Emerging Transformations in Material Use and Waste Practices in the Global South: Plastic-Free and Zero Waste in India

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The research of the paper highlights the valuable contribution of businesses and organizations in India to the national and state levels to realize plastic-free and zero waste.

I think the paper’s research methodology is appropriate for the topic. The study provides valuable insights into the plastic waste reduction initiatives and experiences of the zero waste businesses and organizations in India.

Suggestions:

1. Add more concrete results and summary of findings to abstract and conclusion. The first paragraph of conclusion can be more concise and the research findings should be emphasized in the conclusion.
2. In results section, for example, in 4.1 “motivation”, the answers of interviewees are not summarized and the figure only shows a distribution of the motivation. In 4.2 “Concerns for plastic waste”, instead of only listing the answers of interviewees, the answers should be summarized and analyzed in a structural way showing similarities and differences among answers.
3. Discussion contains too much broad narrative on the overall meaningfulness of zero-waste mission. I suggest to cut some of this section and add some discussions on the actual significance of this project instead of the big picture of the ultimate goal.

Author Response

1. Abstract made more concise and discusses findings: 

This study uses a qualitative approach to address limitations and blockages to current plastics reduction, through semi-structured interviews of zero waste business practitioners in India. Although nascent, India is home to a budding zero waste community that is grappling with how to reduce plastics - through trial and error - and these stakeholders hold the insights from lived experience of how plastic reduction can actualize in the Indian subcontinent. This research interviewed zero waste businesses, consultants, and makers of plastics alternatives in India, to understand their experiences with plastic reduction strategies. The key-stakeholder interviews reveal key insights for moving forward with plastic reduction initiatives including: challenges faced at the government, business, and social levels; considerations regarding plastic waste generation; motivations for starting zero waste businesses and organizations; how it will be possible to operationalize plastic bans in India; appropriate action for plastic waste reduction; elements that would help India shift into a more circular, regenerative economy; and locally-appropriate alternatives to plastics. The discussion further delves into caveats with various alternatives to plastic materials; economic considerations; characteristics of the zero waste network; as well as provides next-steps for action at the government, business and civil levels for reducing plastic waste generation in India, and essentially minimizing plastic pollution.

2. Summary of motivation: 

Motivation to start on the path of circular economy and zero waste started from a push-pull mix of personal experiences with waste issues in India (push), as well as firsthand experiences with practices of zero waste (pull).  For instance, on the push side, several stakeholders reported working on waste and plastic pollution firsthand, and then realized how bad it was, which prompted them to start a more formal business (S3, S5, S15). Others came to a new awareness of the fragility of ecosystem’s balance during backpacking, another an Arctic expedition (S9, S4). One stakeholder shared a feeling of “sudden motivation,” when they realized that “lifestyles are completely taken over by plastics”(S2). Another was motivated by experiencing the health consequences and difficulty breathing from the waste burning at the local landfill (S20). 

 

One interesting pattern revealed that zero waste stakeholders all had their own ‘ah-ha!’ moments, where they arrived individually with an awareness of the urgent need to devote their work towards waste reduction and some form of stewarding the environment. Over and over again in the interviews, the researcher heard stories of ‘ah-ha!’ moments leading to career changes, leading to more questioning and deeper practice. The majority of stakeholders were working in other domains, such as business, finance, and accounting, when they suddenly realized they needed to align their work with environmental action (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S18, S19, S20) . For instance, one interviewee was an accountant before starting a zero waste business (S6). The change was prompted when they were auditing a farmers’ field, and as described by the stakeholder, they told the farmer that 90% of the field looked great (big, plump, eggplants) but that 10% of the field looked like a wasted crop (smaller, imperfect). The farmer corrected them, and said that 10% of the field was great, and 90% was bad. The farmer elaborated and explained that on 90% of the fields he sprayed heavy pesticides and 10% of the field he kept organic for his family (S6). From this ‘ah-ha!’ moment, the accountant decided to quit their career and start an organic food business. Continual questioning, as well as prompts from customers, then prompted them to critique, ‘How could I sell organic food wrapped in plastic?!” (S6). This led to the start of their zero waste organic store.

