Beyond awareness, the planet needs real solutions to plastic pollution, which has become a significant global problem in recent years, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity. According to a study released by the UN Environment Programme, 400 billion kilograms of plastic waste are produced yearly — and the amount of plastic that is recycled or reused is not even half of it.
The creation of plastic was a milestone for humankind — a cheap, versatile, and convenient material that allowed for the creation of dozens of inventions for daily consumption and commercial use. However, its durable characteristic has turned it into the environmental nightmare we face today.
Much of the plastic is single-use and is often discarded inadequately. Straws, plastic bags, bottles, and cups, among others, are some of the most common single-use plastic items poorly disposed of, ending up on coastlines, ingested by sea animals, and becoming part of our ocean landscape.
The hard truth is that if people continue to discard plastic irresponsibly, the consequences will be catastrophic for the planet. Plastic is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to degrade. Some may never degrade and instead disintegrate into tiny pieces called ‘microplastics.’ According to the Ocean Literacy Portal:
Plastic generally takes between 500-1,000 years to degrade. Even then, it becomes microplastics without fully degrading.
Addressing this issue is crucial in the fight against plastic pollution. This article highlights several strategies and innovative solutions that have shown promise in reducing plastic waste.
Viable solutions to plastic pollution
Over the years, global awareness campaigns have led to initiatives from governments, industries, and communities to tackle plastic pollution. These efforts range from implementing policies to reduce plastic waste, redesigning products, investing in sustainable materials, and organizing community cleanups.
Take a look at the viable solutions that are being implemented globally to tackle plastic pollution.
Single-use plastic banning
The ban on single-use plastics is a remarkable achievement towards environmental sustainability. It symbolizes the culmination of persistent global efforts to reduce plastic waste and its negative impacts on our planet. Despite the potential for inconvenience, the long-term benefits for our environment and future generations are unquestionably worth it.
United Nations Environment Assembly in 2021
On a global scale, various countries and stakeholders have taken initiatives to findreal solutions to plastic pollution. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution to end plastic pollution, released in 2021, is one such initiative.
The resolution encourages countries to enhance plastic collection, promote circularity, and educate the public about the plastic crisis. It has been hailed as one of the most encouraging international agreements since the Paris Agreement.
The European Union (EU) Single-Use Plastics Directive in 2019
The European Union (EU) Single-Use Plastics Directive banned certain single-use plastic products (like straws, cutlery, and plates) and set targets for reducing the consumption of other products, such as food containers and cups, by 2026. Also, it requires producers to cover the costs of waste management and clean-up of certain products like fishing gear and cigarette butts by 2024.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Framework of Action on Marine Debris in 2019
This framework outlines four priority areas for cooperation among ASEAN member states to address marine debris: policy support and planning; research, innovation, and capacity building; public awareness, education, and outreach; and private sector engagement.
Businesses switching to more sustainable alternatives to plastic
Some companies or industries are changing their practices to reduce their plastic footprint by eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics, using sustainable or recyclable plastic substitutes, and joining the circular economy. Some great examples of it are Mohawk, Ikea, and LØS market.
Mohawk, a large flooring company, uses plastic bottles to create beautiful carpets. This innovative way to manufacture carpets is not only reducing waste, but also saving costs.
Ikea, on the other hand, was a pioneer in the elimination of plastic bags. In 2008, they expressed their policy of not using plastic bags and encouraged their customers to use reusable bags.
Another excellent example of businesses looking to use sustainable alternatives to plastic is the case of the LØS market in Denmark. According to a report by Seas at Risk, in 2016, “Franco-Danish former export manager Frederic Hamburger made history by opening LØS market, the first packaging-free supermarket in Denmark.”
Consumer solutions
Younger generations are increasingly aware of plastic pollution and seek sustainable brands. Their concern about how this affects the environment grows each year. As a result, many consumers are embracing conscious consumerism and taking action to reduce their plastic consumption.
Here are some examples of initiatives that support conscious consumerism:
Plastic-free July
This global movement challenges people to reduce their plastic consumption for a month and beyond. It aims to raise awareness of plastic’s environmental and social impacts and inspires people to adopt more sustainable habits. According to its website, more than 326 million people from 177 countries participated in 2020 and avoided over 900 million kilograms of plastic waste.
Zero-waste lifestyle
This philosophy encourages people to eliminate or minimize their waste generation by reusing, recycling, composting, or refusing products that are disposable or packaged in plastic. Some examples of zero-waste practices are using reusable bags, bottles, cups, straws, and cutlery, buying in bulk or from local markets, choosing homemade products, and repairing or donating items instead of throwing them away.
Plastic Bank empowers communities, businesses, and individuals to fund discarded plastic collection and reveals its value in using it to fight poverty. Through this initiative, collection communities exchange plastic for income and social benefits, promoting a circular economy and reducing the environmental footprint.
Final thoughts
As shown throughout this article, plastic pollution is a global crisis that demands collective efforts and accurate solutions. Thanks to plastic pollution awareness campaigns, governments, industries, and businesses are increasingly interested in adopting and aligning with sustainable practices.
Did you know that businesses and individuals subscribe and purchase plastic credits to reduce their environmental footprint, promote a circular economy, and support communities?
Explore the groundbreaking efforts of Plastic Bank in tandem with the international community's ambitious Plastic Treaty. Discover how innovative solutions like Plastic Bank are making a significant impact on plastic pollution while simultaneously improving lives in regions grappling with plastic pollution and poverty. Dive into the comprehensive strategy of the Plastic Treaty, supported by 175 nations, and learn how it aims to reshape our relationship with plastic to safeguard our planet and marine ecosystems. Join us on a journey towards a cleaner, more regenerative future.
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