News | Trash Hero World

5 reasons plastic recycling is broken

by Lydia on 19/03/2024 2 comments

For decades, the iconic recycling arrows on plastic lulled us into a false sense of security. We imagine a closed-loop system – plastic diligently sorted and reborn into new products. However, the reality of plastic recycling is far more complex, and the system itself is inefficient. Let’s find out why.

Most plastic cannot be recycled – the arrows mean nothing.

Pick up any plastic packaging and it likely has some version of the recycling arrows on it. Understandably, most people think this means it can and will be recycled. But this is far from being the case. If there are numbers inside the arrows, it just shows the type of plastic used in the product. There are six main categories:

PET (#1)

HDPE (#2)

PVC (#3)

LDPE (#4)

PP (#5)

PS (#6)

Then there’s the catch-all #7 – “other” – for the thousands of plastic varieties that don’t fit the first six. The truth is only #1 PET and #2 HDPE plastics can be effectively recycled. So, the presence of arrows around the number is often misleading – as confirmed by the US Environment Protection Agency – and has led to a widespread and false belief that all plastics can somehow be recycled.

Plastic can’t be recycled infinitely.

Another truth is that plastic was never designed to be recycled – its properties mean it always degrades after being shredded and melted down. While some materials, like glass and aluminium, can be recycled endlessly, plastic gets weaker each time it is reprocessed. This means most plastic is downcycled or used for a different purpose than the original one it was made for. For example, PET bottles often end up in clothing or carpets. These products cannot be recycled further and so will end up in landfills or incinerated at the end of their life, so they can’t be considered recycling in the traditional sense.

Around 2% of plastic can be recycled effectively, i.e. from a PET bottle to another PET bottle, but this usually requires the injection of some new virgin plastic to make it usable. Even in these cases, only one or a maximum of two extra “loops” can be added before it too becomes unusable and discarded.

It’s difficult and expensive

The sheer variety of plastics now on the market, often with multiple layers of different materials, coatings and dyes, means sorting is a challenging, sometimes impossible task – both for the consumer and at the depot, where they are usually received mixed together. The presence of food and other contaminants adds another layer of difficulty. Many separated batches sent for processing must be thrown away entirely after finding contaminants or the wrong types of plastic mixed in.

The entire operation is so expensive and time-consuming that producing virgin plastic is still cheaper than recycling existing material. This leaves little incentive for companies to use it.

Plastic recycling is not safe.

More than 16,000 chemicals have been identified in plastic. Only 6,000 of these have been evaluated, and 4,000 are considered potentially hazardous. Very little is known about their effects, especially when they get mixed together during recycling, creating new compounds.

Scientists are also concerned about cross-contamination. Dangerous chemicals such as flame retardants, found in e-waste, have been discovered in recycled plastic cooking utensils. These are a direct threat to our health as they come into contact with food but were never approved for this purpose.

The recycling process itself raises health concerns for workers. Grinding, shredding, and heating plastics release these harmful chemicals into the air, exposing workers through inhalation and skin contact. In many countries, there is a lack of regulation to protect these workers or provide proper healthcare to address the potential health impacts.

The process also creates microplastics, further polluting the environment for all, particularly “fenceline communities” residing near the recycling facilities.

There’s too much plastic.

The core issue of plastic pollution remains – we’re producing it at an alarming rate, far exceeding our recycling capacity. This excess creates a new challenge: the global waste trade.

Wealthy nations in the Global North, unwilling to bear the inconvenience and expense of managing their waste, are systematically shipping it to developing countries in the Global South. This waste trade is well-documented and often involves third party importers who promise to recycle it but simply dump or openly burn what is received, often near people’s homes. It can also involve mislabeled containers that say “recyclables” but in fact contain contaminated, hazardous or mixed waste. Receiving countries do not have the capacity to check everything coming in, nor the infrastructure to handle it once it is there.

Should I stop recycling?

It is important to note that we are only talking about recycling plastics here: if it can’t be reused, recycling glass, paper, metal and food (compost) is effective and essential.

And recycling plastic shouldn’t be abandoned entirely. Any #1 and #2 plastics we can’t avoid should still be cleaned and put in the recycling bin.

Here are some steps we can take to tackle plastic pollution effectively:

Reduce: The golden rule of zero waste – create less! Minimise single-use plastics and ensure products are made with minimal, reusable packaging.
Redesign: Manufacturers need to design products with reuse and eventual recyclability in mind. Crucial steps include using standardised, simple plastics with safe and transparent ingredients and packaging that is easy to identify and separate.
Responsibility: Build reduce and redesign into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies to hold manufacturers accountable for the impacts and external costs of the waste they produce.

To learn more about how to reduce plastic pollution effectively, why not head to our learning archive?

