World Environment Day Theme 2025: Reducing Plastic Waste
Effective waste management strategies and international cooperation are crucial to reducing plastic pollution and promoting a cleaner environment, with the world environment day theme 2025 focusing on the importance of collective action to address this global issue.
Cambodia generates an estimated 4 million tonnes of waste annually, with 20% being plastic waste, mostly single-use, while globally, 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, resulting in significant environmental pollution.
The United Nations reports that half of the plastic produced worldwide is designed for single-use and only 10% is recycled, leading to 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaking into aquatic ecosystems annually. To address this issue, countries like India have implemented various measures to reduce plastic pollution, including banning single-use plastics, promoting circular economy innovations, and enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.
India generates approximately 9 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with 5.8 million tonnes incinerated and 3.5 million tonnes released into the environment. The government has introduced the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which bans lightweight non-woven plastic carry bags, identified single-use plastics, and thin plastic carry bags. The EPR rule holds producers accountable for post-use collection and recycling of plastic, with 50,131 registered producers and 2,840 plastic waste processors.
The Indian government's efforts to reduce plastic pollution are also supported by initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), which aims to strengthen sanitation and waste management infrastructure, with a focus on plastic waste management and community-led cleanliness initiatives. The approval of 10 Plastic Parks to promote eco-friendly practices and local economic growth is also a significant step towards addressing the plastic waste issue.