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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.)

Four Investing Lessons from Teachers

Every September, we remember our teachers - the ones who shaped our thinking, disciplined our efforts, and instilled in us habits that stayed far beyond the classroom. Teacher’s Day, celebrated on 5th September, is not just about gratitude for academics; it is also a chance to revisit the timeless life lessons that apply to every sphere - including our financial journey.


Let us look at four lessons our teachers gave us:

1. Level up as you grow

Remember how each year in school meant tougher chapters, larger books, and more hours of study? Teachers always reminded us: “You will need to study more this year than you did last year.” The same applies to our finances.


As we grow older and our incomes rise, our responsibilities also expand. A higher salary should never mean only higher expenses. Just as we studied harder year after year, we must also invest harder - by increasing our SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) regularly and topping them up with lump-sum contributions when possible. The discipline of “leveling up” ensures that our wealth creation keeps pace with our career growth.


2. Prepare in advance

Every student has faced the nightmare of trying to cram lessons the night before an exam. And every teacher warned us: “Do not study at the last minute.” The message was clear - preparation is the key to confidence and success.


Financial planning works exactly the same way. Delaying investments until the last moment - say, a few years before your child’s education or your retirement - can leave you stressed and short of funds. In finance, as in exams, timely preparation and action is everything.


3. Life is a race

Most of us disliked hearing it, but our teachers were right when they said, “Life is a race.” As children, marks were compared. As adults, our financial achievements are.


Financial goals form the racecourse of life - a dream home, a dream car, a dream vacation, your child’s education, your child’s marriage, and finally, a comfortable retirement. Achieving these six milestones requires more than wishful thinking. You need to invest adequately, consistently, and wisely.


4. Think long term

Teachers instilled habits and discipline in us because they knew the benefits would unfold over time. Similarly, in finance, we must measure the cost of decisions on a long-term basis. True wealth creation happens only when we think beyond the short term.


For long-term goals, equity mutual funds, stocks, and gold remain the priority. Wherever I talk about investments in these articles, I specifically refer to these three products.


To conclude

Teachers did more than explain textbooks; they prepared us for life. Happy Teacher’s Day!


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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