Plastic pollution is out of control. Fueled by unsustainable production and consumption, the rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution have created a serious environmental problem on a global scale, putting the world’s health and economic and social well-being at risk.
The #BeatPlasticPollution calls for a stronger, more agile, innovative, and forward-looking presence to engage governments, industry, and individuals in making deliberate changes and choices across the plastic value chain to eliminate the use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic products.To address this systemic challenge, the following actions need to be ambitiously applied and integrated:Reduce the size of the plastics problem by eliminating problematic or unnecessary plastics, including hazardous chemicals.Design for circularity by ensuring all plastics are reusable, recyclable, or compostableClose the loop by collecting and recycling plastics.Improve waste collection across the globe and responsibly dispose of plastics that cannot be recycled
A system change is necessary to address the full life cycle of plastics. From extracting raw materials to designing new sustainable alternatives, to improving collection and waste management infrastructure, innovative thinking is essential in eliminating unnecessary, avoidable or problematic products.
#BeatPollution is a UNEP campaign to stop the pervasive impact of pollution on people and the planet's health. The campaign drives rapid, large-scale and coordinated action for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future. Campaign activities show the impact of pollution on climate, nature and biodiversity, and health, and offer a platform to inspire thriving circular economies and enable the transition to a pollution-free planet.
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