29 February: the month’s most important stories

by Lydia on 29/02/2024 No comments

Our roundup of the month’s most important stories

Plastic producers lied about effectiveness of recycling

A report from the Centre of Climate Integrity has revealed that despite knowing, from as early as the 1980s, that recycling was not a good solution, plastic companies promoted it anyway. The evidence in the report has led experts to suggest that legal action could be taken against the industry.

Coca-Cola, Nestle and Unilever named top corporate polluters

Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) has released it’s annual Brand Audit report detailing the top corporate polluters for the last six years. Once again, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Unilever were named in the top 5. Greenpeace protested at Unilever’s London headquarters to mark the company issuing its results at the same time as the BFFP report.

Microplastics found in every human placenta tested

A shocking report revealed that scientists found microplastics in every human placenta tested, raising serious concerns about health risks for babies and mothers. Researchers found many plastic types, with polyethylene (used in bags and bottles) being the most common.

One in 10 premature births linked to chemicals in plastics

Research has found that one in 10 premature births in the US may be linked to chemicals in plastics. These chemicals, called phthalates, are found in many everyday products and can disrupt hormones, potentially leading to early deliveries. Researchers estimate this could cost billions in healthcare and pose a significant health risk to babies.

Are trendy reusables creating an overconsumption problem?

Stainless steel water bottles are all the rage, but are people buying too many? This thought-provoking article explores the debate on whether reusable bottles have become a status symbol, encouraging unnecessary consumption. Any step towards ditching single-use plastic is positive, but when it is a step too far?

What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!

How does plastic pollution affect our human rights?

by Lydia on 28/02/2024 No comments

From the deepest oceans to the highest peaks, plastic has infiltrated every corner of the planet. This isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s a human rights crisis. Let’s explore how and why.

Right to health

Plastic is a product of fossil fuels and chemicals. Toxins are released throughout its entire lifecycle, from the extraction of the raw materials, the microplastics shed during use, to disposal and beyond, through recycling and incineration. Fenceline communities, the populations who live nearby petrochemical and incineration facilities, are particularly affected. An 85-mile strip in Louisiana, USA is known as “cancer alley”, due to the elevated risk of contracting the disease – more than 80 times the national level. Residents are also more likely to develop respiratory problems, skin irritations and headaches. The same picture appears in many other locations in America and the Global South.

Almost every human likely has plastic in their body. We are eating it, and we are breathing it in. It has been found in our lungs, heart and blood. Over 16,000 chemicals have been identified in plastic, which give it qualities such as flexibility, colour, and heat resistance. Of these chemicals, only 6,000 have been evaluated, and over 4,000 of these are potentially hazardous, with links to cancer, congenital disabilities, fertility complications and other serious health issues.

The proliferation of plastic and microplastic directly contravenes our right to the “highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”.

Right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment

The plastic pollution crisis is well documented, along with its impacts on natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Yet the UN General Assembly recently acknowledged the “right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment” as a fundamental human right.

Since 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels, it also accelerates the climate crisis from production to disposal. The plastics industry is responsible for up to 8% of global emissions, which is higher than the entire aviation industry (responsible for 2.5% of CO2 emissions). As well as contributing to climate change, it blocks natural systems that mitigate it. The high levels of microplastics in the ocean are preventing the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing the efficacy of the planet’s biggest carbon sink. This is a concern not only for us but for generations to come.

On land, plastic waste clogs drainage systems, exacerbating the risk of flooding – a serious problem in the face of the extreme weather caused by the climate crisis. This is a physical danger that further undermines the right to a safe environment.

Right to a decent standard of living

Everyone has the right to a “standard of living adequate for health and well-being”. This right is notably jeopardised in communities dependent on tourism or fishing. Plastic pollution in the ocean is causing fish stock to dwindle and damaging delicate underwater ecosystems. This impacts people’s ability to earn a living and feed their families. Tourism, another important source of income for many coastal communities, is also in decline as pristine beaches and colourful coral reefs are covered with plastic debris. This drives away potential visitors and puts local economies at risk.

Right to information

The right to “participate in and access information relating to decision-making processing that affects [our] lives and well-being” is also being compromised by the plastics industry.

Manufacturers are currently not obliged to disclose the chemicals – intentionally or non-intentionally added – in their plastic products, which can make up over half of the final material. There is no publicly available database of such chemicals and no easy means for independent scientists to test them. This lack of transparency has implications for human health and also for recycling, which can further mix and concentrate the additives into a “toxic cocktail” in the new products.

A recent report from the Centre for Climate Integrity (CICC) also revealed a history of the plastics industry misleading the public. The report shows that, despite being advised that recycling was not a viable solution from as early as the 1980s, the industry created advertising campaigns that promoted it as the best way to deal with plastic waste. Even now, “solutions” like waste-to-energy and waste-to-fuel continue to be promoted, despite documented evidence of its harmful effects on human health, the climate and the environment.

Whose rights are impacted the most?

