Tamil Nadu’s Sustainable Triumph: Examining the Economic and Financial Impacts of Single-Use Plastics Ban and the Promotion of Eco-Alternative Products in Tamil Nadu
摘要
Global plastic waste generation more than doubled from 2000 to 2019 to 353 million tons. This paper sheds light on Tamil Nadu's comprehensive efforts, illustrating how they have not only successfully implemented the single-use plastic ban but have also catalyzed the growth of the eco-alternative industry. Tamil Nadu has been one of the first States to roll out a statewide single-use plastic ban in 2019. The State has also been taking a multifocal approach by emphasizing and working towards creating awareness among the people and promoting alternatives to plastic. Noteworthy initiatives, such as the “Meendum Manjappai Campaign,” have significantly influenced public behavior, leading to the closure of 230 single-use plastic manufacturing industries and a notable rise in compostable plastics manufacturing. Moreover, compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility targets has stimulated the formalization of the recycling industry, with 347 plastic recycling units currently operational. The state's experience stands as a model for effective plastic waste management, offering insights for global sustainability frameworks.