Narendra Modi, The prime minister of India has announced on the occasion of the World Environment Day on Tuesday to eliminate all single-use plastics (items like carry bags, straws and water bottles among others) from the country by 2022.
It was announced while millions of people in India, including policymakers and entrepreneurs gathered in recent weeks to address the problem of plastic pollution, according to U.N. Environment.
It is just one component of broader global action. Governments in more than 60 countries have introduced levies and bans to combat single-use plastic waste, according to a report released Tuesday. Modi’s move aims to drastically stem the flow of plastic from the 1.3 billion people living in the fastest growing economy in the world.
“The choices that we make today will define our collective future,” said Modi on Tuesday. “The choices may not be easy. But through awareness, technology, and a genuine global partnership, I am sure we can make the right choices. Let us all join together to beat plastic pollution and make this planet a better place to live.”
Being the global host of this year’s World Environment Day, India’s announcement to stop use of single-use plastic within next four years is expected to send a strong message to the global community which is already threatened by the plastic menace due to its impact on marine ecosystems, water bodies and soils.
“Environmental degradation hurts the poor and vulnerable the most,” Modi said. “It is the duty of each one of us to ensure that material prosperity does not compromise our environment.”
> Shiuly Rina
India Pledges to Ban All Single-Use Plastic by 2022