 

Figure 2 highlights the push-factor, that pollution is a primary concern in India for reducing plastic use; reusability and economic impact are also key considerations. Figure 4 shows what methods the stakeholders have used for plastics reduction; 90% have focused on alternatives to plastics; education, workshops, and civic outreach are also popular methods for aiming to quell plastics use. Figure 6 highlights the current shared goals of the interviewees, nearly all are focused on changing the narrative; secondly, with building zero waste communities; and thirdly, building a movement of others who align with the values of minimizing plastic use.

For pull factors, several of those interviewed discussed seeing first-hand zero waste stores in Europe and other parts of the west, and realizing that something similar could be done in India, too (S6, S8,  S11). One respondent was even inside a zero waste store in Europe and flipped over a product and saw that it was ‘made in India;’ upon which they realized the possibility (and felt an urgency) to start up a store back home in India (S8). Other interviewees were initiated in their first visit to a zero waste store in India, and then were inspired to start their own (S12, S18).

2.a. Concerns for plastic waste: This section is organised in a comprehensive way to show the various levels of concern as applicable to levels of action. This statement has been added: 

“

These responses are grouped in a way that highlight key areas of concern, and levels at which they can be addressed – through government management; through business; by implementing and enforcing environmental policy. This reinforces the point that waste is an issue that cannot be addressed unilaterally, but needs varying approaches and responsibility at various levels such as government; business; civic sector; etc.”

3. Discussion points amended and focus on the core emphasis, that waste reduction through zero waste is possible in India with the following considerations: commitment to zero waste values; systems thinking; circularity and alternatives to plastic; materials awareness and leveraging regional waste streams; and accessibility to zero waste products. 

Revised Discussion Section as follows: 

Do zero waste practices have enough drawing power to help change the course of waste generation in India? Notably, environmental efforts have an uphill battle, as in 2022, India was reported to be at the very bottom of 180 countries in Yale’s Environmental Performance Index, indicating scant overall efforts in environmental protection in the most populated country in the world (Environmental Performance Index, 2022). Yet, businesses implementing zero waste practices appear to be gaining more attention and waste reduction through zero waste is possible in India with the following considerations: commitment to zero waste values; systems thinking; circularity and alternatives to plastic; materials awareness and leveraging regional waste streams; and accessibility to zero waste products.

 

Commitment to Zero Waste Values

Zero waste is a practice where practitioners are dedicated as a core value of their business, and dedication comes from the combined experiences of both pushes (experiences with waste first hand) and pulls (experiences with the possibility of zero waste solutions). Furthermore, ‘ah-ha’ moments play a critical role in adherence to zero waste, where practitioners feels first the gravity of the waste situation, and then realizes the zero waste pathway to proactively act on it (without the former there is no urgency and dedication, without the latter there is no hope of a constructive solution).

 

Systems Thinking

Solutions to waste issues can often lie outside of the waste domain entirely, and zero waste systems thinkers are ready to embrace this complexity rather than brush it off. The majority of the stories recounted from the zero waste stakeholders told of an organic process of questioning, where they became more and more aware of waste and environmental issues, following the chain of waste and plastics impacts, and felt the urgency and agency to do something about it. For instance, one of the zero waste stakeholders said that in discussing zero waste, they regularly borrow the lexicon of permaculture such as, “the problem is the solution” and “as complex as the problem may seem, the solution is embarrassingly simple” (S9). In another example, we can see the benefit of reframing the problem beyond the normal scope of waste management:

The actual solution to the PET bottle crisis lay not in dealing with the bottles, but in cleaning up the groundwater. If the local water were clean, there would be no need for bottled water. To deal with the crisis of plastic wastes, Zero Waste principles would require resources to be invested in revamping the sewage system, and not in recycling PET bottles (Jayaraman, 2005: 12).

