| Title | Emerging Transformations in Material Use and Waste Practices in the Global South: Plastic-Free and Zero Waste in India |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 12 |
| Authors | Conlon, K |
| Published | Urban Science, 7, 2 |
| Structure | Here are the sections of the article with two sentences each: This study uses a qualitative approach to address limitations and blockages to current plastics reduction via semi-structured interviews with zero waste business practitioners in India. The research involved interviewing zero waste businesses and consultants and makers of plastic alternatives in India to understand their experiences with plastic reduction strategies. Plastics pose a critical challenge to the long-term health and wellbeing of both humans and the environment in India, where approximately 26,000 TPD of plastic waste is generated every day. The study aims to understand how the single-use, plastic-free national shift can be actualized and what practices are happening on the ground that can shift the existing practices of plastic use. Zero Waste (ZW) is an ethical mindset and practice that aims to close the resource loop and move beyond the cultural habits of 'throwaway'. In India, the zero waste community is grappling with how to reduce plastics, and stakeholders hold insights from lived experience on how plastic reduction can actualize in the Indian subcontinent. This research set out with the following questions: How can the single-use, plastic-free national shift be actualized? The research drew mainly on detailed semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 zero waste business stakeholders in India between March and April 2021. The interviews revealed that motivation to start on the path of a circular economy and zero waste started from a push-pull mix of personal experiences with waste issues in India and firsthand experiences with practices of zero waste. The key themes deduced from the thematic analysis included concerns about plastic waste, motivation for starting a zero waste practice, challenges of a zero waste business/practice, and how to help shift India into a more circular economy. The study found that zero waste practices have enough drawing power to help change the course of waste generation in India, and that commitment to zero waste values, systems thinking, circularity and alternatives to plastic, materials awareness and leveraging regional waste streams are key factors. The study suggests that a collective approach is needed to address the challenges of reducing plastics and shifting India into a more circular economy. The study concludes that zero waste businesses in India have the experience necessary to contribute valuable first-hand experience towards national and state level dialogues on plastic reduction. The study highlights the need for a collective approach to address the challenges of reducing plastics and shifting India into a more circular economy. This research set out with the following questions: How can the single-use, plastic-free national shift be actualized? The research drew mainly on detailed semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 zero waste business stakeholders in India between March and April 2021. The 20 interviewees were selected as current practitioners of zero waste and makers of plastics alternatives in India. Stakeholders were compiled from a process of targeted outreach and online searches as well as snowball sampling from those selected. The process for the interviews included contacting the potential interviewees, obtaining consent from the interviewees, conducting the interviews (comprised of 28 semi-structured questions), transcribing and coding for thematic analysis, and interpreting results. The interviews revealed that motivation to start on the path of a circular economy and zero waste started from a push-pull mix of personal experiences with waste issues in India and firsthand experiences with practices of zero waste. The key themes deduced from the thematic analysis included concerns about plastic waste, motivation for starting a zero waste practice, challenges of a zero waste business/practice, and how to help shift India into a more circular economy. The study found that zero waste practices have enough drawing power to help change the course of waste generation in India, and that commitment to zero waste values, systems thinking, circularity and alternatives to plastic, materials awareness and leveraging regional waste streams are key factors. The study suggests that a collective approach is needed to address the challenges of reducing plastics and shifting India into a more circular economy. The study concludes that zero waste businesses in India have the experience necessary to contribute valuable first-hand experience towards national and state level dialogues on plastic reduction. The study highlights the need for a collective approach to address the challenges of reducing plastics and shifting India into a more circular economy. The study suggests that government support, business incentives, and social awareness are needed to shift India into a more circular economy. The study also highlights the need for a collective approach to address the challenges of reducing plastics and shifting India into a more circular economy. The study cites a range of sources, including academic journals, government reports, and news articles, to support its findings. The study also cites examples of zero waste initiatives and projects in other countries to demonstrate the feasibility of a circular economy. The study's data are available upon request from the author. The study also provides a detailed list of sources used in the research. The author declares no conflict of interest. The study was conducted without any external funding. |
