News and Insights
Even Small Societal Changes Can Help Reduce Plastic Pollution
November 14, 2024
Though much of the headlines on global climate issues are focusing on COP29, we shouldn’t lose sight of the critical importance of a gathering happening immediately afterward: the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5), tasked with developing an international, legally binding agreement to address plastic pollution. While these meetings may be at high levels, we all can contribute to reaching these goals.
During recent travel to several countries in Europe, I came across a perfect example involving a seemingly ordinary water bottle. To my surprise, I noticed that many caps on plastic drink bottles were now attached to the bottles themselves.
At first glance, this may seem like a minor change, but it’s part of a broader movement toward sustainability. These new bottle caps sparked quite a debate on platforms like TikTok (in fact you may have stumbled across “Euro Summer Tok”). Many users found them irritating and inconvenient. However, I see it differently and support these caps. This change is driven by stricter environmental regulations aimed at reducing the plastic waste generated by single use plastics. By keeping the cap attached, the chances of it being discarded improperly are significantly reduced, contributing to less environmental pollution.
Back in April, I had the privilege of supporting our client, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Plastics team, in the lead-up to INC-4, the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. WWF partnered with the host country, Canada, on two days of events that set the stage for the negotiations. While in Ottawa, I was surrounded by discussions centered on the devastating impact of plastics, including single-use ones. This experience served as a powerful reminder of how our everyday choices, like using a reusable water bottle or embracing new regulations, can contribute to a larger global effort.
As we look ahead to INC-5 in Busan, Korea, I am filled with optimism. The momentum is building, and there is a collective drive to create a treaty that will significantly minimize plastic pollution. My experience during my travels – such as embracing small changes like attached bottle caps – underscores the importance of our work and the real impact it can have on our planet.
Let’s continue to push for change, both in our professional roles and in our personal lives, as we work towards a world with less plastic pollution.
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