 

As discussed by the stakeholders, zero waste does not neatly compartmentalize into one sector, but touches upon governance, business, environmental and social concerns. In order to enter into this space, one has to first start critiquing about ‘what is wrong with waste?’ and work from downstream to upstream. Zero waste options proposed create new materials systems and avenues for circularity. Moreover, zero waste businesses and consultants are by default educators to help people understand the how-to’s and the rationale for zero waste practices. For instance, one stakeholder pointed out that if a large chip manufacturer were to close in India (responsible for excessive multilayer plastic snack bag waste), they may lose only one factory, but then hundreds of local chip makers could pop up across the country and create zero waste options locally (S12). Another business is a working example of how heirloom seeds; regenerative, organic farming practices; slow processing, can all be fostered through the zero waste model (S6).

 

Zero waste businesses and practitioners also are systems practitioners in their interactions with others. They realize that collaboration is better than competition, and practitioners are committed to ‘building a movement’ rather than individual success. Most of the stakeholders interviewed were extensively networked beyond just their own operations with: local and national government; NGOs; women’s groups; students; etc. Local solutions also foster the relationships of trust, as shown through the local-support of zero waste businesses during the Covid crisis. Zero waste businesses interviewed discussed a willingness to teach others how to set up a zero waste business; some of the consultants offer their services for free to student groups; demonstrating an awareness of social needs beyond their business, with an aim to create a healthy environment for the benefit of us all.

 

Circularity & Alternatives to Plastics

Zero waste businesses are on the forefront of material awareness and offer key insights for shifting away from plastic as the main material of production to alternatives; as well as how to create locally-appropriate circular economies. India is awash with potential options for substituting plastic, as most of  these alternatives can be sourced within the country, including: areca, bagasse, bamboo, banan fibre, sassing, ceramics, cpoconut husks, cotton, help, jute, metals, paper, seaweed, tapioca, etc. In this respect, India has a zero waste advantage.

 

Mycelium in particular was discussed because this is an emerging alternative material in other contexts (i.e. for replacing Styrofoam packaging); however, in the Indian context, none of the stakeholders are working with it yet, or know anyone that is. Similarly, hemp in other contexts is used for innovative alternatives, such as ‘hemp plastic.’ Currently, however, hemp is only being used in India for hemp fiber (i.e. cloth and bags) or mixed into ‘hempcrete’. Although exceedingly abundant in the Himalayan region of India, lack of hemp applications could partially be due to stigmatization of growing of hemp. Hemp is only recently legal to grow in the state of Uttarakhand as of 2018, and Himachal Pradesh as of 2021. In the coming years there could be booms of innovation with this material. As for the mention of casein, this was a surprise addition to the list, as one of the materials innovators noticed it as a waste product and decided to experiment with this material for a plastic film/bag alternative. As per seaweed, this material is being used as an alternative plastic film in other geographies (such as Notpla, a sustainable packaging startup in the UK), but is in nascent stages of experimentation in India. Yet, Indian coastlines offer ample opportunity for the production of seaweed, and the benefits of a seaweed industry are multifaceted as it can serve purposes beyond a plastic alternative, including acting as a water purifier; a carbon sink; habitat for fish and other marine life; providing ecosystem restoration; is a crop that does not require pesticides and fertilizers; and ultimately is a regenerative, fast-growing crop that can also create sustainable, marine livelihoods (Racine et al. 2021; Van den Burg et al., 2021).  Hemp also has similar potential as it 1. Can act as a plastic substitute using its waste (after fiber and oil processing), 2. Restores soil health; 3. Acts as a carbon sink; 4. Is fast growing and endemic to the region (a locally-appropriate crop); 5. Creates livelihoods for Himalayan villages; and 6. Does not require pesticides and fertilizers (Rightford, 2020).

