A coalition of environmental organizations has unveiled the Global Plastic Laws Database, timed to coincide with the upcoming United Nations Plastic Treaty negotiations in November. The Global Plastic Laws Database will serve as a comprehensive repository of plastic-related legislation from across the globe, facilitating in-depth analysis for researchers and offering invaluable insights for policymakers and organizations seeking to bolster their plastic-related laws. The database is thoughtfully structured into nine distinct categories, covering design and reuse, extended producer responsibility, maritime sources, microplastics, production and manufacturing, reduction, transparency and traceability, waste management, and waste trade.
At present, the Global Plastic Laws Database contains an up-to-date record of 1,194 plastic laws in roughly 115 countries. Users can efficiently search for laws through a range of filters, including the nine thematic areas, date of enactment, specific keywords (e.g., 'bags,' 'cigarette butts,' or 'PFAS'), country or continent via an interactive map, or product type.
This database initiative is a collaborative effort led by the Plastic Pollution Coalition, with active participation from Break Free From Plastic Europe, Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide, and Surfrider U.S. While the database is designed to provide valuable insights to global organizations, researchers, educators, and companies studying plastic legislation, its launch is deliberately timed to align with the ongoing UN negotiations aimed at shaping a comprehensive global plastics treaty. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for November in Nairobi, Kenya, with the ultimate objective of establishing a legally binding treaty encompassing 175 countries by the end of 2024.
The United Nations has been vocal about the pressing need for plastic legislation due to the staggering volume of plastics, approximately 11 million metric tons, entering the oceans annually, a number projected to triple by 2040, as reported by Pew Charitable Trusts. Moreover, as highlighted by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, over 800 marine and coastal species suffer adverse impacts from plastics.
Through the enactment of plastic policies and the transition to a circular economy, it is within our reach to significantly reduce plastic waste entering the oceans by 80% or more by 2040, simultaneously slashing global greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, and fostering economic growth while generating more employment opportunities, as emphasized by the United Nations.
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This database can serve as a valuable tool in promoting transparency, sharing best practices, and facilitating global efforts to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution.
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Interesting resource!
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We must work together and save our planet
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This is a monumental step forward in our collective effort to combat the plastic crisis.
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@gorffly_mokua i concur
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It's great to see environmental advocates taking action. With plastic pollution being a major issue worldwide, having easy access to information on regulations and policies can help individuals and organizations make informed decisions and take steps towards reducing plastic waste. This initiative is a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable future.
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It's each and everyone's responsibility ... We all have a role to play
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Indeed each of us has a role to play
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@Kevin I concur.some countries have already phased out use of plastic bags and we hope this stand holds.
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We must unite for this to work
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We have a role to play , it's our collective responsibility
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@john_linus_tom_775 I second that!
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@john_linus_tom_775 together we are the solution.
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Environmental Advocates are initiating what will make our environment a conducive place. Kudos to them
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@abraham_jok_atem we must support this
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We are ready to support this environmental organizations we voted on law to grab plastic usage
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@rotich_kim Let's together heal the broken planet
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.👋 l've got a 🌐 Date in November