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Vamsi Shankar Kapilavai, Senior Researcher

Plastic or progress? The INC-5 outcomes unveiled

As waves lapped at Busan’s shores, delegates inside INC-5 (25 November - 1 December 2024) faced a storm of their own - the task of negotiating a treaty that will shape the future of our planet’s relationship with plastics. Delegates from across the globe came together, grappling with the urgent need to address the escalating plastic crisis that threatens ecosystems, economies, and human health. From microplastics in our bloodstreams to mountains of waste in landfills, the repercussions of plastic pollution are undeniable.

The Plasticene Epoch and the brands behind it

CAG's 2021 Brand Audit sought to understand which companies create the maximum plastic waste. Interestingly, unbranded plastic contributed to a quarter of the plastic waste audited followed by well-known brands like Unilever, Aavin, and Britannia. Over 90% of the plastic waste produced by companies such as Unilever, Nestle, and Mondelez for example, are made of non-recyclable plastics - an indication of brands disinterest in making their products truly sustainable.

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The Truth Behind Incineration

Cities in India are at a crucial juncture where they have to choose between a lock-in of decades of harmful pollution (incineration) or leap forward by choosing zero-waste models. With Greater Chennai Corporation more or less opting for incinerators at the Kodungaiyur and Perungudi dumpyards, let us have a look at what incineration actually means and what it does to human beings, environment and economy.