Strategies focused on dealing with pollution and waste generation obtained greater support during the congresses held during 2021. For the first time in history, the issue of plastic waste and the effects caused by both its production and its disposal were turned around. By 2050 it is estimated that the emissions generated solely by the plastic industry will be equivalent to 15%. In addition to the affectation of species due to contamination associated with ingestion and entrapment. Sadly this is because every year around 11 million tons of plastic waste is recorded in the oceans; what is most alarming is that this amount is expected to triple within 20 years.
How much does the issue of plastic affect us?
The production and disposal of plastics affects us in what is known by experts as a "Triple Planetary Crisis", which encompasses the following aspects:
Contamination
Affectation of ecosystems
Climate change
The issue of plastic not only threatens health, it also threatens livelihoods; We had been dragging this for a long time; however, with the COVID-19 pandemic everything skyrocketed.The increase in plastic waste became imminent throughout the world, only in the place of its origin Wuhan, China, medical waste increased six times; while in Jordan they multiplied 10 times more. The foregoing has caused a fairly significant saturation, even to the point of collapse in the Waste Management Systems.
Fortunately, the panorama is changing; At this time we are no longer as we were when the pandemic began, we now know more about the behavior of COVID-19 and we have detected prevention measures and with this we have developed important strategies, which should lead us to a considerable reduction in waste.
What recommendations do the experts make us?
The key lies in the circular economy in order to achieve more sustainable waste management and reduce the excessive accumulation of waste.
Let us remember that the circular economy is based on extending the life cycle of products through reuse, repair, recycling and/or renovation.
How can I contribute?
Before buying a container, check what material it is made of. Buy products with less harmful and durable materials.
Raise awareness about the proper use, consumption and disposal of plastics by avoiding their purchase.
There are countries that already have restrictive measures regarding single-use containers; Know what measures are being carried out in your destination!
-April 22 Earth Day-