KLH on the Cause of Plastic Waste Dominance

The persistent dominance of plastic waste on the world's beaches is not simply a sign of failed reduction campaigns, according to Agus Rulsy, Director of Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Development at Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH). He attributes the problem primarily to production and consumption patterns that have not yet embraced responsible and sustainable principles.

"We are still in a mode of producing as much as possible for consumption as much as possible, without considering the impact of the waste generated," Rulsy told Tempo. This year's "Plastic Free July" campaign, like previous ones, urges the public to reduce single-use plastic. However, a study published in the journal One Earth highlights that single-use plastics, particularly food and beverage packaging, remain the leading cause of pollution on global shorelines. The research indicates that 20 million tons of plastic enter the environment each year.

The issue extends beyond public habits, encompassing production, consumption, and waste management systems that struggle to contain plastic leakage into the environment. The study also examined the impact of plastic bag bans implemented in various nations. While over 30 African countries have banned plastic bags since 2003, and countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria still see plastic bags among the top three waste types on their coasts, the results are not uniform.

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We are still in a mode of producing as much as possible for consumption as much as possible, without considering the impact of the waste generated.

In Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Cameroon, plastic waste continues to dominate shorelines despite government adoption of anti-plastic policies. Rulsy noted that nearly all food and beverage products still use single-use plastic packaging not designed for reuse or easy recycling. This is exacerbated by consumer preferences for convenience and speed, increasing the volume of plastic packaging waste. The lightweight nature of plastic also facilitates its transport via water currents to rivers, coasts, and ultimately the sea. "The rapid increase in the quantity and variety of plastic packaging waste cannot be matched by the waste management capacity in the regions," Rulsy stated.

He acknowledged that policies banning single-use plastics are not a complete solution on their own. Such efforts must be complemented by fostering a culture of waste prevention and reduction through communication, information, and education, alongside the implementation of responsible production and consumption patterns.

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The rapid increase in the quantity and variety of plastic packaging waste cannot be matched by the waste management capacity in the regions.