World Environment Day 2018: There's plastic in air, water and even beer!

Hard facts: 90% of today's waste will last another 500 years; More plastic than fish in oceans soon; India among top 5 polluters

THE HUMONGOUS AMOUNT OF EXISTING PLASTIC WASTE

A study conducted by Ellen McArthur Foundation in 2015 says that about 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste has been generated in the world so far, and around 90% of this will not decompose for at least 500 years. Micro-plastic or tiny fragments have been found in soil, tap water, bottled water, beer and even in the air we breathe, according to scientists.

SHOULD WE CURB PLASTIC WASTE GENERATION?

If nothing is done to control the present situation of rampant generation of plastic waste, the pollution would double within the next 30 years and there would be more plastic in the ocean than fishes.

HOW BAD THE CURRENT SITUATION IS?

At present, one garbage truck full of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute. This is expected to grow to two trucks by 2030 and to four by 2050.

CHINA: THE TOP PRODUCER OF PLASTIC WASTE

China tops in the mismanagement of plastic waste, producing 8.82 million metric tonnes. India stands at fifth position, surpassing the USA in the mismanagement of the plastic waste.

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