World Environment Day 2023 is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters. ALS are joining millions around the world to #beat plastic pollution.

More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once.  Of that, less than 10 percent is recycled.  An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually.

Microplastics – find their way into food, water and air.  It is estimated that each person on the planet consumes more than 50,000 plastic particles per year – and many more if inhalation is considered.  With available science and solutions to tackle the problem, governments, companies and other stakeholders must scale up and accelerate actions to solve this crisis.  This underscores the importance of World Environment Day in mobilising transformative action from every corner of the world.

A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme shows that we can reduce plastic pollution by 80 percent by 2040 – if we act now to reuse, recycle, reorient, and diversify away from plastics.

ALS regularly publishes sustainability reports on achievements made in the areas of energy efficiency, waste recycling and reducing plastics.  These reports provide further information on wider climate change initiatives and carbon management plans.  Together, let us shape a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.