Plastic Waste

 

What is a circular economy for plastics?

Plastic pollution is entering our oceans at an alarming rate, damaging our marine environment and endangering local livelihoods. Globally, we are on track to add 53 million tons of plastic into the ocean every year by 2030 – about one cargo ships’ worth of plastics entering aquatic ecosystems every day (Borrelle et al.).

A circular economy is the only solution that can match the scale of the plastic pollution problem (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design; an economy that produces zero waste and instead reuses or recycles its byproducts. In the case of plastic, this means that plastic never becomes waste or pollution. This approach is not only vital to stop plastic pollution, but it also benefits society, the environment and the economy.

Our programs on plastic waste

News and Blogs

Co-creating a resilient future 2020-2021

Co-creating a resilient future 2020-2021

The Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) has released its 2020-2021 report, titled ‘Co-creating a resilient future’. This report charts the Network’s journey over the past two years, and its ...
Serie de Conversatorios #1 – La economía circular y el impacto de la contaminación urbana

Serie de Conversatorios #1 – La economía circular y el impacto de la contaminación urbana

La gestión de la basura en América Latina y el Caribe es uno de los mayores retos para la sostenibilidad de la región. Mientras la generación de residuos sigue creciendo a causa del desarrollo y ...
Moving From Strategy to Action – Urban Ocean Cities Project Statements

Moving From Strategy to Action – Urban Ocean Cities Project Statements

Cities worldwide are rapidly urbanizing, shedding light on the interrelated challenges of environmental, social and economic inequalities. Most of the plastic in our oceans come from rapidly ...

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