Plastic disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable. Frontline communities exposed to the pollution from refineries, petrochemicals plants and waste treatment facilities are often low-income, marginalised populations.

Women are more susceptible to plastic’s health risks due to biology and traditional gender roles. They have a higher risk of exposure to endocrine disruptors in cosmetics, menstrual and cleaning products that threaten their reproductive health. They are also more likely to work in informal sectors such as waste picking, which increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer, among other health issues. Meanwhile their children are at greater risk of developmental issues and compromised lungs from polluted air.

Many of these communities lack a voice in decision-making. Their right to information about plastic’s dangers and involvement in shaping plastic policies has often been denied.

What can we do about it?

Support a strong Global Plastics Treaty
- Advocate for a solid and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics and explicitly incorporates human rights principles in its framework.
Stay informed and share your knowledge with others
- Were you aware of the link between plastic pollution and human rights? Whether it was a surprise or not, please share this blog so more people understand the complexity of the issues.

By acknowledging the human rights dimensions of plastic pollution and taking collective action, we can protect our right to a healthy planet for us and for future generations. Remember, it’s not just about saving the environment, it’s about protecting our right to exist and thrive.

From a weekly cleanup to a global movement: the story of Trash Hero

by Lydia on 13/02/2024 No comments

It all began with a simple idea. In December 2013, a group of friends gathered on a beach in Thailand, with the goal of cleaning up the trash that was washing up on the shore from all corners of the globe. It was the start of something extraordinary: a journey of ten remarkable years that transformed a local initiative into a global force for good.

From the start, cleanups are open to everyone and involve the whole community in the fun and appreciation.
We count the participants and the collected trash so we can monitor and celebrate our impact.
The weekly event means more and more people join and the word starts to spread.

The momentum leads to a 4-month “Trash Camp” on Koh Rawi, an uninhabited island in the National Park, where volunteers stay in shifts to remove mountains of plastic debris, much of it from the 2004 tsunami.
Trash Hero volunteers clean up on their travels to Indonesia, sparking local interest.
It’s soon clear that cleanups alone are not enough. We start encouraging people to reduce their waste and change their habits.
We start the water bottle refill programme to prevent plastic waste at the source.

The Trash Hero model gains popularity and the first local groups – chapters – open. First, elsewhere in Thailand, then in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Over 80,000 flip-flops collected from the Trash Camp inspire the Tlejourn project, which gives them a new life.
We receive the Thailand Green Excellence award for the second year in a row, with recognition from the Thai Princess.

The movement grows, with new chapters opening in the the Czech Republic, Myanmar, New York and Shanghai.
We pass 1,000 cleanups worldwide.
Trash Hero World is registered in Switzerland to help coordinate the rapidly expanding global movement.
Volunteers in Switzerland work with offices and festivals to reduce their plastic footprint.
The first Family Meeting is hosted in Indonesia to support volunteers. It is now a regular event in all major countries of operation.
Trash Hero joins the new Break Free From Plastic movement as a founding member.

Trash Hero Myanmar is invited to speak at TEDx Yangon.
Chapters open in Malawi and Singapore, bringing the total to 54 globally.
Trash Hero Thailand is offered a significant grant from a multinational polluter, but we vote to turn it down. Although we need funds, we won’t take part in greenwashing. The discussion sparked goes on to define our ethical fundraising policy.

We reach more than 100 chapters, welcoming groups in Laos, Cambodia, Romania, Serbia, Germany and Zimbabwe.
After years of being 100% volunteer-run, we are able to hire our first employee to provide vital programme and volunteer support.
We start a dedicated kids programme to create a new generation of Trash Heroes.
We collaborate with Schnarwiler to launch a new refill project in Switzerland, providing an alternative to single-use toiletries.

New chapters start in Australia, Serbia, Georgia, Poland and The Netherlands.
Brand audits become part of our cleanups, contributing data to Break Free From Plastic. Their reports are used to put pressure on corporate polluters and in court cases against them.
By the end of the year we pass 1,500,000 kg of trash collected.

Over 100,000 reusable bottles have by now been distributed through our refill network, avoiding the use of 36.9 million plastic bottles and 1,942 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The network grows to Kuwait, Vietnam and Japan.
In March, the pandemic hits, stopping all group activities. Some chapters innovate with solo and remote cleanups.
We move Family Meetings online and create workshops offering “Zero Waste Communities” training.
This kick starts the Trash Hero Communities programme that helps to create long-term change at the local level.

As restrictions ease, some chapters resume group cleanups.
Our volunteers stay strong: since 2013, they’ve contributed more than 1 million hours of their time to our mission.
Our kids’ book is translated into its eighth language: Arabic, joining English, Thai, Indonesian, Burmese, Malay, Czech and German.
We help spread “The Story of Plastic” to millions of new viewers, with dubbed versions in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese.

