Plastic News: Locally and Globally
March has been a very productive month in terms of progressing toward a sustainable future. There have been steps taken both within California and internationally: both having to do with clearing away plastic pollution.
From February 28 to March 2, the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) took place in Nairobi (and online), addressing plastic pollution. Experts say the treaty will be the "most important environmental accord since the 2015 Paris Agreement." (Tabuchi). It uses a two-track approach: solutions and science to inform future action. Topics covered in their investigation include textiles, microplastics, single-use food ware and packaging, agriculture, and vehicle tires. In the objective of pathway interventions, areas include aerial transport, stormwater, and wastewater. Outreach and education are also main parts of this treaty's plan; discussions are being planned with California Native American Tribes, and plans are being made to implement educational programs on this topic in K-12 curricula. Below is "The philosophy and rationale behind each of these investment areas are described in greater detail," (Ocean Protection Council).
In California, specifically, the California Ocean Protection Council just recently approved the first comprehensive strategy in the country. The steps, according to the New York Times, include:
Reducing and eliminating single-use plastics, car tires, cigarette filters, and synthetic fabrics
Improve stormwater systems so that they will catch pollutants early on before contact with the ocean
Monitoring microplastic levels and harmful particulate matter in the air
Researching microplastic origins and risks
This legally binding treaty, modeled after the Paris climate accord, will hopefully be not just as historic, but as progressive.
Sources and Additional Information:
Statewide Microplastics Strategy
NYT: "The World Is Awash in Plastic. Nations Plan a Treaty to Fix That."
NYT: "In a First, California Plans to Clean Up Microplastics"
Thumbnail image by Tim Mossholder
In-article image from the Ocean Protection Council