 

Materials Awareness & Leveraging Regional Waste Streams

Amongst the zero waste community, it is worth discussing the appropriate materials to support within the regional and national scale (which limits transportation carbon footprints) and if it makes sense to work with imported alternatives to plastic or focus on building a more robust local economy. Materials like coconut, areca, and banana fibers have geographical considerations. In the south of India these materials are plentiful, but in the north they do not grow. Considering how supply chains in India have been disrupted during Covid, if materials can be locally-sourced they are more reliable, as well as reduce transportation miles. For instance, Ladakh does not have coconut fiber, but it has plentiful wheat fiber waste. Kerala does not have wheat fiber waste, but it is awash with coconut waste. Similar but locally-appropriate solutions can be created with a lens on geography, while simultaneously supporting the local economy (direly needed in post-Covid recovery). Bamboo is also an important material to discuss, as although it is regenerative, and often hailed as an alternative, it is often invasive, and is not a waste product (the production of bamboo could be displacing other forms of agriculture for instance for food). Thus, opting for waste fibbers from hemp, banana waste, bagasse, or waste coconut fibers is a more circular and less ecological impact option.

 

Accessibility to Zero Waste Products

In the Indian context, zero waste practices will struggle to take off if priced exclusively. The general public requires economically feasible options that can operate as the new default practice; and social reinforcement that these practices are acceptable across society. For instance, Indian government ration shops already operate in principle as zero waste, without claiming as such, yet, these shops are stigmatized as being old fashioned or for the lower classes of society. The zero waste concept as espoused in the Indian cities, however, currently prices goods for those with greater means to purchase (with the exception of one of the zero waste grocers who is located in more of a village setting so needed to price his goods to fit the local market). Essentially, if zero waste items are too expensive, then zero waste will remain a cottage idea and not have the widespread application that practitioners envision. When the price is right, more shops can open, which would lead to greater accessibility. Thus, practices devised in India could be more easily adapted to the global north context; rather than emulating the exclusive nature of zero waste shops in the north of India. 

 

Reviewer 2 Report

This study uses a qualitative approach to address limitations and blockages to current plastics reduction, through semi-structured interviews of zero waste business practitioners in India. The manuscript is well structured and the arguments are well discussed. However, the abstract is long, I suggest making the abstract concise, and clearly stating the novelty of the study in the abstract as well as in the conclusion. 

Author Response

Thank you for your feedback and assessment.

More concise version of Abstract: 

This study uses a qualitative approach to address limitations and blockages to current plastics reduction, through semi-structured interviews of zero waste business practitioners in India. Although nascent, India is home to a budding zero waste community that is grappling with how to reduce plastics - through trial and error - and these stakeholders hold the insights from lived experience of how plastic reduction can actualize in the Indian subcontinent. This research interviewed zero waste businesses, consultants, and makers of plastics alternatives in India, to understand their experiences with plastic reduction strategies. The key-stakeholder interviews reveal key insights for moving forward with plastic reduction initiatives including: challenges faced at the government, business, and social levels; considerations regarding plastic waste generation; motivations for starting zero waste businesses and organizations; how it will be possible to operationalize plastic bans in India; appropriate action for plastic waste reduction; elements that would help India shift into a more circular, regenerative economy; and locally-appropriate alternatives to plastics. The discussion further delves into caveats with various alternatives to plastic materials; economic considerations; characteristics of the zero waste network; as well as provides next-steps for action at the government, business and civil levels for reducing plastic waste generation in India, and essentially minimizing plastic pollution.

