UN Report: 50 Countries Actively Reducing Plastic Use

According to a United Nations report, about 50 nations are actively pursuing measures to reduce plastic pollution as over 100 countries mark World Environment Day, which was established in 1974, on June 5. 

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Many developing countries are facing major pollution issues especially from plastic bags blocking drains and causing floods or being consumed by cattle. The report specifically detailed that plastic bags are being smuggled into Cameroon – where there is a ban – despite incentivized methods, such as households being paid by the kilo for collected plastic waste.

"The assessment shows that action can be painless and profitable – with huge gains for people and the planet that help avert the costly downstream costs of pollution. Plastic isn’t the problem. It’s what we do with it,” Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, said.

The theme for the World Environment Day 2018 is "Beat Plastic Pollution."

The report suggested various biodegradable substitutes for plastic. Some of the environmentally friendly materials include Abaca hemp, Zein, seagrass, foam made with fungus a plastic alternative made from pineapple leaves and a casein textile fiber made from waste milk.

On a more positive note, the Galapagos and Sri Lanka are moving to ban single-use plastics and styrofoam, respectively. Meanwhile, China is aggressively promoting the use of biodegradable bags.

The agency's study concluded that more still needs to be done to lower the volume of plastic in rivers and oceans.