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 43rd 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
