Plastic Overshoot Day 2024: Global Waste Crisis Surpasses Management Capacity
05 September 2024
Share this article
As reported by Packaging Insights, today September 5th marks the Plastic Overshoot Day, when global plastic waste surpasses the world’s waste management capacity.
In 2024, 220 million tons of plastic waste will be generated, averaging 28 kg per person worldwide. One-third of this waste, or 69.5 million tons, will be mismanaged and end up in the natural environment.
Currently, 66% of the global population lives in areas where plastic waste exceeds local management capacity.
Earth Action, a Swiss environmental consultancy and research organisation who is leading this day, highlights that recycling alone cannot solve the plastics crisis due to increasing production. The organisation calls for corporate responsibility, collaboration, and effective regulation through a UN Treaty.
12 countries, including China, Russia, India, Brazil, and Mexico, are responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste. This year’s report includes plastic waste from textiles and household items, not just packaging.
Experts stress the need for innovative, non-polluting alternatives to address the crisis, emphasising the urgency for change.
Follow SAFE on social media
A double standard in global trade and EU health protection: How Europe’s banned pesticides end up on our plates
A new report by PAN Europe reveals that hazardous pesticides banned in Europe can still be found…
Greenpeace reveals mega-farm bias in EU agricultural policy
A Greenpeace briefing, named “Go Big or Go Burst” reveals that, because of the way…
Research links food insecurity in early life and pregnancy to higher rates of child obesity
As reported by Nutrition Insight, a new research funded by the National Institutes of Health’s…
EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL: THE MANY RISKS
The Heinrich Böll Foundation, linked to the German Green Party, has put out their assessment…
3,600 food contact chemicals found in humans
The food we eat travels and is sold wrapped in over 14,400 non-edible chemical substances,…
Global GHG emissions reach record high in 2023
Share this article The EU’s research body, JRC, released its annual climate metrics report in…
