Manage Plastic Wastage To Save Environment
Plastic wastage is a growing problem for the world with the passage of time. The negative impacts of Plastic on environment and Human health are -
- Respiratory issues are increasing because of Air pollution from burning plastics.
- Animal lifespans are reduced because of consuming plastic.
- Littered plastic is clogging drains and causing floods.
- Unmanaged plastic is contaminating our precious oceans and waterways.
Something can and must be done since there are many ways to curb plastic waste - By producing less, consuming less and better managing existing waste to prevent contamination or leakage. While solutions may vary, policy solutions, i ncreased awareness and improved design & disposal processes among others, are critical to changing behaviour & better managing plastic waste.
Following are the five interesting interventions that address plastic waste from various aspects of society -
1) Better Holistic Waste Management System - The Maldives is known for its Coral Reefs, Blue Lagoons and Beaches. Facing increasing amounts of waste and litter in Ecosystems, the Maldives has looked to improve its waste management system. The country is investing in sustainable disposal in infrastructure, improving waste collection system and splitting the Islands into zones to make the most efficient use of shared resources by improving its core waste management system, Maldives will control plastic waste at source.
2) Recycling in Manufacturing - Plastic waste is put to productive use in both local and Global capacities. Simple solutions that local communities are pursuing include using recycled plastic as filler for Cement blocks, Ropes and household goods such as Baskets and Mats. At a larger scale, manufacturers are using recycled Plastic and Textiles to make clothing and furniture. By using waste materials for products with monetary value such as Clothing, Shoes or Road construction, society is incentivized to collect plastic and capture its full value.
3) Informal Sector Partnerships - Informal waste collectors are the Power House of recycling efforts in many countries and bolstering their capacity increase plastic recycling. In Mexico, the company Pet Star has developed a vertically integrated cycling chain with Coca Cola and partnered with informal workers for supply of used Plastic Bottles.Not only informal workers earn higher and consistent wages with a steady demand for materials, but Plastic recycling industry achieves resilience even during poor Global markets by partnering with a Beverage Company. Countries all over the world can leverage the Informal Sector to both reduce plastic waste and socially empower vulnerable populations.
4) Community Campaigns - Management of plastic waste often starts at Household and Individual levels and effective strategies to educate and motivate citizens can dramatically change the behavior. In Jamaica, Environment Workers employed through World Bank's supported projects to spread awareness. The Schools and Communities which are part of the project are collecting Plastic
bottles at volume to sell to a Recycler.
5) Policy and Planning - Once adequate collection and disposal system are in place, cities can pursue focused intervention such as ban on some types of Plastic. California's ban on Plastic led to 72% decline in Plastic Litter on beaches from 2010-2017. However, having plastic ban will not solve the issue of Plastic Mismanagement. Such policies need to be supported by the effective Waste Management system and the Govt.'s ability to enforce such policies.
The clarity on the issue is Global plastic waste problem is multifaceted and so are its solutions. One should be mindful that there will be more Plastic in the oceans than Fish by 2050, if nothing is done to prevent the wastage.
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- Respiratory issues are increasing because of Air pollution from burning plastics.
- Animal lifespans are reduced because of consuming plastic.
- Littered plastic is clogging drains and causing floods.
- Unmanaged plastic is contaminating our precious oceans and waterways.
Something can and must be done since there are many ways to curb plastic waste - By producing less, consuming less and better managing existing waste to prevent contamination or leakage. While solutions may vary, policy solutions, i ncreased awareness and improved design & disposal processes among others, are critical to changing behaviour & better managing plastic waste.
Following are the five interesting interventions that address plastic waste from various aspects of society -
1) Better Holistic Waste Management System - The Maldives is known for its Coral Reefs, Blue Lagoons and Beaches. Facing increasing amounts of waste and litter in Ecosystems, the Maldives has looked to improve its waste management system. The country is investing in sustainable disposal in infrastructure, improving waste collection system and splitting the Islands into zones to make the most efficient use of shared resources by improving its core waste management system, Maldives will control plastic waste at source.
2) Recycling in Manufacturing - Plastic waste is put to productive use in both local and Global capacities. Simple solutions that local communities are pursuing include using recycled plastic as filler for Cement blocks, Ropes and household goods such as Baskets and Mats. At a larger scale, manufacturers are using recycled Plastic and Textiles to make clothing and furniture. By using waste materials for products with monetary value such as Clothing, Shoes or Road construction, society is incentivized to collect plastic and capture its full value.
3) Informal Sector Partnerships - Informal waste collectors are the Power House of recycling efforts in many countries and bolstering their capacity increase plastic recycling. In Mexico, the company Pet Star has developed a vertically integrated cycling chain with Coca Cola and partnered with informal workers for supply of used Plastic Bottles.Not only informal workers earn higher and consistent wages with a steady demand for materials, but Plastic recycling industry achieves resilience even during poor Global markets by partnering with a Beverage Company. Countries all over the world can leverage the Informal Sector to both reduce plastic waste and socially empower vulnerable populations.
4) Community Campaigns - Management of plastic waste often starts at Household and Individual levels and effective strategies to educate and motivate citizens can dramatically change the behavior. In Jamaica, Environment Workers employed through World Bank's supported projects to spread awareness. The Schools and Communities which are part of the project are collecting Plastic
bottles at volume to sell to a Recycler.
5) Policy and Planning - Once adequate collection and disposal system are in place, cities can pursue focused intervention such as ban on some types of Plastic. California's ban on Plastic led to 72% decline in Plastic Litter on beaches from 2010-2017. However, having plastic ban will not solve the issue of Plastic Mismanagement. Such policies need to be supported by the effective Waste Management system and the Govt.'s ability to enforce such policies.
The clarity on the issue is Global plastic waste problem is multifaceted and so are its solutions. One should be mindful that there will be more Plastic in the oceans than Fish by 2050, if nothing is done to prevent the wastage.
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