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For plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More, we all know the reduce – reuse – recycle rule. It almost looks like all the responsibility for plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More pollution lies on consumers. But remember the lifecycle – plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More use is just one part of the story. The change must come also in the petrochemical industry and management facilities. These changes can be done only through global strategy and probably on the legislative regulation scale.
The most effective recommendation is simple: immediately reduce the production and use of plastic.1 The most effective solutions are those that impact the beginning of the plastic lifecycle.
PLASTICSMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More LIFECYCLE |
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| CRADLE | USE | END OF LIFE | |
| CONSUMERS | · Buying less and refusing single-use plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More makes pressure on manufacturers to produce more sustainableAn attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One famous definition of susta… More products. | · Plastic products should be reused several times. The useful life of the plastic item can be prolonged by offering it to the community – swap, donation. |
· Learn to recycle – every city has a local waste management strategy. Follow the zero waste rules. · Collect plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More from the environment. |
| ENTERPRISES |
· Plastic production should be reduced. · Recycled plastic should be preferred over virgin plastic. · Bio-based plastic is produced from renewable carbon. Waste is the preferred primary source. |
· Durable product design allows the consumer to use the product repeatedly. |
· New technologies can make plastic recycling more efficient. · Precise technology and logistics can reduce both managed and mismanaged technology waste. · Product design of easily recyclable goods facilitates waste management. · BiodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. or compostable products. |
| GOVERNMENTS | · A plastic tax could a) distract from low-value products (single-use plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More) b) distract consumers from buying and motivate them to reuse, c) make sustainableAn attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One famous definition of susta… More alternatives cost-effective, d) directly fund waste management. |
· EU Single-use plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More directive came into force and Intentionally added microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More restriction is being prepared. · UK, Canada and New Zealand have already banned primary microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More in rinse-off cosmetic products. |
· Recycling facilities should be supported over landfills and incinerators. Governments should protect the citizens from waste originated pollution and educate and motivate them towards sustainableAn attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One famous definition of susta… More waste management and a zero-wasteThe conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without b… approach. |
Water filtering to remove all microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More is a demanding and expensive process.2 Removing microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More from the seabed is impossible. However, the collection of macro-plastics from the environment reduces the main microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More source.3 The Ocean Cleanup projectThe Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization developing and scaling technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. uses long floats to trap plastic debris on the surface near the coast. However, they cannot address plastic pollution throughout the water mass.2
Penicillium simplissimum was reported for modest degradation of plastic. Nocardia destiroides degraded PEPolyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised from ethylene. Can be made from renewable resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol). [bM 05/10] More. Polyethylene terephthalate (PETPolyethylenterephthalate, transparent polyester used for bottles and film. The polyester is made from monoethylene glycol (MEG), that can be renewably… More) was degraded by a microbial consortium including a novel bacterium Idionella sakaiensis. A Pseudomonas strain isolated from soil of plastic dumping site was reported to grow on polyurethane oligomers and monomers. Three years ago, Galleria mellonella caterpillar was reported to degrade PEPolyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised from ethylene. Can be made from renewable resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol). [bM 05/10] More. However, a breakthrough that can lead to large scale degradation of plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More is still awaited.4
BioplasticsBioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics e.V.) is a term used to define two different kinds of plastics: • Plastics based on renewable resour… More are a wide group of materials that are either bio-based or biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.. In the best scenario bioplasticsBioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics e.V.) is a term used to define two different kinds of plastics: • Plastics based on renewable resour… More possess both the features. The lack of evidence on the sustainabilitySustainability as defined by European Bioplastics, has three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. This has been known as “the triple bott… More and biodegradability of these materials is a big issue. However, bioplasticsBioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics e.V.) is a term used to define two different kinds of plastics: • Plastics based on renewable resour… More can become a solution for indispensable single-use products for example in medicine or agriculture.
Activism itself is not a solution to the problems, but a valid way how to open the discussion and force society to seek the solutions to the most painful problems.
The zero-wasteThe conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without b… approach is still more and more fashionable. Thus, easier to follow – find the zero-wasteThe conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without b… community of your city! Seek for zero-wasteThe conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without b… shops, swaps, markets, etc.
Even though the policies for intentionally added microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More are being prepared, the microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More are still allowed in many daily used products in most countries. Check the microplastic content of cosmetic products here: beatthemicrobead.org
Companies very often state to contribute to target the SustainableAn attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One famous definition of susta… More Development Goals. All the biggest players have already set their action plans and commitments.
Companies can use third-party assessments to demonstrate they meet their objectives, usually through environmental labels like EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, Blue Angel, etc. (More on globalecolabelling.net)
The biggest impact on the reduction of plastic waste was given by the Chinese waste import ban in 2017. Europe halved its monthly plastic waste export. Yet, other countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam still accept plastic waste.5
The Single-Use PlasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More (SUP) Directive adopted in 2019 addresses marine litterFollowing the European Commission’s definition, “marine litter consists of items that have been deliberately discarded, unintentionally lost, or t… More coming from single-use plastic products, as well as plastic fishing gear and oxo-degradableMaterials and products that do not biodegrade! The underlying technology of oxo-degradability or oxo-fragmentation is based on special additives, whic… More plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More. It also stimulates sustainableAn attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One famous definition of susta… More alternatives that avoid the generation of marine litterFollowing the European Commission’s definition, “marine litter consists of items that have been deliberately discarded, unintentionally lost, or t… More. By July 2021 EU member states must implement the regulation into national legislation.
