🌍 Why Youth Must Shape the Global Plastics Treaty: A Voice from India

Plastic is everywhere — in our oceans, our food, even in our blood.
India, one of the top plastic-producing and consuming nations, is at the center of this crisis. And as world leaders meet to draft the Global Plastics Treaty, young voices are rising. One such voice is Prerak Bhaiati from Youth Voice India, speaking up for the planet and the people most affected.

Let’s break down the 3 big demands youth are making — and why they matter to you.

1. ✋ Stop Plastic at the Source — Cap Virgin Plastic Production

Every year, the world produces over 430 million tons of plastic.
Recycling sounds nice — but let’s be real: less than 10% of all plastic ever made has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, oceans, or burnt, releasing toxic fumes.

Youth are asking for a legally binding cap on virgin plastic — that’s the new plastic made from oil and gas. Why?

• It reduces dependency on fossil fuels

• Forces industries to shift to sustainable packaging

• Cuts pollution before it even begins

This is called an upstream solution — and it’s the only way to truly reduce plastic at scale.

2. ☠️ Say No to Toxic Additives — Protect Health, Especially in Marginalized Communities

Most people don’t realize: plastic isn’t just plastic. It’s full of added chemicals — to make it stronger, shinier, more flexible.

But thousands of these additives are linked to:

• Cancer

• Hormone disruption

• Developmental issues in children

And guess who gets hit hardest?
Low-income communities, waste pickers, and coastal villagers — often women and children — who work with or live near plastic waste.

That’s why youth are calling for:

A complete phase-out of toxic plastic additives
A precautionary, science-first approach to chemicals

If we don’t know it’s safe, it shouldn’t be allowed.

3. ✊ Human Rights & Justice Must Be in the Treaty — Non-Negotiable

Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue — it’s a human rights issue.

The treaty must include non-negotiable language that protects:

• Frontline communities living near incinerators or dump yards

• Waste workers handling toxic materials with no safety gear

• Indigenous people whose lands and waters are affected

• Coastal villages where plastic chokes livelihoods and ecosystems

Environmental justice means recognizing that some people suffer more from pollution than others.
Youth want those voices in the room — not just CEOs and ministers.

4. 👥 Youth Aren’t Just Observers — We’re Architects of Change

Prerak Bhaiati, who spoke at INC-5.2, says it best:

“I want to be a bridge between policy and people.”

That means:

• Co-creating youth briefs for negotiators

• Advocating for equity-focused treaty language

• Bringing real stories from India’s informal waste sector to the global table

From Delhi to Durban, from Mumbai to Manila — young people are done waiting. We’re ready to lead.

5. 🧒 Real Talk: What Can You Do?

This treaty isn’t just a document in a UN building.
It will shape how we live, what we eat, and the health of our communities for decades.

Here’s how you can take action:

1. Follow youth voices like @YouthVoiceIndia and support their work

2. Reduce single-use plastics in your daily life

3. Push your school, workplace, or city to take a stand on plastic

4. Call out greenwashing — not all “eco” products are truly sustainable

Your voice matters. Your choices matter.
And together, we can push for a treaty that is ambitious, inclusive, and just.

🧾 Shunyatax Global says that financial clarity starts with informed decisions — and environmental clarity starts with informed voices.
We work with changemakers, youth leaders, and global professionals to ensure your voice is not just heard, but acted on.

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