United Nations report has revealed that only nine per cent of the nine billion tonnes of plastic produced in the world are recycled for another use.
This apparently contributes to the environmental pollution across the globe.
As it’s World Environment Day, the United Nations suggested that governments across various nations should either ban or tax single-use bags or food containers to stem a tide of pollution which deplete our environment.
The study said up to 5 trillion plastic bags were used worldwide each year.
It adds that if the produced plastics are spread out side-by-side, they would cover an area twice the size of France.
“The scourge of plastic has reached every corner of the Earth,” Erik Solheim, head of U.N. Environment, wrote in the report, compiled with the Indian government and launched along with a slogan: “If you can’t reuse it, refuse it.”
“Only 9 percent of the 9 billion tonnes of plastic the world has ever produced has been recycled”.
“Most ends up in landfills, dumps or in the environment”, the report revealed.
China was said to be the biggest source of plastic packaging waste, ahead of the European Union and the United States.
Per capita, however, the United States produces most, ahead of Japan and the EU.
But there are signs of action to limit plastic pollution, which harms life in the oceans, contaminates soils and releases toxic chemicals when burnt.
“Targeted levies and bans – where properly planned and enforced – have been among the most effective strategies to limit overuse of disposable plastic products,” the report said.
The Head of U.N. Environment’s Sustainable Lifestyle program, Elisa Tonda mentioned that more than 60 countries had bans or charges on single-use plastics such as bags or polystyrene containers.
Thirty percent of countries found sharp drops in plastic bag consumption in the first year after imposing restrictions, while 20 percent saw little or no change. But in half the cases, governments failed to gauge the effects of restrictions, the report said.
In recommendations, the report called for better sorting of waste and recycling, economic incentives to promote eco-friendly alternatives to plastics, education of consumers and promotion of reusable products.
Source: Reuters
