Saving Our World from Plastic

saving our world from plastic

The world currently generates 300 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, without the capacity needed to sustainably manage it. It is therefore no surprise that 8 million tonnes of plastic waste flow into the ocean annually, while mismanaged waste remaining on land can trigger public health crises among vulnerable communities.

What can companies do?
Recognizing the extent to which their products have contributed to the plastic pollution crisis, many of the world’s leading companies are taking initiatives to reduce plastic. Some companies have been working towards adopting 100% recyclable packaging in the next few years, while others are financing waste management initiatives aiming to reduce total global plastic leakage.
In the near future, the ultimate aim is for manufacturers to adopt innovative packaging materials designed with sustainability in mind. Consumers to be empowered to reuse, recycle or compost plastic products after initial use. Waste management facilities, such as recycling plants, to grow exponentially in both number and capacity to keep up with current levels of plastic waste.

Indeed companies have a huge role in transforming the way we use plastics, which is why Corporate Responsibility (CR) should and must be a crucial topic among all corporations because they can leave a visible environmental impact at all levels.

How about on a personal level? 
Whilst individual efforts to use less plastic add up over time, cutting plastic usage at home and in the office results in significantly greater reductions in plastic waste and creates a ripple effect of positive change among family, friends, colleagues, customers, suppliers, competitors, industry and the wider community.
We are all responsible for saving our planet by committing to use less plastic in our lives and contributing as much as we can to achieve a green and healthy planet. Here are a few ways to do it:

  • Educate your family, friends and colleagues about the issue in order to want to do something about it
  • Organise a park, river or beach clean

Provide unlimited filtered tap water in order to reduce single-use plastic water bottles

  • Have reusable cutlery, plates and cups in kitchen and canteens
  • Reduce plastic in the office tea and coffee by sourcing milk, sugar and tea from plastic-free packaging
  • Ask your family and friends for ideas to cut plastic in their roles
  • Request that suppliers use less plastic packaging
  • Reduce plastics/waste when ordering take away food (cutlery / bags…

Together we can contribute to reduce our plastic consumption as much as possible and reduce our CO2 footprint.
We can make a difference!  

References:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/09/we-created-an-initiative-to-fight-plastic-waste-here-are-3-takeaways-from-our-first-year/
https://www.lessplastic.org.uk/9-ways-to-reduce-plastic-in-your-workplace/

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