Though many chapters closed during the pandemic, new volunteers continue to join.
More than 120,000 kids have now taken part in our cleanups.
In February, a Global Plastics Treaty is announced. Shortly after, Trash Hero is accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme, meaning we can join the negotiations as an official observer. This is a proud moment for our volunteers.

Media coverage continues, while Coldplay recognises our volunteers in Jakarta.
We attend two sessions of the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris and Nairobi, bringing our volunteers’ experience on the ground to member states.
We pass 20,000 cleanups and half a million volunteers!

The Trash Hero Commuities programme grew, with 173 events engaging 13,537 people on plastic pollution solutions in one year.
Trash Hero Indonesia collaborated with Break Free From Plastic on their inaugural sachet report.
We released our “Educate Yourself: Zero Waste“ series, aimed at engaging young people in the solutions to plastic pollution.

The journey continues…

Thank you to all our volunteers and everyone who has joined and supported us over the years! It’s been an incredible ride. The impact numbers for 2013 – 2024 speak for themselves:

Watch the first ten years of our journey in this video:

What’s the difference between refill and reuse?

by Lydia on 29/01/2024 No comments

We hear the words refill and reuse a lot and often use them interchangeably. But did you know that they are not the same thing? In this blog, we’ll show you what the differences are – and why they are important as we move towards a zero waste world.

Imagine this: you’ve drained the last drop of your washing-up liquid. So you rinse out the bottle, cleaning all the gunk that’s built up around the lid. Later, you pack the bottle in your bag, trek to a refill shop (that’s not near your usual supermarket), fill it up, get it weighed, and take it home.

This system – familiar to thousands of dedicated zero wasters around the world – is a great way to reduce packaging waste, but it puts the responsibility for doing it squarely on our shoulders.

Refill systems are based on the customer providing their own packaging. They are easy to set up and don’t need a lot of investment but they rely on individuals being motivated, organised and often wealthy enough to get their products in this way.

In some contexts, for example in rural villages or in a network of public water fountains, refill works really well. In others, there are significant downsides:

Impracticality: to do a full weekly grocery shop, as is common in the Global North, planning ahead to take your own containers for everything would be challenging. Even on a day-to-day basis, remembering to carry reusable bottles, cups, cutlery and bags takes effort. It’s easy to see that most people with busy lives would not be able to do it.
Legal concerns: issues surrounding hygiene and food safety can make supermarkets, restaurants and other companies wary of “bring your own container” schemes, as they would be liable for any problems with the products purchased, even if not at fault.

So what about reuse?

Picture this: you finish that same washing-up liquid and toss the bottle in a bag of empties. On your next supermarket run, you simply drop them off and buy a new, pre-filled bottle from the shelf!

With a reuse system, the packaging is owned by the producer or a third party who has responsibility for collecting, cleaning and refilling it for the next round. It’s highly scalable and addresses all the issues raised with refill:

It’s easy and convenient: no extra trips, no meticulous weighing, just buy what you want and drop off or hand over the empties later. Companies create the whole infrastructure, making it easier for everyone to participate.
It gives companies control: as the reusable packaging can be produced in specific sizes and cleaned to specific standards, it removes the legal issues that come with refill.
It boosts the economy: collecting, sorting and cleaning reusable containers will create new jobs for people in the waste management sector and ensure a just transition.

So why is this difference between reuse and refill important to keep in mind?

As supermarkets start to take steps to address plastic pollution, they often do pilot schemes to reduce single-use packaging, which are refill-based – as these cost less money to implement. And often, these schemes fail – due to the reasons we explored above (lack of individual motivation, planning fatigue etc.).

These supermarkets then use these failures to say “refill and reuse doesn’t work” and go back to business as usual. They say “customers don’t want it”. And it’s true: when the weight of responsibility lands on people who are already juggling a million things (and probably running on empty coffee cups), it’s no surprise refill systems are not popular.

But to dismiss reuse systems at the same time is at best a failure of imagination – or at worst, cynical greenwashing.

A safe, well-designed reuse system can fit seamlessly into our lives and be implemented on a much larger scale than refill. But it requires investment and infrastructure. Companies should not use the limitations of one system to justify avoiding the transformative potential of the other.

If you are aware of the difference, you can use it to spot these kinds of tactics and also to help people around you to see that zero waste does not need to be hard, if companies are prepared to support our actions.

Share your thoughts! Is this article useful for you? Have you seen any examples of refill or reuse systems in your area? Why do you think they work (or don’t work)?

25 January: the month’s most important stories

by Lydia on 24/01/2024 No comments

Our roundup of the month’s most important stories

Plastic-related health issues cost $250billion every year

Think plastic comes with just an environmental price tag? Think again. The Hill has reported that a staggering $250 billion is spent every year in the US alone on health issues linked to chemicals in plastic.

All your food now contains plastic!

