How can new technologies, coordinated action of various actors at local level and a shift to circular economy be combined to stimulate fishermen to fish macroplastics and bring them to shore while creating recycling/reuse opportunities at city level?
Marine litter is mismanaged waste, resulting mainly from activities in coastal regions. Over 80% of marine litter is plastic, and is further divided in “macroplastics”, waste of size between 5mm-1m, and “microplastics” which are particles smaller than 5mm.
Globally, 5 to 13 million tonnes of plastics end up in the oceans every year. As global plastic production increases each year, 33 billion tons of plastic are expected to pile up around the globe by 2050. In the EU, the yearly amount of plastic marine litter is 150.000 to 500.000 tonnes, which is equal to 66.000 rubbish trucks.
Global frameworks and policies are putting forward efforts to reduce the ecological, human health and economic impacts of marine litter which, apart from harming the environment, causes economic damage to activities such as tourism, fisheries and shipping. The SDGs 6, 11, 12 and 14 have set targets relevant to marine plastic pollution: clear water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, life below water. Similarly, the EU committed itself to “prepare a strategy addressing the challenges posed by plastics throughout the value chain and taking into account their entire life-cycle”.
Piraeus has set a strategic vision for Blue Growth, main axes of which are: developing skills and knowledge in Blue Economy sectors, supporting entrepreneurship, smart infrastructures, providing information to the public and raising awareness.
The challenge aims to develop solutions that make a tangible contribution to a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive city, based on circular economy. Making this transition a reality and turning current challenges into future opportunities will require collaborative, decisive action from a variety of urban actors (private sector, civil society, the scientific community, local government departments) as well as stakeholders in the plastic value chain, from plastic producers and designers, to recyclers.
How can Piraeus mobilize actors, existing resources and technology in order to stimulate coordinated stakeholders’ action, tackle the challenge of marine litter, and move towards a circular economy for sustainable local development?
Citizens should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste, reuse and recycle plastic. Raising awareness and providing opportunities for recycling and reuse eventually can lead to a circular approach to plastics.
The recycling of plastic provides fertile ground for social innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide, and entrepreneurs see the need for determined action on plastic waste as a business opportunity. New companies provide circular solutions, such as reverse logistics for packaging or alternatives to disposable plastics, utilizing the endless possibilities of digitization.
1: Prevention of plastic marine litter
2: Collection of plastics in the sea
3: Recycling/reuse of plastic marine litter
