To truly end plastic pollution in Global South, we must look beyond recycling

Plastic waste floats near the entrance to the Ruzizi I hydroelectric plant in Bukavu, eastern DRC.  

Photo credit: Reuters

If one looks around anywhere in the Global South, plastic trash is seen in abundance in public places. “Ending Plastic Pollution” is the theme for this year’s World Environment Day, which falls on June 5, 2025, to address an increasing problem.

India, like many nations, has responded to the plastic crisis with bans, recycling targets, and awareness drives. Yet the problem still persists and grows even more complex.