Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
SA: ‘End single-use plastics’
SOUTH Africans want an end to single-use plastics, according to a recent Ipsos survey.
The survey polled more than 24 000 people in 32 countries and was commissioned by WWF and the Plastic Free Foundation. An average of 85% of people polled worldwide, including in South Africa, believe the global plastic pollution treaty should ban single-use plastics that now account for more than 70% of ocean plastic pollution.
The survey was released in Earth Month in April, a tradition since the 1970s, that, with this year's theme, “planet vs plastic”,
Plastics remain a huge, quickly growing, problem for the climate. They account for about 3.4% of global greenhouse-gas emissions – more than the entire aviation industry.
Added to that they are choking up our oceans and if something is not done, could leave a planet where there is more plastic than fish in the ocean, warn some scientists.
It's also important, say some experts, to examine what we are replacing plastics with.
A Greenpeace International study, also released this year, shows similarly overwhelming support for ending single-use plastics.
The South African part of the survey results in brief:
Ban or phase out chemicals and products:
Nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important that global rules require global plastic production to be reduced (90%). Nearly four in 10 South African survey participants believe it's essential (33%).
More than nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important that global rules require a ban on chemicals used in plastic that are hazardous to human health, wildlife and the environment (92%). More than four in 10 South African survey participants believe it's essential (41%).
Nearly nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important that global rules require a ban on unnecessary single-use plastic products most likely to become plastic pollution (88%). Nearly four in 10 South African survey participants believe it's essential (36%).
Increasing safe circulation:
Nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important that global rules require a ban on types of plastic that cannot be easily recycled in practice (90%). Nearly four in 10 South African survey participants believe it's essential (36%).
Nearly nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important that global rules require transparent labelling on plastic products (91). More than one in 3 South African survey participants believe it's essential (36%).
More than nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important that global rules require manufacturers and retailers to provide reuse and refill systems (92%). Nearly four in 10 South African survey participants believe it's essential (38%).
Ensuring effective action can be financed:
Nearly nine in 10 South African survey participants believe it's important and three in 10 essential that all plastic manufacturers pay fees for the costs of reuse, recycling and safe management of plastic waste (85%).
More than eight in 10 South African survey participants agree that a global treaty should include rules that ensure all participating countries have access to funding, technology and other resources to comply with the rules (82%).