This must-read report gives a clear and simple overview of all the different ways plastics end up in our food – from when it starts to grow to serving it up for dinner. It also examines what could be done to stop this happening.

Think your bottled water is pure? Think again

New research has revealed that the levels of plastic particles in bottled water are up to 100 times higher than previously believed. But that’s not the only reason to avoid it: these are the 12 worst bottled water brands when it comes to false advertising and ethical issues.

Pellets spill causes EU to rethink plastic pollution laws

After 26 tons of tiny plastic pellets were lost at sea last month, blanketing Spanish beaches, the EU is under pressure to take a hard look at how it regulates plastic transport – and who is responsible for leakages.

Thailand pushes back against flood of plastic waste imports

PBS News visited Thailand, to see how it’s coping with the influx of waste from the Global North. In this short video, we hear from a range of voices on the ground – including the former Environment Minister, who insists that Thailand cannot and should not be a dumping ground for wealthy countries.

Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu tackles waste with local community

The big beach and underwater cleanup recently organised by Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu was so impressive, it was featured in several Malay newspapers, who highlighted the community’s efforts and their 480kg haul of trash.

What do you think about these stories? Is there one we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Family meetings to support and celebrate our amazing volunteers

by Lydia on 15/01/2024 1 comment

Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu leader, Zurainee, was excited to meet her volunteers in a different setting: “it felt good spending time with heroes in a different and ‘cleaner’ platform”.

It’s true that when they usually meet – before, during and after cleanups – Trash Hero volunteers are engrossed in the task at hand. Most of their training is done on the job.

Our Family Meetings, which were most recently held during the last quarter of 2023, give them a chance to spend time together in a different way. They allow for more in-depth discussions, planning and knowledge-building, as well as providing an opportunity to develop stronger friendships and support systems.

During November 24 – 26, Trash Hero Indonesia hosted its second Family Meeting of the year in Bali, for all active chapters within the country. Seventy participants joined the three-day event from 33 different locations.

Seventy participants from 33 locations joined the 3-day event in Indonesia

The country team delivered a packed agenda focused on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of our activities. The volunteers learned the basic principles of zero waste communities and about the impacts of plastic pollution on climate, human health and biodiversity through interactive games and mini-workshops. They also honed their skills in effective communication, community engagement and strategic planning.

Rima Agustina, Trash Hero World’s Programme Coordinator, who led the event, said: “It was probably our most successful family meeting to date in terms of engagement. I am so inspired by our volunteers’ energy and willingness to learn these challenging topics.”

Feedback from the volunteers confirmed this impression. Clara Keban, a participant from Trash Hero Belu, said that she “learned many things from great friends and mentors […] Other than that, the most important thing that I got from this activity is kinship, cohesiveness and togetherness”.

Trash Hero World covers all the costs for the national Family Meetings, including the participants’ travel, accommodation and food, as well as the planning and logistics.

In other parts of the world, chapter leaders hosted local Chapter Family Meetings. These were first introduced in 2022 when COVID-19 restrictions eased, but travel restrictions meant we couldn’t host national Family Meetings. The feedback we received from volunteers was fantastic, so we have made them a regular event. The budget is again provided by Trash Hero World and, in some cases, local sponsors.

Participants working together, Trash Hero Langsuan

Chapters can make their own agenda for the meetings: some focused on team building with active volunteers, while others extended invitations to the public, community leaders and local government representatives, to broaden and strengthen their support base.

For example, Trash Hero Mersing in Malaysia organised a zero waste picnic at their local beach. They invited kids who had previously joined their cleanups – and their friends. The picnic, with fun games and prizes, was a great example of how to host events without creating waste, as well as a nice way to thank the children for their participation and engage more kids in their activities. Other Malaysian chapters, Trash Hero Cherating and Trash Hero Tuaran, also organised zero waste picnics for their teams.

Trash Hero Langsuan in Thailand held a full day of activities for their volunteers and involved representatives from the local government, temple and even the district hospital who gave a presentation on the health dangers of trash.

Trash Hero Tha Sala, Thailand, Trash Hero Bern, Switzerland and Trash Hero Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, used the Chapter Family Meeting to reflect on what they achieved in 2023 and what they hope to accomplish in 2024.

Chapter Family Meeting numbers so far:

Thailand: 28 adults, 21 kids, 4 locations

Malaysia: 31 adults, 32 kids, 4 locations

Switzerland: 8 adults, 1 location

Chapter Family Meetings continue to take place in early 2024.

Thank you to everyone who participated in, organised and supported these events. Now we are fully charged and ready for another year of action!

30 November: monthly news roundup

by Lydia on 30/11/2023 No comments

Our roundup of the month’s most important stories

New York state sues PepsiCo for plastic pollution

New York State is suing the multinational drinks company for plastic pollution. Brand Audits are being used as evidence in the case as the New York attorney general demands they reduce plastic packaging and pay for damages to health and the environment.

