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World Environment Day is celebrated this Monday (5), and each year, the day has a specific theme that serves as a central focus for activities and initiatives around the world. In 2023, the theme will focus on solutions for plastic pollution, and according to experts, they will start with consumer choices.

According to data from the United Nations (UN), more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced yearly by the world’s population, half of which is designed to be used only once and less than 10% recycled.

However, a report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) points out that plastic pollution can be reduced by 80% by 2040 if countries and companies make profound policy and market changes using existing technologies.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report, to reduce plastic pollution by 80% worldwide by 2040, eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastics is necessary to reduce the size of the problem. The document calls for three changes in the market:

Reuse

Promoting reuse options such as refillable bottles, bulk dispensers, escrow schemes, and take-back schemes could reduce plastic pollution by 30% by 2040. To realize its potential, governments must help create business models more solid for reusable ones.

Recycle

Reducing plastic pollution by 20% by 2040 could be possible if recycling becomes more stable and profitable. Removing fossil fuel subsidies, applying packaging design guidelines to improve recycling, and other measures can increase the share of economically recyclable plastics from 21% to 50%.

Reorient and diversify

According to UNEP, carefully replacing plastic packaging, sachets, and takeaway packaging with products made from alternative materials, such as paper or compostable materials, can provide an additional 17% reduction in plastic pollution.

Source: G1