Plastic pollution has significant implications for health and chokes living systems - Photo:canva.com
Plastic Free July is a global initiative towards achieving the vision of a world free of plastic waste pollution
Plastic Free July is an opportunity to raise awareness about the harms of plastic pollution and to push for solutions. Plastics are used in a huge range of positive applications since commercial production began in the 1950s. However, the scale of plastic consumption and pollution has grown rampantly and is on a worsening trajectory. Currently over two-thirds of the plastics produced in the world are for short-term use and soon become waste. It is predicted by 2040 without effective controls, plastic waste is expected to double on land and triple in the world’s oceans. Plastic pollution has significant implications for health and chokes living systems. Tiny microplastics have even been found by scientists in deep oceans, glaciers and human breastmilk. (Turning off the Tap How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy, 2023).
Plastics and plastic pollution are part of a global system and international efforts have ramped up to develop consistent rules and move towards a circular economy for plastic. In March 2022, at the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly, member countries committed to ending plastic pollution. Steps towards a legally binding treaty by 2024 are underway. Various jurisdictions have introduced laws on single-use plastic products and recycling. Australia is taking part in these processes.
Communities around the world want to see a clean and healthy environment and support measures to address the massive problem. Whilst legislative and market interventions are needed to sustainably manage plastics, anyone can get involved by choosing one or more items to avoid and checking local council guides to recycle right. Another way to avoid unnecessary plastic waste is to research reliable information to avoid false packaging claims about ‘green’ products.
During his message ahead of the World Day of Prayer for Creation given on 13th May, Pope Francis said, “Let us be as mindful as we can about our habits and economic decisions so that all can thrive – our fellow men and women wherever they may be, and future generations as well.”
Catholic Earthcare Australia has produced ideas to help people make choices to reduce the use of plastic in their lives.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
Related links
- Resources - Catholic Earthcare Australia plastic free july