Reviewer 3 Report

This article is quite difficult to understand

 

1. The introduction does not explain why the problem is raised

2. There are lots of theoretical reviews and references, but many are from secondary sources. should be focused so that there is a clear state of the art

3. The procedure for research stages in the method section needs to be further elaborated

4. Each quote needs to be given meaning and associated with appropriate analysis and theory

5. Waste management is a complex issue. need to be linked to how policy functions at the urban level

 

this paper can still be improved

Author Response

Thank you for your comments and feedback. Revisions as follows: 

1. Why this research as indicated in the intro:

In order to understand how the single-use, plastic-free national shift can happen, consulting with the network of current practitioners of zero waste and makers of plastics alternatives can provide insights as to how the phase down of plastic can realistically (and unrealistically) occur. When a material is banned, this opens up a space of possibility for new practices and materials to fill this space. Without proper foresight into the potentialities, there can be unintended setbacks like policy failure through noncompliance (Narayanan & Kapilavai, 2021), shifts to similarly destructive materials - as seen with variation with bag thickness rules where thicker bags require even more plastic use and subsequent disposal (Nandi, 2021), and greenwashing through other plastic alternatives like woven polypropylene bags that look like cloth but are really made of plastic (Morung Express, 2019); and other considerations that will hinder the overall effort to reduce plastic waste and pollution. Through interviews with zero waste stakeholders in India, this research compiles insights and ground-truths on how plastic reduction and zero waste can be actualized.

2. The paper includes 108 references. The vast majority are primary references; in a few cases newspaper articles are cited as reference to current issues as applicable. 

If you have issues with particular references please advise; otherwise, this paper includes up-to-date and sufficient references on the topic. The readers will walk away highly informed on this topic and have a vast supply of supplemental material to consult on this topic.

3. Methodology, Participants and Procedure are subdivided, and together offer a comprehensive view of the process of this research. Added further clarification to the Procedure section to read as follows: 

1. Method

This research set out with the following questions: How can the single-use, plastic-free national shift be actualized? And, What are the practices happening on the ground that can shift the existing practices of plastic use? This paper draws mainly on detailed semi-structured interviews (Yin, 2014), conducted with the zero waste business stakeholder group between March and April 2021, with 20 individuals who self-identified as those who are actively running a business or organization that focuses on zero waste or plastic reduction. An interview approach with key-stakeholders allows for nuanced information to emerge on social opportunities and blockages that might be overlooked in more generalized studies (Adger 2003, 2001; Susskind et al., 2015).

 

Qualitative research “enhances communication with the society and the world” (Gergen et al., 2015: 1), and is suited for analyzing the process of social change, like that with the shifting behavior and policy for plastics use (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011; Outhwaite & Turner, 2007). Key consultant semi-structured interviews are one of the standard means of data collection in qualitative research. In this process, the researcher compiles a list of questions in advance, and allows the interviewee to elaborate on their personal understanding of the topics that goes beyond true or false or yes and no questions (Yin, 2014). Through active listening (Patton, 2002), these interviews allow an in-depth look at current successes and limitations in plastic reduction; potential blockages to plastic bans; and leverage points for success of the policy.

 

In order to understand emergent worldviews and attitudes, to generate knowledge of social leverage points for change, in-depth dialogue is necessary (Checkland & Poulter, 2010). Interviews are a method useful for expanding narratives in emergent fields such as zero waste. In other studies, interviews have been used for in-depth qualitative research, for instance, to analyse policy and practice in agriculture for emergent water challenges due to climate change (Upton & Nielsen-Pincus, 2021); shifting understanding of sustainability (Owens & Legere, 2015); for understanding values and motivations that factor into the adoption of low-carbon lifestyles (Howell, 2013); and identifying behavioural interventions for the palm oil industry (Sundaraja et al., 2020).

 

1. Participants

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, online searches as well as snowball sampling from those selected (Atkinson & Flint, 2004). Several times, a business was identified, however, upon further inspection it was no longer operational (as was the case with so many smaller businesses and startups during the covid crisis). Interviewees included:

• 6 zero waste businesses/stores;
• 2 zero waste stores & consultants;
• 5 companies making alternatives to plastic;
• 2 alternative service models, zero waste businesses;
• 3 environmental organizations that are focused on reducing plastics;
• 1 zero waste consultant; and
• 1 environmental organization that is both focused on waste reduction as well as an upcycling social enterprise.