EU agrees to ban waste exports to Global South

The EU is assuming responsibility for its plastic waste. Once formally approved, new rules will stop all exports to non-OECD countries for five years and limit them elsewhere.

Plastics treaty must not go the way of the climate convention

Trash Hero reports from the latest Global Plastics Treaty talks in Nairobi. Despite a frustrating end to the event, our latest blogpost explains how there is still hope for progress.

Plastic credits are a “get out of jail free” card

A new report explains how the unregulated system of plastic offsetting allows industries to keep polluting.

In India, reuse systems will cut plastic, create jobs and income.

A new study on 80,000 street vendors in Kolkata, India, proves a strong business case for system change. It finds that reuse systems will cut plastic and create jobs and income.

Stop buying plastic advent calendars!

The Christmas countdown, embraced by people around the world, creates a staggering amount of unnecessary plastic waste every year. To reduce plastic waste in the festive season, read our 5 tips here.

What do you think about these stories? Let us know in the comments!

Plastics treaty must not go the way of the climate convention

by Seema on 29/11/2023 No comments

The third of five rounds of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty in Nairobi ended in confusion and uncertainty last week. Trash Hero was there and reports on the key takeaways from the meeting.

K E Y O U T C O M E S
– The draft text of the treaty was made more complicated, not simplified
– No working groups will be set up to look at terms and definitions before the next meeting
– Oil-producing countries again attempted to delay and derail proceedings
– Importantly, they did not succeed in any meaningful way
– Wastepickers and indigenous groups achieved greater recognition for their roles

It was again a huge honour to represent our volunteers from 11 – 19 Nov 2023 at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi and take my place alongside committed and knowledgeable colleagues in the Break Free From Plastic, GAIA and IPEN networks. (To understand why Trash Hero was there and what the talks were about, see Background, below).

The nine-day proceedings were intense, starting early morning and often finishing late at night. Discussions (in so-called “Contact Groups”) on different parts of the treaty text happened simultaneously in different parts of the building, which made them challenging to follow. At times progress was frustratingly slow and, despite many countries taking strong positions, it was not enough to overcome the blocking tactics of more powerful nations, with vested interests in continued plastic production.

Trash Hero met with many delegates, including those from Switzerland and Thailand, both of whom deserve mention for their strong stances on identifying the toxic chemicals in plastic. A joint proposal to advance work on chemicals and polymers of concern before INC-4 received support from 130 countries present, even though it ultimately failed to pass.

Access remained an issue at the daily Asia-Pacific regional meetings, which barred observers from attending – in contrast with the meetings of other regional groups, which are open to all participants. The Asia-Pacific region stretches from the Gulf States in the west to the Small Island Developing States in the Pacific Ocean and some members do not see the need for transparency and civil society participation.

During breaks in the official meetings, there were many side events, where we heard from experts on topics such as plastic and health and reuse systems, as well as from waste pickers and indigenous leaders, who shared their perspectives on a just transition.

INC-3 MEETING SUMMARY

Prior to the meeting, the INC Secretariat had prepared two documents, intended to form the basis of discussions:

The “Zero Draft” text, based on the outcomes of INC-2. This provided a clear structure for the treaty. Each part proposed a broad yet concise set of options, ranging from strict, globally-enforced rules to voluntary commitments, dependent on each country’s particular circumstances.
A “Synthesis Report“, an additional document containing recommended text for definitions, scope, principles and other items submitted by member states that had not yet been discussed by the INC.

The expectation before INC-3, based on the usual negotiating process for these kinds of agreements, was that member states would do two readings of these documents, discussing and expressing preferences for the different options. The goal was to move forward with a mandate to create a streamlined First Draft, reflecting the common ground and supporting detailed text negotiation at INC-4.

The second expectation was that member states would agree to carry out intersessional work – meetings in between the official rounds of negotiation – to discuss (among others) how they would define specific terms, establish targets, categorise chemicals and propose means of financing that could be used later in the negotiations, without prejudging the final outcome. This work is essential for member states to understand what is meant when the treaty refers, for example, to “chemicals of concern” or “safe, environmentally sound disposal”. It also brings independent science and expertise into the process, which has thus far been lacking.

However instead of a mandate for a first draft and intersessional work, what we actually got in Nairobi was quite different.

Should there be any doubt remaining about the intentions of oil-producing countries after the derailment of INC-2, INC-3 proved that this same minority continue to negotiate in bad faith. Branding themselves as the “like-minded group” of countries, they started by calling into question the “balance” of the Zero Draft and the Synthesis Report, then insisted that the existing text be expanded to take into account all views in the room. This was necessary, they said, in order to establish trust moving forward.

It resulted in chaos. Hundreds of amendments to the text were submitted within a matter of hours. The vast majority of these were designed to weaken the provisions or, in some cases, delete them entirely. The Secretariat scrambled to accommodate all the changes over the remaining days. Precious time was spent simply trying to establish whether the inputs had been recorded correctly.

