We believe in a world where information provided to everyone should be accessible, reliable, and clear to enable consumers to easily make sustainable and healthy everyday life choices. As consumers, we are increasingly aware of the impact of plastic on the environment and want to reduce our use. However, the information provided to make more sustainable choices is not always clear or actionable, leading to confusion.
Now is a critical time in highlighting, addressing, and tackling plastic pollution as the global COVID-19 pandemic adds to the rise of single-use plastics including face masks, gloves, and food packaging.
Globally, more businesses are making commitments to reduce plastic production and prioritise recycling and reuse, but strong, independent consumer research and advocacy is needed to ensure words turn into action. Most importantly, 2021 is a key year in the effort to achieve an international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, and spark global conversations on what will need to be a decade of action on tackling the plastic pollution and its biodiversity and health impacts.
A global study in 2019 found that 82% of respondents are aware of plastic waste and are already taking practical actions to tackle plastic pollution. This demonstrates that consumers care and want change. Consumer advocacy plays an important role in this by raising awareness of the inadequacy of existing solutions for managing plastic waste. This is one way to influence governments to support the creation of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastics at the 5th UN Environment Assembly in February 2022.
