PH ranked 5th in plastic pollution, survey shows

IN the battle against plastic pollution, the Philippines stands out in an international survey by Utility Bidder for emitting 3.30kg of plastic waste into the ocean per person annually, contributing over 350,000 tonnes of plastic waste to the global oceanic pollution, constituting 36% of the world’s total.

Comoros emerges as the leading nation in mismanaging plastic waste, with a staggering annual average of just under 70kg per person. Despite being home to pristine coral reefs, the country faces a grave threat to its wildlife due to plastic pollution.

Taking proactive measures, Comoros has implemented a ban on the production, importation, and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic bags to curb the escalating crisis.

Trinidad and Tobago claim the second spot, with an annual mismanagement rate of 52.43kg per person, followed by Suriname, completing the top three with almost 40 kilograms of plastic waste per person yearly.

Palau bears the highest probability of plastic waste entering the ocean, with a likelihood of 13.74%, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced waste management strategies in the region.

Slovenia leads in exporting the most plastic waste per person, recording 62.58kg in 2021, followed by the Netherlands with 36.54kg and Belgium with nearly 30kg.

Utility Bidder suggests these strategies to combat plastic waste:
Opt for Reusable Bottles/Cups: Investing in reusable water bottles or coffee mugs significantly reduces plastic waste. With a staggering 1,500 plastic bottles discarded every second, adopting reusable alternatives not only mitigates pollution but also saves money.

Reuse Shopping Bags: The detrimental impact of plastic bags on marine life is evident, with over 250 marine animals succumbing to them daily. Keeping reusable bags handy by the front door or in vehicles can mitigate this environmental hazard.

Embrace Bulk Buying: Despite challenges, bulk buying, especially for perishable food items, proves effective in reducing plastic packaging waste. Utilizing freezers and cooking in larger batches not only minimizes waste but also saves time and resources.

Mindful Chewing Gum Consumption: While chewing gum offers a quick breath freshening solution, most variants contain plastic, contributing to pollution. Reducing gum consumption and ensuring proper recycling can make a meaningful difference in plastic waste reduction efforts.

Amidst escalating concerns over plastic pollution, concerted global efforts and individual initiatives are crucial to mitigate the environmental impact and safeguard our planet’s future.