Restriction of intentionally added microplastic particles is being prepared by ECHA and should come into effect in 2022.
European Union allocates investments for research and development of properly recyclable and/or biodegradableBiodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008) aims to protect the European marine environment.
Circular Economy Action Plan, a strategy adopted in 2018 to protect the environment from plastic pollution whilst fostering growth and innovation. It aims to have all plastic packaging placed on the EU market reusable or recyclable by 2030.6
SustainableAn attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One famous definition of susta… More Development Goals
SDGs set in 2015 provide a comprehensive framework that can be easily adopted by both governments and enterprises. Reduction of (micro)plastic pollution contributes to fulfilling most of the SDGs. SDG 14.1 specifically aims to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine litterFollowing the European Commission’s definition, “marine litter consists of items that have been deliberately discarded, unintentionally lost, or t… More and nutrient pollution.
The Basel ConventionBasel Convention, is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent… on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (Basel ConventionBasel Convention, is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent…)
The signatories commit to reducing the movement of hazardous waste across borders. The agreement aims to prevent the transport of waste from developed to low-income countries. In 2019 (in effect from 2021), plastic waste was added to the list of hazardous waste.
The Stockholm ConventionStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed on 22 May 2001 in Stockholm and effective from … on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Stockholm ConventionStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed on 22 May 2001 in Stockholm and effective from …)
Originally, it limited 12 persistent organic pollutants, mainly pesticidesPesticides are products and agents designed to eliminate plant and animal pests, to protect plants, to protect supplies and products, to protect premi… More. Many other compounds have been added to the blacklist. In 2019 the Stockholm conventionStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed on 22 May 2001 in Stockholm and effective from … was transformed into European Regulation (EU 2019/1021).
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
According to UNCLOS from 1982, the signatory states shall adopt laws and regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from land-based sources.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
MARPOL is the principal convention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 1988 to address ship-based sources of pollution from international shipping.
IMO Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships
In 2018, IMO Member States agreed actions to be completed by 2025, which relate to all ships, including fishing vessels.
London Convention (1972) and London Protocol (1996)
The objective of the London Convention and Protocol is to promote the effective control of all sources of marine pollution. Contracting Parties shall take effective measures to prevent pollution of the marine environment caused by dumping at sea.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
CBD adopted in 2016 a resolution addressing impacts of marine debris and anthropogenic underwater noise on marine and coastal biodiversity
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
In recent years, the Convention has put more emphasis on marine litterFollowing the European Commission’s definition, “marine litter consists of items that have been deliberately discarded, unintentionally lost, or t… More. The Contracting Parties also adopted actions plans to address impacts from the marine litterFollowing the European Commission’s definition, “marine litter consists of items that have been deliberately discarded, unintentionally lost, or t… More for specific marine species, namely for the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Pacific and for whales and dolphins.
United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA)
UNFSA includes obligations for contracting states to minimize pollution, waste, discards, and catch by lost or abandoned gear.
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
UNEA is often referred to as the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It sets priorities for global environmental policies and develops international environmental law. However, it is important to highlight that the resolutions from UNEA are not legally binding and hence are considered soft instruments.
FAO – Marking of Fishing Gear
In July 2018, the Thirty-Third Session of FAO’s Committee on Fisheries endorsed FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines for the Marking of Fishing Gear.6
Furthermore, there are national regulation and legislation on microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More, plastic litteringIt is the (illegal) act of leaving waste such as cigarette butts, paper, tins, bottles, cups, plates, cutlery or bags lying in an open or public place… More, etc., which are not discussed here.
1 Kistler, A. and C. Muffett, 2019. Plastic & Climate, The Hidden Costs of a Plastic Planet. www.ciel.org/plasticandclimate
2 Patil, S., A. Bafana, P. K. Naoghare, et al. Environmental prevalence, fate, impacts, and mitigation of microplastics—a critical review on present understanding and future research scope. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021, 28(5): 4951-4974. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-11700-4.
3 Schmid, C., L. Cozzarini and E. Zambello. Microplastic’s story. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2020: 111820. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111820.
4 Mehnaz, S. and A. Javaid. Microbes and plastic waste management. Environmental SustainabilitySustainability as defined by European Bioplastics, has three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. This has been known as “the triple bott… More. 2020, 3(4): 337-339. doi: 10.1007/s42398-020-00149-3.
5 Filiciotto, L. and G. Rothenberg. Biodegradable PlasticsBiodegradable plastics are plastics that are completely assimilated by the microorganisms present a defined environment as food for their energy. The … More: Standards, Policies, and Impacts. ChemSusChem. 2020, n/a(n/a). doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202002044.
6 Vuola, A., 2019. Review of existing policies and research related to microplasticsMicroplastics is a general term for plastic fragments of various origins up to 5mm in size. Their existence is mainly associated with their presence i… More. https://projects.interreg-baltic.eu/projects/fanplesstic-sea-192.html
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