We want a world which preserves our planet for the generations to come, and puts health and well-being at the heart of our society
How can we reduce plastic waste in the EU?
To reduce plastic waste in the EU, we must implement policies that promote a circular economy and incentivise sustainable alternatives. This includes adopting binding targets to reduce waste generation and encouraging recycling. Drastically cutting pollution, particularly from synthetic pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture, is essential to protect soil, water, and air quality.
Consistent implementation of existing legislation, such as water policies and pesticide regulations, is crucial. The EU should ban exports of plastic waste to non-EU countries unless their environmental standards match those of the EU, as supported by the European Parliament.
Ending the consumption of single-use plastics, as outlined in the Single Use Plastics Directive, is a necessary step towards reducing plastic pollution. However, broader changes in production, consumption, and waste management attitudes are needed to achieve a sustainable future and move away from a disposable culture.
Keywords: plastic, waste, recycling, pollution, single-use plastics