Plastic Justice?

The scenario in 2015 marked a paradigm shift on the global stage as China denied its role of being the dumping ground of plastic waste in developed nations. In Nigeria, Africa declared plastic pollution a health hazard acknowledging the ill impacts of plastic on human welfare. The Dandora landfill in Kenya is a poignant testament whereby the waste pickers, at the bottom of the plastic supply chain, endured an indignified life, amongst mounting plastic pollution.

This pointed to a rapidly growing concern culminating in the initiation of talks in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) in 2022. Running from the Uruguay discussions, through the grand Paris talks and ending with the latest Nairobi summit, the negotiations symbolize a huge effort in place to deal with the world plastic crisis. They represent an important step towards a binding international agreement, indicative of the fact that plastic pollution must be addressed at its source by the world as a matter of urgency.

At INC-3, key takeaways echoed a clarion call for action. It emphasized reducing primary production and setting global targets while urging nations to establish their future determined targets to combat plastic pollution. But the reality of what we face is nuanced. These efforts are championed by some countries whereas others lean towards individually determined targets unveiling discrepancies in global consensus.

A gritty fact resides in the vital role of plastic producers. They are instrumental in curtailing the crisis, but there is palpable resistance from them. Economic interests and geopolitical controversies often supersede the urgency for change, making them not-so-willing to accept broad-spectrum reforms.

It is the full life cycle of plastic, from its design to production and disposal, that harbours the intrinsic injustices. This spurs morality regarding the inalienable human rights, necessitating a shift in the paradigm of our approach. It demands for individual reflection and collective action, urging us to set sail on the course for plastic justice.

Recent discussions, at COP28 and specifically at the sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee have underscored upon our plastic predicament. The figures are stunning - 430 million tonnes of produced plastic yearly, two-thirds of it joining a fate of fiercely disposing of it that will eventually lead to severe damage to our planet's ecosystem and the delicate balance of our food chain.

The problem of plastic pollution has become so pressing that it is no longer a subject for discussion — this is an urgent call for action. And not just on account of all the convenience which we require within our consumerist daily 'swipe and throw'; this is a serious injustice which affects the ecosystems, climate, economy, and human health equally. The toll, both environmental and economic, is staggering - between $300 to $600 billion each year, an unthinkable toll.

What we did witness in the INC-3 sessions was epic — finally had discussions been initiated on a bona fide text, for a binding international agreement. It's a ray of hope in an otherwise dreary narrative.

But this advancement is not without challenges. This shift from a throwaway economy to a reuse economy cannot be overemphasized. This awakening cries to think differently in terms of consumption compiles and enjoins the world in embracing sustainable production, circular plastic models, and scenarios with unambiguous plausible non-plastic choices.

But yet with this progress, the journey towards plastic justice looks hard. The unfairness in plastics production, consumption and disposal still yet presses on us. From the displacement of indigenous communities because of oil extraction to the hazardous conditions faced by waste-pickers to the dumping of plastic waste in less-regulated regions — it's an injustice chain stretching.

The aim remains crystal clear: a world that fosters a culture of responsible consumption, where each stakeholder assumes responsibility. The plea was louder, and more desperate at INC-3 - reduce plastic production, eliminate single-use plastics, and make non-plastic alternatives.

Plastic justice is not a buzzword but rather a moral term. It implies the recorrecting disparities embedded within the plastic ecosystem providing equity and securing this earth for posterity. The path ahead may be brutal, but it is not insurmountable. It takes collective efforts, a shifting mindset, and a commitment to creating a tomorrow where plastic justice is not simply an idea; it's a fact and reality for which we should all strive for. To this end, embracing the circular economy as opposed to the “produce-consume-litter” model will go a long way in fighting plastic injustice globally. Of greater concern now, is the population in developing countries whose contribution to plastic pollution through production is minimal yet they suffer more consequences compared to the developed countries who dump plastic on their landfills. Further, women and children are the vulnerable population affected most by the impacts of plastic pollution.

While countries in developing Asia and Africa suffer the most from the consequences of plastic pollution, they are taking initiative in being part of the solution. For instance, in 2019, the Chinese government erected infrastructure in policy to ban importing of waste into the country including plastic. There is now an “Action Plan on Circular Economy” which aims to reduce 55% of the plastic waste in the country by the year 2025.

Algramo is an innovative enterprise in India that’s been noted by the UN Environment Programme to spearhead upstream solutions for plastic pollution. Working towards solving the plastic crisis by not having to resort to single-use plastics, this organization has developed dispenser machines that allow consumers to buy products such as cleaning agents in large quantities and which can then be dispensed into their own previously purchased and reusable plastic containers. These measures allow customers to save costs due to the purchasing of products in large quantities while at the same time greatly reduces cases of plastic wastage.

Closer home, Gjenge Makers, has taken initiative in recycling plastic waste and utilizing it to make building materials in Kenya. This step has saved the environment 1.5tonnes of plastic that could have otherwise been in landfills. Notably, the sustainability-based organization has employed up to 120 women and youth in various capacities including garbage collectors.

It goes without saying, the plastic pollution crisis presents opportunities for us to participate in saving the planet. Whether as individuals or big organizations, taking initiative to recycle, reuse or up cycle is the only way to #beatplasticpollution.