As the world celebrates World Environment Day with the theme “Putting An End To Plastic Pollution”, the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has called on governments at all levels to focus on laws and policies that control plastic production, as a way of curbing its danger to environmental and human health.
According to Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, the uncontrolled production of single-use plastics and the uncontrolled release of plastic debris onto the land and marine ecosystems are facilitata widespread plastic pollution.
Williams stated that single-use plastics are particularly dangerous to the environment due to their massive number in the ecosystem, which has found its way into rivers, waterways, rivulets, and drainages, destroying natural habitats and causing flooding across the country.
Williams highlighted the devastating impact of plastic pollution on the environment and human health.
“Scientifically, it takes at least 400 years for a single-use plastic to decompose. It can only break down into microplastics, polluting water and food sources,” he said.
“Plastic waste contaminates soil and water sources, posing a threat to food production and human health. In rural areas, plastic pollution disrupts farming activities, as plastic waste impedes farming and contaminates farmlands. Furthermore, plastic waste in water bodies threatens aquatic lives, as marine animals ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury and death.”
He called for laws and policies that hold producers accountable for every plastic waste they produce.
“Due to the wide use of plastic in society, an outright ban on plastic may not be achievable immediately,” he said. “However, the government can place restrictions on plastic production rates and also hold companies who use plastics as their source of packaging responsible for the plastic waste they produce. Beverage companies and other producing brands can adopt a plastic recall system or engage waste pickers to collect their plastic waste from the environment.”
Williams also called on the government to promote effective waste management systems, encourage zero-waste policies, and invest in recycling and repurposing plants that convert waste to other reusable materials. He charged civil society organizations (CSOs) and environmental groups to engage in more awareness campaigns on environmental protection and healthy waste management practices while encouraging the adoption of nature-based solutions.
EDEN’s call to action is a step towards a sustainable future, where plastic pollution is minimized, and the environment is protected for future generations.
As the world celebrates World Environment Day, it is essential for governments, industries, and individuals to work together to address the plastic pollution crisis and promote a healthier environment for all.
