Imagine a world drowning in plastic pollution while some still cling to the convenience of single-use items. The plastic crisis is not just a local or national issue; it is a global catastrophe impacting our land, water, air, and health.

*By 2050, plastic is projected to outweigh fish in the sea!*

Reports indicate that we produce around 52 million tonnes of plastic pollution annually, excluding the amounts that are recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators. This figure is expected to triple by 2050, potentially outweighing all the fish in the ocean.

A staggering 40% of all plastic manufactured is designed for single-use, contributing to a vicious cycle of waste and pollution. Items such as plastic straws, cutlery, and bags frequently escape the recycling loop, winding up in nature and eventually entering our bodies. Microplastics have infiltrated human tissues, including breast milk, and can be found from the deepest ocean trenches to high mountain peaks, marking an alarming trend of plastic permeating our biosphere.

Plastic is not just a material issue; it is intricately linked to fossil fuel consumption. As a by-product of fossil fuels, researchers anticipate that by 2050, the plastics industry will account for 20% of total oil production and consume 15% of the world’s annual carbon budget. Our reliance on plastics exacerbates climate change, making the transition away from both plastics and fossil fuels critical.

Recently, international discussions aimed at establishing a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution hit a roadblock. Despite two years of negotiations, talks in Busan, South Korea revealed the blatant barriers imposed by fossil fuel lobbyists, overpowering the voices of scientific delegations and governments. The influence of oil-producing nations obstructed efforts to incorporate necessary references to human rights and to decrease plastic production. This situation underscores the urgent need for robust green lobbies that can counterbalance the considerable power of fossil fuel advocates.

*Fossil fuel lobbyists are halting efforts to curb down the pollution crisis*

Failing to address plastic pollution not only jeopardizes our health and ecosystems but also reveals a paradox where the fossil fuel industry continues to reap profits at the expense of our planet. Legal actions, such as California’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil for its misleading claims about plastic recycling, reflect a growing awareness of the industry's detrimental role in perpetuating the plastic crisis.

*Plastic never biodegrades, it breaks down into microplastics that permeate everything*

To resolve the plastic pollution issue, we must consider a multifaceted approach:

Reduce Production and Consumption: We need to significantly cut down on unnecessary plastic items, especially single-use plastics, through regulations and community initiatives.
Innovate Alternatives: Promote the development of alternative materials that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, steering clear of problematic plastics.
Implement Circular Economy Principles: Encourage practices that keep plastics in use and out of landfills—recycling, reusing, and composting—while also designing products for longevity.
Promote Environmental Lobbying and Advocacy: Strengthen movements that push for substantial changes in legislation and policy to address both plastic pollution and fossil fuel reliance. A unified front can challenge the power of the fossil fuel lobby.
Raise Public Awareness: Educate consumers about the advantages of reducing plastic in their lives, highlighting that the average person consumes a plastic equivalent of a credit card each year.

The need for immediate action against plastic pollution is undeniable. We possess the know-how to transition away from fossil fuels, and addressing plastic usage is a crucial step in that journey. However, meaningful change must start at the decision-making level, where policies can be implemented to ensure our planet’s health for future generations. Together, we can advocate for a sustainable, plastic-free future.

Understanding the Plastics Treaty

The Plastics Treaty, formally known as The United Nations (UN) “Global Plastics Treaty” is a legally binding international agreement that aims to address the global plastic pollution crisis.

The treaty could be a major turning point in the fight against plastic pollution. It represents a significant step towards global environmental governance, aiming to mitigate the harmful effects of plastic waste on ecosystems and public health. Implementing its provisions will require collective action, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainable practices.