Plastic Overshoot Day Report

Plastic Overshoot Day Report

Context: The recent 2024 Plastic Overshoot Day Report was published by Earth Action (EA), a Swiss-based research consultancy.

About:
In 2024, Plastic Overshoot Day is forecasted to fall on September 5th. This day signifies when the volume of plastic waste exceeds the capacity of waste management systems to handle effectively. The calculation is based on each countrys Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI), which is the ratio of mismanaged waste to total waste generated.

Key Terminology:
• Plastic Credits: This mechanism enables companies to offset their plastic footprint by funding or supporting projects that prevent or 
remove plastic waste from the environment and promote the adoption of more sustainable alternatives.
• Plastic Offsetting: This concept revolves around the idea that both companies and consumers can compensate for their plastic 
consumption by acquiring plastic credits, which contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste.
• Plastic Neutrality: This term describes a scenario where a company has acquired sufficient plastic credits to balance out its 
entire plastic footprint over a specified period, effectively offsetting its plastic impact.

Report Summary
At India Level:
• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016: This legislation introduced measures aimed at reducing plastic pollution and implemented the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic management in India.
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 & 2022: These amendments strengthened EPR guidelines and banned specific single-use plastic items, prohibiting their manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and usage.
• Thickness Standards for Plastic Carry Bags: Beginning September 30, 2021, the thickness of plastic carry bags was increased from 50 to 75 microns. This was further raised to 120 microns, effective from December 31, 2022, to promote durability and reduce single-use plastic consumption.
• Prakriti Mascot Initiative: Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Prakriti aims to raise awareness about sustainable lifestyle changes for effective Plastic Waste Management (PWM).
At Global Level:
• UNEAs Resolution to End Plastic Pollution: Endorsed by 175 countries at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi, this resolution commits to ending plastic pollution and developing an international legally binding agreement by 2024.
• Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4): The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) is scheduled for April 23 to 29, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada. This committee aims to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in marine environments, to address global plastic waste challenges.