Banning Plastic Pollution

Why in news?

In World Environmental Day celebrations India has pledged to eliminate single use plastics from India by 2022.

What is the significance of World Environment Day?

• World Environment Day was established to encourage awareness and improve protection for the environment by the UNGA in 1974 and it is celebrated on 5th June every year.
• This year, India is the global host nation for 43^rd year celebrations and the event was organised in partnership with United Nations Environmental Programme.
• The theme for this year is “Beat plastic pollution”.

What is the data on India’s plastic pollution?

• According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India generates about 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day, of which about 40% remains uncollected.
•  About 70% of the plastic packaging products become “waste” in a short span of time.
• While plastics have a wide variety of applications, the global rally is against the so-called “single use” or disposable plastic — used in bottles, cups, wrapping paper and bags.
• Together, they account for over half the plastic produced.

What are the steps taken by India against single use plastics?

• India is leading the charge in battling plastic pollution on World Environment Day.
• And it has showed global leadership by pledging to phase out single-use plastics by 2022.
• This announcements will create definite impact not only in India but also all over the world to take such initiatives and eliminate single use plastics.

Source: The Indian Express