share of India’s plastic waste. Despite regulatory bans and restrictions, nearly 43% of the country’s total plastic waste still comes from single-use plastics. This clearly shows that the problem lies not only in policy-making but also in enforcement and implementation. The continued dominance of single-use plastics is largely due to weak monitoring and the lack of affordable, easily available alternatives. Many small vendors, shopkeepers, and consumers still find plastic to be the cheapest and most convenient option for daily use. Although the government introduced a ban on selected single-use plastic items in 2022, its impact on the ground has been limited. These products are still widely manufactured, sold, and used because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and readily available in local markets, making the ban difficult to enforce consistently. Open Burning and Landfilling: About 5.8 million tonnes of plastic waste are openly burnt across India every year, mainly in rural areas and urban slums. This practice is extremely dangerous, as it not only worsens air pollution but also releases highly toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. These pollutants directly harm local communities and add to climate change. In addition, nearly 30% of total plastic waste is dumped in uncontrolled landfills. Such sites are not scientifically managed, allowing harmful chemicals to seep into the soil and nearby water bodies. Over time, this contaminates groundwater, damages ecosystems, and poses serious risks to human and animal life. During the winter months, it is common to see people collecting wood and dry leaf litter from the streets, lighting small fires, and sitting around them for warmth. However, plastic bottles, wrappers, and polythene bags often get mixed in and are burnt along with the leaves. Most people are unaware that they are not only polluting the environment but also inhaling toxic fumes from very close distances. The smoke from burning plastic contains harmful substances that can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, skin issues, and even long-term diseases such as cancer. Open burning of plastic is therefore one of the most hazardous practices for human health and environmental safety. Besides these factors, inefficient waste management infrastructure, discrepancies in data reporting, and heavy dependence on informal waste handling systems further worsen the problem. We will explore these issues in greater detail next week. Till then, have a good weekend! (The author is an environmentalist. Views Personal.)

Authority Fades, Brand Stays

We’ve all seen it happen. In boardrooms, over Zoom calls, or during routine discussions—someone raises a concern. It’s genuine, valid, even necessary to the progress of the project. But instead of being heard, they’re met with rolled eyes, a dismissive tone, or the infamous “let’s move on” response. Sometimes, the one shutting them down is not even addressing the issue—it’s their irritation, impatience, or misplaced authority speaking louder than logic.


Now imagine this moment doesn’t happen behind closed doors. Instead, it happens live on a Zoom call with multiple team members, peers, and even clients present. The entire room witnesses the eye-roll, the sigh, the sharp tone. For the one at the receiving end, it’s more than just a dismissal—it’s a public belittling.


But here’s where the bigger picture comes in: for the leader, the founder, or the senior professional doing the dismissing, this isn’t just a “bad mood” moment. This is a personal branding moment. One that leaves a lasting impression on every single person watching.


Because personal branding is not about logos, LinkedIn posts, or polished PR alone—it’s about how you show up, especially in the unplanned, unscripted moments.


When you roll your eyes at a colleague, the brand you’re silently building for yourself is one of arrogance, impatience, and disregard for collaboration. When you dismiss a concern prematurely, your brand message to the room becomes: “Hierarchy matters more than listening.” Even if you later realize the concern was valid and address it, the damage is already done. People rarely remember the solution as vividly as they remember how they were made to feel.


This matters even more for business owners and senior leaders. Every interaction you have—whether with a client, a colleague, or a team member—is shaping the narrative of your leadership. And in today’s world, where employees, clients, and stakeholders are highly observant and quick to form opinions, the smallest actions ripple outward into reputation.


Let’s be honest—frustration is human. We all have off days. But leadership demands self-awareness. Personal branding demands responsibility. Rolling your eyes might feel like a small act of release, but in that moment, you’re unknowingly teaching your team that belittling is acceptable, that irritation is more important than empathy. This isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about the culture you’re cultivating.


Here’s the deeper truth: the most powerful leaders are those who can hold space for ideas, even when they seem inconvenient at first. They listen with curiosity instead of irritation. They recognize that every genuine concern is an opportunity to either solve a problem or strengthen trust. And in doing so, they create a brand that speaks of maturity, composure, and respect.


Think about the personal brands that inspire you—whether it’s a global leader, a visionary entrepreneur, or even someone within your own circle. Chances are, you admire not just their achievements but also how they handle people. Their calm in the face of chaos, their ability to listen without judgment, their willingness to make others feel valued—these are traits that transform reputations from competent to unforgettable.


So, the next time you find yourself on the edge of irritation in a meeting, pause. Ask yourself: What personal brand am I creating in this moment? Is it the brand of someone who builds others up, or someone who makes them feel small? Is it the brand of a leader who listens, or one who reacts?


Because every raised eyebrow, every sigh, every sharp tone isn’t just a fleeting moment—it’s a permanent addition to your personal brand.


And in business, personal brand is currency. It determines who trusts you, who wants to work with you, and ultimately, who chooses you over others.


The choice is always yours. Do you want to be remembered as the leader who silenced voices, or the one who amplified them?


Your position or authority may make people follow your instructions—but it is your personal brand that makes them respect, admire, and willingly champion you. The question is: are people obeying you… or are they truly influenced by you? If you want to ensure it’s the latter, it’s time to work on building the brand called YOU.


Let’s get in touch and see how! Book a free consultation call with me https://sprect.com/pro/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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