The twenty interviews revealed a diverse context of stakeholders concerned and acting on the plastics issue across India. Respondents are geographically dispersed across India, providing a range of experience in: Delhi (3), Mumbai, Bangalore (5), Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ladakh, Odisha, Darjeeling (2), Kerala (2), Sikkim, and Goa. Predominantly, stakeholders interviewed have started these plastics reduction businesses and organizations within the last three years (seven started in 2019; five started in 2018) with the exception of a few longstanding businesses and organizations, the earliest one started their zero waste efforts in 2001.

 

1. Procedure

The process for 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 (Glaser & Strauss, 1967); and interpreting results (Given, 2008; Gubrium, & Holstein, 2002; Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Each interview was approximately 2-hours long, and held over the phone due to Covid constraints, as well as the geographical spread across India, of the interviewees (however, the researcher was physically present in India for the duration of the study). 

 

Once all the interviews were conducted, all the interviews were reread and analysed for key themes. 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; how to help shift India into a more circular economy; interventions for reducing plastics; how to operationalize plastics bans; and appropriate alternatives for plastics. The themes were chosen as they reflect leverage points for understanding ways forward to reduce plastic waste in India as well as support the country’s evolving zero waste efforts, such as plastics bans. In the results section and discussion, key quotes that signify certain themes are highlighted to provide examples of these themes, and represented in the text by stakeholder anonymous identifications S1-S20.

 

4. Quotes are given meaning in relation to the thematic analysis. Each quote is pulled out as related to a theme that is discussed in the results section. Quotes that represent certain themes are pulled out and discussed in each section, I.e. quotes that relate to ‘motivation,’ ’concerns,’ ‘alternatives to plastics,’ etc. Each quote used is specifically tied as they have meaning to these thematic areas. If they did not have meaning, they would not be referenced in the research. 

 

5. Yes, waste reduction is decidedly a complex issue without a silver bullet solution. In the discussion I have included a section on Systems Thinking; as well in the Recommendations section I have a whole section on government and policy level approaches with a range of practical, immediate steps the government can take. As follows: 

 

Systems Thinking

Solutions to waste issues can often lie outside of the waste domain entirely, and zero waste systems thinkers are ready to embrace this complexity rather than brush it off. The majority of the stories recounted from the zero waste stakeholders told of an organic process of questioning, where they became more and more aware of waste and environmental issues, following the chain of waste and plastics impacts, and felt the urgency and agency to do something about it. For instance, one of the zero waste stakeholders said that in discussing zero waste, they regularly borrow the lexicon of permaculture such as, “the problem is the solution” and “as complex as the problem may seem, the solution is embarrassingly simple” (S9). In another example, we can see the benefit of reframing the problem beyond the normal scope of waste management:

The actual solution to the PET bottle crisis lay not in dealing with the bottles, but in cleaning up the groundwater. If the local water were clean, there would be no need for bottled water. To deal with the crisis of plastic wastes, Zero Waste principles would require resources to be invested in revamping the sewage system, and not in recycling PET bottles (Jayaraman, 2005: 12).

 

As discussed by the stakeholders, zero waste does not neatly compartmentalize into one sector, but touches upon governance, business, environmental and social concerns. In order to enter into this space, one has to first start critiquing about ‘what is wrong with waste?’ and work from downstream to upstream. Zero waste options proposed create new materials systems and avenues for circularity. Moreover, zero waste businesses and consultants are by default educators to help people understand the how-to’s and the rationale for zero waste practices. For instance, one stakeholder pointed out that if a large chip manufacturer were to close in India (responsible for excessive multilayer plastic snack bag waste), they may lose only one factory, but then hundreds of local chip makers could pop up across the country and create zero waste options locally (S12). Another business is a working example of how heirloom seeds; regenerative, organic farming practices; slow processing, can all be fostered through the zero waste model (S6).