What we are now left with is a bloated, 100+ page document (compared with the 30 pages of the original Zero Draft), with each of the original clauses expanded to include several, often confusing and contradictory options. This is not allowed to be streamlined or summarised, only edited for typos. It will be published by the Secretariat as a “Revised Zero Draft” by 31 December 2023. The only positive from the expansion is that support for waste pickers is now more clearly recognised and included throughout the text.

Meanwhile, similar stalling tactics meant there will be no intersessional work before INC-4. The topics for discussion and the format could not be agreed. The same minority of countries wanted to leave key issues like polymers, chemicals and EPR (extended producer responsibility) off the table and focus solely on waste management and finance. This will delay progress at INC-4 as no groundwork on terms and definitions will have been done.

The final outcome of the meeting was that a new Chair of the INC Secretariat was elected. Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador will replace outgoing Chair, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra of Peru, and preside over INC-4, 5 and beyond.

Analysis by CIEL identified at least 143 participants at the talks as members of the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries, outnumbering the representatives of the 70 smallest country delegations. Six member states, including Malaysia, hosted industry lobbyists as part of their official delegations.

Oil producing countries’ delegations in general tended to be far larger than those of the self-styled “downstream” countries, who suffer most from plastic pollution. This gave them an unfair advantage when it came to following the simultaneous discussions, speaking at the various Contact Groups, drafting submissions at speed and accessing technical and tactical assistance.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

On the surface, it may seem like the plastics treaty is going in the same direction as the climate change convention (UNFCCC), which is struggling to make a meaningful impact almost thirty years after its adoption.

We are seeing the same dominance of fossil fuel interests; the failure of the countries responsible for the crisis to take the lead in solving it; and the familiar move towards “pledges” based on “national circumstances” instead of a commitment to the globally binding measures needed to tackle the problem at the source.

But one critical difference with the plastics treaty is that we still have the means and the will to change this pattern. The member states taking part have yet to make any conclusive decisions. Although the outcomes of INC-3 mean the final treaty is likely to be significantly delayed, it is important to remember that as yet no real concessions have been made. The original text of the Zero Draft may be buried under new suggestions, but it is still in play. Countries chose to delay intersessional work, rather than settle for partial or watered down discussions. Many observers see this as a win: no progress is better than a compromise.

And unlike UNFCCC, the INC still has the possibility to make decisions by majority voting, not consensus (unanimous agreement). Consensus decision-making is widely seen as the fatal flaw of UNFCCC, as a single country with vested interests is able to veto any proposal. If the new Chair of the INC is able to take control of the proceedings and implement a strong conflict of interest policy – similar to that which the World Health Organisation used during the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control – as well as support smaller countries to take a more active role, there is hope.

Ambition in many corners of the room – from Africa, Latin America, and small island states among others – is still high. If these member states succeed in creating a strong treaty that truly covers the whole life cycle of plastic, it will have huge implications, not only for our health and biodiversity but also for the climate and the UNFCCC. It will prove that caps on fossil fuel production are possible and that Big Oil can be defeated. Perhaps INC-4 in Ottawa will be the turning point that is so badly needed.

BACKGROUND

What is the Global Plastics Treaty?
In February 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly made a historic resolution (UNEA 5/14) to develop “an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment” – the Global Plastics Treaty – and gave member states just five meetings in two short years to agree on the text.

With the scope of the treaty covering the whole life cycle of plastic, there is a lot of ground to cover: the ever-mounting evidence about the toxicity of plastic, from extraction to disposal; its significant role in planetary warming; its destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity; the impossibility of plastic circularity; and the disproportionate impacts of all of these issues on the Global South and vulnerable communities.

Member states must also agree on the implementation of any agreed measures – whether they will be voluntary or binding, how they will achieve compliance and how they will be financed.

Why is Trash Hero involved?
In 2022, Trash Hero World received UNEP accreditation, recognising the work of our volunteers on plastic pollution worldwide, and allowing us to join the talks as civil society observers. This means we can take part in the negotiation process, contributing both formally through written submissions and statements and informally through discussions with official government delegates. Like all observers, who represent UNEP’s “major groups” of stakeholders – farmers, local authorities, women, children and youth, scientists, workers and businesses – we are not able to vote or make any decisions.

What is INC-3?
INC stands for Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, the group of around 175 UN member states who will decide on the form and content of the treaty, facilitated by a Bureau and Secretariat made up of UNEP staff and representatives of member states, who act in a neutral capacity.

The whole process is funded by member states, primarily from the Global North.

INC-3 is the third round of meetings of the INC, and the longest to date. It officially took place from 11 – 19 November 2023 (including two days of preparatory meetings) in the UN compound in Nairobi, Kenya. More than 1900 people were in attendance representing 161 countries and 318 observer organisations. The final two planned meetings of INC take place in Ottawa, Canada in April 2024 and in Seoul, S. Korea, in November 2024.