| Summary | The study used a qualitative approach to investigate the challenges and opportunities for reducing plastic waste in India. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with zero waste business practitioners and makers of plastic alternatives in India. The findings revealed that the main challenges faced by zero waste stakeholders in India are related to government management, business practices, and social norms. The stakeholders highlighted the need for more effective government policies and support for zero waste businesses. They also emphasized the importance of education and awareness about zero waste practices. The study found that the Indian government has launched several policies to reduce plastic waste, including a nationwide single-use ban in July 2022. However, the ban has been criticized for not providing adequate alternatives to plastic. The stakeholders identified the need for more research on waste management and the development of new technologies to replace plastics. They also emphasized the importance of building a movement to promote zero waste practices and raise awareness about the issue. The study concluded that zero waste practices have the potential to address the plastic waste crisis in India and contribute to a more circular and regenerative economy. The findings of the study have implications for policymakers, businesses, and individuals in India and can inform strategies for reducing plastic waste and promoting zero waste practices. |
| Scientific Methods | The research methods used in the article "Emerging Transformations in Material Use and Waste Practices in the Global South: Plastic-Free and Zero Waste in India" include: 1. Qualitative research: The study uses semi-structured interviews with zero waste business practitioners in India to gather data on their experiences with plastic reduction strategies. 2. Key stakeholder interviews: The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with 20 individuals who self-identified as zero waste business stakeholders, including zero waste businesses, consultants, makers of plastic alternatives, and environmental organizations. 3. Snowball sampling: The researcher used snowball sampling to identify additional stakeholders for the study. 4. Thematic analysis: The researcher analyzed the interview data using thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns. 5. Data coding and interpretation: The researcher coded and interpreted the interview data to identify the underlying concepts and meanings. 6. Trustworthiness and rigor: The researcher ensured the trustworthiness and rigor of the study by using a range of methods to gather and analyze data, and by being transparent about the research design and methods. However, it is worth noting that the study does not mention the following research methods: 1. Survey research: The study does not mention using survey research to gather data from a larger sample of stakeholders. 2. Experimental research: The study does not mention using experimental research to test the effectiveness of different plastic reduction strategies. 3. Comparative research: The study does not mention comparing the experiences of zero waste businesses in different countries or regions. 4. Longitudinal research: The study does not mention conducting longitudinal research to track changes in plastic reduction practices over time. Overall, the study uses a qualitative research approach, with a focus on gathering in-depth data from key stakeholders, and uses thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns. |
| Article contribution | The article "Emerging Transformations in Material Use and Waste Practices in the Global South: Plastic-Free and Zero Waste in India" by Katie Conlon presents valuable insights into the growing trend of zero waste and plastic reduction in India. The study highlights the challenges and opportunities for implementing plastic-free and zero waste practices in the Indian context. Contribution to Regenerative Economics: This study contributes to regenerative economics in several ways: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Key findings and implications: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Overall, the article presents valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for implementing plastic-free and zero waste practices in India. The study highlights the need for systemic change, promotes alternative materials and practices, fosters a culture of zero waste, encourages policy and regulatory changes, and supports local and regional initiatives. These findings have important implications for regenerative economics, waste management, and sustainable development in the global South. |
Similar Articles
| ID | Score | Article |
|---|---|---|
13030
|
0.795 | Gupta, D; Dash, S Challenges of implementing extended producer responsibility for plastic-waste management: lessons from India(2023)Social Responsibility Journal, 19.0, 9 |
| 28706
|
0.794 | Hossain, R; Islam, MT; Shanker, R; Khan, D; Locock, KES; Ghose, A; Schandl, H; Dhodapkar, R; Sahajwalla, V Plastic Waste Management in India: Challenges, Opportunities, and Roadmap for Circular Economy(2022)Sustainability, 14.0, 8 |
| 12605
|
0.778 | Kataki, S; Nityanand, K; Chatterjee, S; Dwivedi, SK; Kamboj, DV Plastic waste management practices pertaining to India with particular focus on emerging technologies(2022)Environmental Science And Pollution Research, 29.0, 17 |
| 22452
|
0.765 | Nagarajan, A The governance of plastic in India: towards a just transition for recycling in the unorganised sector(2022)Local Environment, 27.0, 10-11 |
| 26643
|
0.755 | Ono, S; Govindarajan, G; Visvanathan, C Situational analysis of plastic waste management in India and Japan: cross-country learnings to increase plastic circularity(2023)Journal Of Material Cycles And Waste Management, 25, 5 |
| 25570
|
0.751 | Emami, N; Baynes, TM; Kaushik, T; Singh, M; Bhattacharjya, S; Locock, K; Schandl, H Plastics in the Indian economy: a comprehensive material flow analysis(2024) |
| 21791
|
0.726 | Ferronato, N; Maalouf, A; Mertenat, A; Saini, A; Khanal, A; Copertaro, B; Yeo, D; Jalalipour, H; Veuthey, JR; Ulloa-Murillo, LM; Thottathil, MS; Shuaib, NAB; Caplin, R; Mohandas, VJ A review of plastic waste circular actions in seven developing countries to achieve sustainable development goals(2024)Waste Management & Research, 42.0, 6 |
| 12679
|
0.725 | Chen, HL; Nath, TK; Chong, S; Foo, V; Gibbins, C; Lechner, AM The plastic waste problem in Malaysia: management, recycling and disposal of local and global plastic waste(2021)Sn Applied Sciences, 3.0, 4 |
| 28689
|
0.723 | Velis, CA; Hardesty, BD; Cottom, JW; Wilcox, C Enabling the informal recycling sector to prevent plastic pollution and deliver an inclusive circular economy(2022) |
| 576
|
0.718 | Fiksel, J; Sanjay, P; Raman, K Steps toward a resilient circular economy in India(2021)Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy, 23, 1 |