The FIANANCIAL — ICC, the world business organization, is marking World Environment Day by highlighting innovative companies around the world committed to beat plastic pollution.
Celebrated each year on 5 June, this year’s United Nations (UN) World Environment Day brings the international community together in a commitment to reduce single-use plastic waste under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution.
Did you know that more than 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and that a staggering 10% of that ends up in the ocean? By continuing at this rate, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050, according to ICC.
With only 5% of plastics recycled effectively, lost material, clogged drains and polluted oceans cost the world economy up to US$120-160 billion each year. That’s why it is more important than ever for the private sector, governments and other stakeholders to work together to find solutions for effective, cost-efficient waste management.
Reducing plastic waste is not only good for the environment, it’s good for business.
As Erik Solheim, Head of Environment, wrote in a new report on plastic pollution: “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.”
Business has a responsibility to work with all stakeholders in the fight against plastic waste.
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