Green groups, advocates deliver bold message to governments: End plastic now

27 November 2024, San Juan, La Union — As United Nations member states continue talks this week in Busan, South Korea for the fifth and most critical session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5)[1] to develop a Global Plastics Treaty, Greenpeace Philippines, together with Young Earth Savers, Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union, Dalumpinas Oeste Eco Rangers, San Juan Resort Restaurant Hotel Association Inc., and communities in La Union, unfurled a giant banner on the shorelines of Urbiztondo, with a bold message to world leaders to “END PLASTIC NOW.” 

The creative action sends a strong reminder to governments, especially the Philippine delegation led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to maintain and strengthen its position at INC-5 in Busan, South Korea. 

"The INC-5 is our last stand in ending plastic pollution on a global scale,” said Marian Ledesma, Greenpeace Philippines Zero Waste Campaigner, speaking from the INC5 meeting in Busan. 

“Governments must create a strong and ambitious Plastics Treaty that reduces plastic production and advances reuse in order to safeguard people's health, secure economic opportunities, and protect the environment. Anything less will only allow the plastic crisis to spiral further out of control."

The participants held a banner spelling out "END PLASTIC NOW!" Tuesday morning, pushing for a strong Plastics Treaty that mandates a cut in plastic production and supports a just transition to slow, circular, reuse-based economy. 

Various community members participated in the creative action including fisherfolk, progressive businesses, civil society groups, and tourists, among others.  

“Ang Global Plastics Treaty na ginagawa ngayon sa Busan, Korea ay malaki ang maitutulong kasi ang pag-iingay natin dito ay maririnig ng buong daigdig. Ang treaty ay makakatulong para maitigil na ang pagprodukto lalung-lalo na ng mga single-use plastic," said Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union president Cris Palabay.

(The Global Plastics Treaty being discussed in Busan, Korea would help us greatly because it's an opportunity for the whole world to hear our demand. This treaty could potentially stop the production of single-use plastics.)

Tina Antonio-Schmitz, Secretary of San Juan Resort Restaurant Hotel Association Inc. echoed this call, saying that it could possibly shift the burden of accountability from grassroots communities and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards the major producers of problematic plastics — large corporations.

“The INC-5 road to plastic reduction treaty will help target the actual manufacturers who make billions of money in production because it will have the guidelines. [That’s where it usually begins], a treaty and then actual guidelines [that governments must follow]. And it might even go to the point where it can be litigated,” explained Antonio-Schmitz.

Oil-producing states and plastic industry lobbyists are increasing pressure on countries into adopting a watered down treaty, as 99% of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels.[2] The plastic lifecycle not only generates emissions that drive climate change, but it is also linked to millions of deaths worldwide.[3] 

The Philippines earlier took a progressive stance earlier this year at the INC-4, calling for global reduction targets based on scientific evidence.[4] Greenpeace is calling for a 75% reduction in plastic reduction by 2040[5] in order to maintain a “livable planet and an equitable future."

With 94% of Filipinos[6] in favor of a cap on plastic production to mitigate pollution, biodiversity loss, and global warming, advocates believe that the Philippine government must listen to the sentiments of the people and protect them and the environment by championing a strong Plastics Treaty. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is representing the Philippines in the talks.

Ledesma said, “INC-5 will be remembered for the choices our leaders make today. We are calling on the DENR to help ensure that the talks conclude with an outcome that is pro-people and planet. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pave the way for a healthier, plastic-free future. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option. The world is watching, and it demands action.”

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PHOTO CREDIT: © Noel Celis / Greenpeace

Notes to editors:

[1] Fifth Session (INC-5)

[2] A New Plastics Economy is Needed to Protect the Climate

[3] Fossil Fuels & Health

[4] Philippine government position in requiring global plastic production targets

[5] Why Greenpeace is calling on governments to cut plastic production by at least 75% by 2040

[6] Survey: Filipinos most in favor of global cut in plastic production