Garbage Cafes Address Waste and Poverty in India
Garbage cafes have opened new opportunities for impoverished communities to provide meals for themselves and their families.
India’s Demographics and Geography
India is one of the most densely populated countries globally, home to over one billion people, which is about 17.5% of the world’s population. Despite its size, the population growth rate has remained below 1% since 2018. Located in South Asia, India shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It consists of 28 states and eight union territories, each governed by its own administrative bodies.
Political and Social Landscape
Known officially as the Republic of India, the country boasts one of the largest democracies worldwide, with many unique cultural and societal characteristics.
Plastic Waste Production
Unexpectedly, India is the largest producer of plastic waste globally. In 2024, it was reported that India generated 20% of the world’s plastic waste polluting the land and oceans, earning the label of the biggest polluter according to Plastics for Change.
Each year, India produces more than 9 million tonnes of waste, surpassing countries like China and Nigeria. This waste surge is driven by population growth, urbanization, and economic development, which increase the demand for resources, especially in urban centers, including housing and retail needs.
"India was labeled as the world’s biggest polluter. In 2024, it was reported that the country produced 20% of the overall plastic waste that pollutes land and oceans."
The need for plastic in urban development is especially high, contributing significantly to pollution challenges.
Author’s summary: Garbage cafes in India help fight poverty by providing meals through waste recycling, while the country struggles with being the world’s top plastic waste producer amid rapid urban growth.
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