Plastic Pollution Treaty. Solutions to Addressing the Plastic Scourge.

Plastic pollution is a severe and growing problem. Each year, 20 million metric tons of plastic enter the environment. This plastic is found everywhere, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench, and even within the human body. With plastic production expected to triple by 2060, the urgency of addressing this issue has never been more apparent.

According to United Nations’ global plastics negotiators, 170 countries plan to finalize the world’s first legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution by the end of 2024. The success of this treaty depends significantly on securing enough funding, especially for countries in the Global South. Currently, there’s no agreement on the exact financing details, but estimates suggest to address global plastic cleanup and management could cost between $3 trillion to $17 trillion. The main debates revolve around how to raise these funds, who should manage them, and how they should be spent.

Proposed Solutions for Plastic Pollution

One proposed solution is to expand Global South waste management where 2.7 billion people lack regular refuse collection. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests a mix of measures, including taxing plastic to reduce plastic pollution, banning single-use items, and redesigning products to reduce waste. They estimate that the world needs to increase its plastic recycling rate from 9% to 40%.

Improving basic waste management can have a significant impact. Studies show that better waste and recycling systems could eliminate 89% of mismanaged plastic globally. Some Southeast Asian countries are promoting waste-to-energy and co-processing plants, though these methods are controversial due to their environmental impact such as air pollution.

Criticism of Waste Management Focus

Critics argue that focusing mainly on waste management neglects the production side of the problem. Without addressing the production of plastic, plastic pollution management alone cannot solve the issue. Additionally, existing laws are often not enforced, undermining efforts to manage waste effectively.

Innovative Solutions and Financing

Innovative solutions and new financing tools are needed. Small-scale projects, like replacing plastic straws with grass straws in Vietnam, show promise but require more funding. The World Bank’s bond for community-recycling projects aims to raise funds, but the effectiveness of tools like plastic credits is debated to reduce plastic pollution.

Supporting Waste Pickers for Plastic Pollution

Waste pickers play a vital role in recycling, with 20 million waste pickers globally recycling 60% of the world’s plastic. Programs to support waste pickers, such as providing better equipment and working conditions, could enhance recycling efforts.

Developing countries need technical support to create action plans and enforce regulations. Comprehensive policies, such as banning harmful plastics and making corporations accountable for their packaging, are essential.

While the upcoming treaty offers hope, its success will hinge on securing adequate financing, supporting innovative solutions, and implementing comprehensive policies. The collaboration of governments, corporations, and local communities will be crucial in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis.

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References

One way a plastics treaty could help the Global South: Fund waste management