The War on Plastic
Continued from Flux Trends’ 6 Trends for 2019…
2018 will be remembered as the year we finally realised just how devastating our single-use, plastic habit has become. In 2019, the battle escalates into a war.
The narrative around plastic now shifts from consumer awareness to government legislation.
The French government plans to implement a law by 2020 that will ensure all plastic cups, cutlery and plates will be made of biologically-sourced material which can be composted. African countries Rwanda, Morocco and Kenya are gradually reaping the benefits of legislating a ban on plastic bags. Currently regarded as a harsh measure, Kenyans found to be using, selling or producing plastic bags now face four years in prison or a fine of $40,000. Other east African countries such as Tanzania, Burundi and Uganda may follow suit.
This in turn forces brands to take a stronger stance on their contribution to pollution and sustainability, specifically their packaging. But while plastic straws and products containing micro beads were targeted in 2018, this year sees other plastic products we seldom think about – from contact lenses to balloons – pulled into the war zone.
Above: The United Nations #Cleanseas Campaign
By: Dion Chang and Khumo Theko
About Dion Chang
About Khumo Theko
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Image credit: Karl Allen Lugmayer
Video credit: United Nations