 

Zero waste businesses and practitioners also are systems practitioners in their interactions with others. They realize that collaboration is better than competition, and practitioners are committed to ‘building a movement’ rather than individual success. Most of the stakeholders interviewed were extensively networked beyond just their own operations with: local and national government; NGOs; women’s groups; students; etc. Local solutions also foster the relationships of trust, as shown through the local-support of zero waste businesses during the Covid crisis. Zero waste businesses interviewed discussed a willingness to teach others how to set up a zero waste business; some of the consultants offer their services for free to student groups; demonstrating an awareness of social needs beyond their business, with an aim to create a healthy environment for the benefit of us all.

——

Recommendations: 

Government level: Amplify the zero waste message by creating zero waste trainings for government employees, to generate support for zero waste policy, practices, and businesses within the government sector. In 2018 and 2022, the government set the stage for action on plastic waste through two bold announcements to ban various single-use items nationwide. Shining the national spotlight on plastic waste emboldened and signaled to Indians that plastic waste is an issue that requires national urgency. Now the government can help support research to make alternative materials and practices possible. For instance, a geographical assessment about where certain alternatives are available in India to highlight the plastic-free capabilities across the nation.

 

Looking at Indian plastic management policy, currently, none of the plastic waste management mechanisms factor in the environmental impacts of micro and nanoplastics (which flake off in the use of plastics) nor the chemical impacts of plastics, such as the release of endocrine disrupting chemicals (Swan & Colino, 2021) – these environmental and social health considerations remain externalities. Even a system that prioritizes downstream management of plastics through recycling will continue to create micro/nanoplastics, as well as increasing chemical exposure. Government bans or reduction targets coupled with incentives for industry to shift materials used can be used to pivot the system. For instance, one of the interviewees has the relatively simple converter technology to change plastic bag making machines to be able to make biodegradable, non-plastic bags. Transition is possible but these shifts need support.

 

On waste policy, in conventional waste management approaches, none of the linear waste-to-disposal methods are critical of the increasing amount of plastic being used, and subsequent plastic waste generation. The linear waste-making system uses efficiency and increased technology to address waste increases, but does not tackle the root cause of increasing waste. Thinking about waste from the zero waste perspective can reduce the amount of money and energy that needs to be spent managing wastes, and instead uses ingenuity to redesign and re-envision how a society uses materials – supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and research. For instance, the city of Austin, TX in the US has reoriented from the waste management lens to resource recovery with an aim to reduce 90% of waste-to-landfill by 2040, even renaming the waste division of Austin to the Resource Recovery Department (Austin Texas, 2022). The Resource Recovery Department is coupled with the Materials Marketplace (a hub for recovery and exchange of materials) and through a multi-stakeholder engagement between government, business (of all sizes), academia, community organizations, and the Austin community, they have developed a collaborative approach to the systems problem of waste, that has not only minimized waste materials but generated over a billion dollars for the local economy, thousands of jobs, and hundreds of new companies that have found new ways to engage with these resource streams (Democracy Collaborative, 2022; Materials Marketplace, 2022). This Marketplace inspired a spin-off, zero waste marketplace in Turkey. Could, for instance, Smart Cities in India try a Resource Recovery approach to their waste divisions, or partner to develop a similar material marketplace? Several of those interviewed in this research were initially inspired by seeing zero waste shops and other examples of zero waste in other parts of the globe. Thus, maintaining an eye on zero waste activities around the globe can also catalyze evolving shifts for the Indian zero waste movement.

 

 

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper is in a better shape now and can be accepted. 

Author Response

Thank you 

Reviewer 3 Report

the revision has been carried out well, but it needs to be proven by changes in the text. for example red letters. I can't see any significant changes

Author Response

All changes have been made in text, thank you