5 tips for a waste-free Christmas

by Lydia on 07/11/2023 No comments

That could also save you money!

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. It’s that special time of year when we exchange gifts, embrace cherished traditions and indulge in delicious feasts. However, there is a not-so-jolly side to the festive season: Christmas generates approximately 30% more waste than any other time of the year, and by the time spring arrives, a disheartening 41% of the gifts given have already found their way to landfills. As much as we love the spirit of the time of year, there is no doubt it could benefit from a zero waste makeover.

We’re sharing our top tips to reduce waste and save money over the holiday season. So let’s get started!

1. Redefine your traditions

Many of us cherish our Christmas traditions, but this year, why not take time to consider what you buy, why you buy it and if it can be replaced with a less wasteful alternative? Traditional items such as crackers and stocking fillers are often made with plastic and end up in the bin after a few hours. Instead of plastic-filled crackers, try just having just the jokes on the table for everyone to read and enjoy. Experiment with getting crafty and making plastic-free stockings and advent calendars. They could be filled with home-baked biscuits or purposeful gifts.

If you own plastic decorations or a synthetic Christmas tree, there’s no need to rush into a zero-waste overhaul. Transition to plastic-free options when your current items need replacing. When they do, explore your local second-hand shops for unique decorations.

2. Stop food waste

Many Christmas menu items are out of tradition rather than genuine enjoyment. When planning your festive menu, reflect on past waste. What food was barely touched and ended up in the trash? What food has everyone coming back for seconds? Consider embracing new traditions centred around food everyone enjoys. Create a meal plan and research recipes for your anticipated leftovers in advance. Having a plan will prevent overbuying and make it easier to reduce waste during the busy and often stressful Christmas season.

3. Reduce packaging waste

When planning your menu, opting for locally available and in-season ingredients can reduce packaging waste and result in better quality produce. Exotic or out-of-season items in supermarkets often come wrapped in unnecessary plastic and have a higher carbon footprint. Smaller local businesses may have refill and reuse systems in place, or they may be open to discussing eco-friendly options.

It’s not just food packaging that creates plastic waste. Many people don’t realise that glitter and metallic paper contain plastic. Glitter, in particular, is just ready-made microplastic. Some glitter is now marketed as “biodegradable”, but this is misleading and should also be avoided. We have a social media post that delves into this issue in more detail. One way to avoid glitter-covered Christmas cards, or paper cards with limited shelf life, is to send an e-card instead. Trash Hero offers a range of e-cards for every occasion, with all donations going toward our programmes working to reduce plastic pollution.

To determine if your wrapping paper contains plastic, try the “crumple test.” If you crush foil or shiny paper, and it stays crumpled when you release it, it’s a good sign. However, if it contains plastic, it will spring back or have a slight mark. This is mixed material and cannot be recycled. Any type of wrapping paper is expensive, so why not use old newspapers or magazines or utilise pillowcases? Remember, the heart of the season lies in the gift, not in the extravagance of the packaging.

4. Give mindfully

The holiday season is all about giving, but do we need to give people more stuff that will end up in landfills? Instead, you could offer the gift of experience. It doesn’t have to break the bank – it could be as simple as cooking a meal, going for a leisurely walk, or trying out a new activity together. These experiential gifts reduce waste, nurture your bonds, and create cherished memories with your loved ones.

For those who wish to make a lasting impact beyond the holidays, consider making a charitable donation. Your generosity can bring joy to others in need, embodying the true spirit of the season.

5. Receive thoughtfully

It’s also important to let your loved ones know you prefer not to receive physical gifts, and explain why. This reduces demand for unnecessary physical items and will encourage them to give more mindfully. If your friends and family insist on purchasing gifts for you, kindly suggest they opt for items you genuinely need. Encourage them to explore second-hand or charity stores. This will both save them money and contribute to a great cause.

Receiving thoughtfully is a powerful way to raise awareness and inspire others to adopt more conscious choices, benefiting both our planet and our communities.

Bonus tip – Be a Trash Hero!

You can be a part of the solution this holiday season! Trash Hero chapters organise cleanups worldwide throughout the year. You’re invited to join, and it’s free! Find your nearest chapter and get involved in reducing plastic pollution in your community. If there’s no chapter in your area, get in touch today to learn more about starting your own with friends and family. If you don’t have time to start a chapter, you can still be a Trash Hero every day. Say no to single-use plastics and promote reuse and refills at local events. Share this post with your friends to inspire a less wasteful holiday!

Having a completely zero-waste Christmas is challenging, but taking small steps can create meaningful, sustainable celebrations that connect us with our loved ones and the planet. Do you have any additional tips for reducing waste and saving money this holiday season? Share your insights in the comments below!