
On this Earth Day, we want a global treaty to end plastic pollution now! This week, delegates from around the world are meeting in Ottawa, Canada, for their 4th round of negotiations to debate such a treaty. It's called INC-4 and delegates representing countries from around the world are here to decide the details. Many other groups are here, like the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, to make sure delegates have the best scientific knowledge available.
The science on plastic pollution is very clear that it harms people and the planet. Plastic pollution is found in all environments, and many different chemicals used in plastic are persistent and dangerous to human and ecological health. Most scientists agree that a global treaty needs to be legally binding, fact-based, and focused on reducing plastic production worldwide. Most scientists want the delegates to hold plastic-producing corporations responsible through systems called Extended Producer Responsibility, whereby they are obligated to change their ways and make less of a mess in the first place.
But the plastic industries are also here in Ottawa attempting to influence the multi-national delegates. They want the conversation to be more about recycling and cleanup and less about making less. They want the treaty to be voluntary rather than mandatory, which will make it ineffective.
Therefore, the Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty is here to help guide delegates in making the best Plastic Pollution Treaty for planet Earth today.
Happy Earth Day
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