Plastic and other pollution along the Henops River.Photo credit: Delwyn Verasamy
An average of 85% of people surveyed in 32 countries, including South Africa, believe single-use plastics should be outlawed in the soon-to-be finalized global plastic pollution treaty.
These are the findings of a survey of more than 24,000 people conducted by market research firm Ipsos on behalf of WWF and the Plastic Free Foundation.
From April 23 to April 29, United Nations member states will meet in Ottawa, Canada, to hammer out the details of a new international agreement in the penultimate plastic pollution treaty negotiations. The goal is to conclude negotiations on the final text of the treaty by the end of this year.
According to WWF South Africa, local residents surveyed are in line with the global average when looking at the overall importance of the issue, and have very strong feelings when considering the implementation of specific bans. It is said that he was
“They are also significantly more likely than the global average to agree to introduce consequences and accountability for governments and plastic producers, ensuring all participating countries have the financial, technical and other resources to comply with the rules. were more likely to support making it accessible.”
The study found that one of the “big divides” among countries negotiating new treaties is that they are not simply national voluntary measures, but rather require global rules that are binding and apply to all parties to the treaty. He pointed out that the question is whether or not it should be included.
“Our latest research shows strong and consistent support for such a rule. ,” the report said.
The results revealed that nine out of 10 South African participants believe it is important that global rules require a reduction in global plastic production.
Similarly, more than nine out of 10 South African survey participants thought it was important for global rules to ban chemicals used in plastics that are harmful to human health, wildlife and the environment. However, more than 4 in 10 local survey participants believe this is important. necessary.
Nearly nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it is important that global rules ban unnecessary single-use plastic products, which are most likely to cause plastic pollution.
More than nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it is important that global rules require manufacturers and retailers to provide reuse and refill systems.
The study found that samples from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Uganda were “more urban, more educated, and/or or more highly educated.” Wealthier than the average person.” “The findings from these countries should be seen as reflecting the views of the more ‘connected’ segments of these populations. ”
WWF South Africa is calling for a global ban on single-use plastics, as more than 430 million tonnes of virgin plastic is produced each year, 60% of which is single-use, and only 9% of plastics recycled worldwide. “Considered unnecessary, avoidable and harmful, this is one of a series of emergency measures that the public wants included in the treaty.” Single-use plastics contribute to ocean plastic pollution accounting for over 70% of the total.
Other highly supported bans include banning harmful chemicals used in plastics (90% support) and plastic products that cannot be easily and safely recycled in the country of use (87%). . Furthermore, it said the results reveal a widespread understanding that bans alone are not enough to end the plastic pollution crisis.
Citizens around the world also strongly support redesigning plastic systems so that leftover plastic can be safely reused and recycled. “In particular, measures such as requiring manufacturers to invest in and provide reuse and refill systems have 87% support and ensure that everyone has access to the finance, technology and resources that enable a just transition. 72% support allowing the state to secure
These measures provide a “clear pathway” to reduce global plastic production, according to 87% of people surveyed worldwide in this study, and in a recent survey by Greenpeace International. 82% of people surveyed said they wanted to reduce global plastic production. Achieving the Pollution Convention.”
A Greenpeace survey also showed that 80% support protecting biodiversity and the climate by reducing plastic production. “Nine in 10 (90%) people support a transition from single-use plastic packaging to reusable and refillable packaging, and 75% support banning single-use plastics. Similarly, 80% of people are concerned about the impact of plastic on the health of their loved ones, and 84% of parents are concerned about the impact on the health of their children.”
Minister for Forests, Fisheries and Environment Barbara Creasy said last week that South Africa remains steadfast in its support of global efforts to eliminate plastic pollution.
“Plastic pollution affects terrestrial and aquatic environments, including the marine environment. South Africa boasts over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, and South Africa is actively committed to environmental sustainability. [Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution] It’s a process,” she said.
Mr Creasy said INC's South African members are working hard because they recognize the threat that plastic pollution poses to human health, ecosystem functioning and the marine environment.
“Given the versatility of plastic products, a lifecycle approach requires a multi-stakeholder focus, so governments need to develop an internationally binding instrument to curb plastic pollution. We take into account the views of stakeholders and affected parties in our negotiations.”
