Latin America’s path to stem the tide of plastic

Latin America and the Caribbean is a region especially vulnerable to marine litter and other environmental threats caused by the climate crisis. And yet, 3.7 million tons of plastic pollution entered the ocean from countries in the region in 2020, according to data from the UN Environment Program (UNEP).

Although much remains to be done, 27 of the 33 countries that make up the region have passed national or local laws to reduce, ban, or eliminate single-use plastics. Some initiatives underway are:

Argentina

The country passed a resolution in 2019 establishing national guidelines to address the production, use, waste management and reduction of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.

In 2020, it approved a law that prohibits the production, import and commercialization of cosmetic and personal hygiene products that contain added plastic microspheres intentionally to exfoliate, including lotions, makeup products, toothpaste, nail polish, and soap, among other products.

Chili

It was the first country in South America to ban the use of plastic bags in 2018.

In addition, in 2021 the Single Use Plastics Law came into force, which prohibits straws, stirrers and chopsticks in food establishments.

Colombia

The National Plan for the Sustainable Management of Single-Use Plastics has as its objective to guarantee that 100% of single-use plastics on the market are reusablerecyclable or compostable by 2030.

In 2022, the country passed a bill to ban 14 types of plastic, including plastic bags, straws, and fruit and vegetable packaging.

Costa Rica

It presented its National Marine Waste Plan 2021-2030, which aims to reduce the amount of terrestrial waste that reaches the seaincluding plastics, in collaboration with organizations and communities.

Ecuador

The country is transforming the Galapagos Islands into a plastic free archipelagoand phased out plastic bags, straws, polythene takeout containers, and bottles in 2018.

Guatemala

is using biofencesmade from recovered plastic waste, to collect plastic waste from rivers, allowing communities to collect and recycle them. The fences extend from the other side of the river and prevent plastic pollution from flowing into the sea.

Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Panama have also introduced this environmental solution.

Mexico

In 31 of the 32 states in Mexico, prohibitions and restrictions have been established on different single-use products, such as disposable plastic bags and straws and products made with expanded polystyrene, as well as microplastics added to personal care products.

In addition, 13 states and 21 municipalities are part of the Clean Seas campaign.

The Mexican government is preparing a National Action Plan on Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution promoted by a science-based policy and is developing its first Inventory National Sources of Plastic Pollution, as the basis for the Plan.

On the other hand, Mexico City reinforced its commitment to eliminate the contamination of this material by becoming the first megalopolis in the region to join the Global Commitment of the New Plastic Economy, establishing a baseline of action with respect to waste. , while strengthening innovation and advancing towards promoting a circular economy.

Panama

Panama banned plastic bags in 2019 and also launched the Panama National Marine Litter Action Plan 2022 – 2027. The Plan seeks eliminate the generation of marine debriswhich threaten biodiversity and coastal and marine ecosystems, involving and uniting the efforts of as many national actors as possible.

In 2020, it regulated the reduction and progressive substitution of single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives made with reusable, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials, which generate less impact on the environment and health.

In 2021, they banned 11 plastic products, including disposable plates, bags, laundry covers and egg cartons.

Uruguay

Uruguay launched the “Challenge: Free of single-use plastics” in 2022, a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of plastic waste, in particular plastic waste with a short useful life and easy replacement options. This is an initiative aimed at sectors such as retail, tourism and commerce.

The country also approved a law that establishes that manufacturers, bottlers and importers of non-alcoholic beverages that sell their products in plastic containers may only do so in packaging containing at least 40% by weight of recycled material as of January 2025.

Reduce pollution by 80% by 2040

Despite these initiatives, much remains to be done. More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide each year, half of which are designed for one-time use. Of that amount, less than 10% is recycled, according to UN data. It is estimated that between 19 and 23 million tons end up annually in lakes, rivers and seas.

“We must work together, governments, businesses and consumers alike, to break our addiction to plastics, stand up for zero waste and build a truly circular economy,” declared the General secretary of the UN in a message by the World Environment Day.

To address this situation, UNEP published a report listing a series of concrete practices and policies to combat plastic pollution; this “road map” would allow governments and companies reduce this type of pollution by 80% by 2040.

According to the document, Turning off the tap: how the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy, It is possible to achieve this goal if countries and companies apply deep changes in their action plans and in the markets using existing technologies.