Production, Policy, and Pollution. In this rather philosophical conversation with Roshan Rai, environmental activist and member of the Zero Waste Himalaya movement, StratNews Global and Global Compass tries to explore the multifaceted issue of plastic pollution in India, uncovering deeper truths about how this crisis has been framed.
While reports, such as the one from the University of Leeds, label India as a major contributor to plastic pollution, Rai argues that this narrative misses key aspects of the problem.
Plastic pollution is not merely a waste issue; it begins with production, including the global dynamics of plastic waste being exported from wealthier nations to developing countries.
Rai explains how sectors like food packaging and agriculture contribute to the growing plastic waste problem. His insights reveal how the packaging industry, particularly single-use and multi-layered plastics, is a major culprit.
He also touches on the powerful role that companies play in continuing harmful production practices while outsourcing the environmental cost to nations like India.
Moreover, the discussion highlights the need for systemic changes, emphasising that India’s plastic waste management rules, particularly the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, could make a significant impact if properly implemented.
Rai makes a compelling case for the need to redefine growth and sustainability—not only as a cool trend but as a critical necessity for our survival in the face of climate change.
This eye-opening interview urges us to rethink how we consume and dispose of plastic, calling for both individual and corporate responsibility.
Ultimately, the solution must prioritise the planet over profit. Watch this thoughtful discussion for a deeper understanding of India’s plastic pollution crisis and the global forces at play.
