We use cookies to imporve your experience. By using our site, you consent to our cookie policy Learn more
arrow arrow_up breadcrumb-chevron-right breadcrumb-home dropdown-arrow-down loader GALogoWUNEP GALogo2018 GALogo2019 menu read-more-plus rrss-email rrss-facebook rrss-flickr rrss-instagram rrss-linkedin rrss-twitter rrss-vimeo rrss-youtube rrss_google_plus rrss_skype rrss_web pdf search share Completed In Process Ideas In Develpment Toogle Toogle Thumbnail View List View play close filter-collapse filter edit media_photo_library media_video_library graphics pictures videos collections next

Event

Join our experts June 8th during the Plastics Forum at COP for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions at 14:00 - 14:45

The Plastics Forum will be held from the June 8-10 at the Geneva International Conference Centre at 17 rue de Varembé, Geneva, Switzerland.

Watch the event live here.


While the world agrees that we have to fight plastic pollution in our oceans, there is still so much that we don’t know about such as where the problems really stem from and what the solutions really are. Our new website highlights the myths and misconceptions about plastic. The hidden costs of producing plastics are high and recycling isn’t always an option as one would believe.


Visit our booth during the Plastics Forum to learn more about the common misconceptions about plastic value chains. Senior Expert in Waste and Marine Litter, Maria Tsakona will be attending!

The objectives of the Plastic Forum are to:


  • Raise awareness on the role of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in tackling plastic pollution
  • Build on the existing body of knowledge on best practices, successes and challenges, realized at the local, regional and global levels;

  • Provide a platform for knowledge sharing, awareness raising of latest trends and technologies and opportunities to stimulate innovation;

  • Create a hub for solutions to plastic pollution by connecting up-and-coming innovators to a wide audience of policymakers and experts;

  • Spread awareness of the work of the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Partnership to broaden its membership base


Project Description

GRID-Arendal presents 10 common myths about plastics and plastic waste on our new website plasticsmyths.com . Using scientific evidence from publications, grey literature and state-of-the-art information from practitioners in the field, each myth is debunked. The analyses of these myths provide insights into the issues around plastic recycling that face our society, and demonstrate the overlapping nature of the challenges and the strategies for what we can do. Further analysis is needed to provide a fully comprehensive analysis of plastic production and waste.


This work recognizes the achievements in plastic waste management but points out the distance left to go to achieve our recycling goals and a circular economy. The tasks ahead require immediate responses by decision-makers in relevant sectors at the national and international levels.


The Myths

  • Plastic is inexpensive
  • The market for recycled plastic is robust
  • All plastic can be recycled
  • Bioplastics can solve all problems caused by plastics
  • Plastic packaging for food is unnecessary and harmful
  • Plastics in agriculture cause little harm
  • Plastic waste is not an issue in textiles
  • E-waste is not a part of the plastic waste problem
  • If consumers did their part, plastics recycling would be a success
  • Chemical recycling can solve the plastic pollution crisis


Tags: microplastics macroplastics

Related Sustainable Development Goals

GRID-Arendal's activities support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Related activities

View all activities

Related publications

View all publications

Related press releases

View all news