One-stop Policy Shop with Solutions to End Plastic Pollution
In July, the University of Portsmouth announced a new resource to help tackle plastic pollution on land and in the ocean.
As reported, the Global Plastics Policy Centre (GPPC) online platform is the latest development from the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics research initiative. “Free to all, it is a ‘one-stop shop’ of independent, evidence-based advice on plastic policy,” the university informed. “The new website is a knowledge sharing platform that comes under the GPPC umbrella, which was launched by Revolution Plastics at COP26.”
The website “is designed to give governments and businesses the evidence needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions around plastic policies,” the university gave account. It was also aimed at giving citizens the knowledge to understand the actions their governments are taking. “It will ultimately increase the accountability of policymakers in both government and businesses by identifying strengths and weaknesses of plastic policy action.” At the heart of the website is an analysis of more than 100 plastic policies from around the world that have been analyzed for effectiveness by researchers. These include policies such as national bans; taxes and/or levies on plastic products; consumer behavior campaigns; recycling and waste management strategies; private sector initiatives, business model adaptation, and increasing producer responsibility.
The initial analysis is just the start and will be supplemented with additional evidence and advice as further studies are completed. This research was supported by the Flotilla Foundation, a registered charity with a mission to enhance mankind’s relationship with the marine environment.
(Published in GLOBAL RECYCLING Magazine 3/2022, Page 39)
