By Sue-Ann Wayow

MORE than 320,000 tons of plastic waste continue to remain uncollected annually, and plastic litter in the Caribbean region is almost four times, the global average.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) disclosed that information in a press release last Thursday as it observed World Environment Day 2025.

World Environment Day is commemorated annually on June 5.

Under this year’s theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” CARPHA is encouraging the regional community, individuals, governments and the private sector to adopt more sustainable practices to secure the health of future generations.

CARPHA stated, “The largest generator of single use plastic waste in the world is the packaging sector, which accounts for 36 per cent of all plastics produced, with 85 per cent of single-use food and beverage containers ending up in landfills, or polluting our oceans, soils and delicate ecosystems.”

Executive Director of CARPHA  Dr Lisa Indar stated, “While plastics are useful and essential for some sectors, their mismanagement has become a public health and environment issue. Pathways allow microplastics and toxic chemicals from plastics to crossover into our food chain, affecting seafood with consequences to our health. CARPHA recommends multisector action as plastic pollution crosscuts many sectors – together, we can protect our health, our environment and our future.”

Officer in Charge CARPHA Environmental Health and Sustainable Development Department Shane Kirton added, “The region can benefit from access to green financing that ensures a transition away from high levels of plastic dependence. Additionally, global partnerships must be leveraged and scalable solutions developed, implemented and appropriately evaluated.”

Many CARPHA member states have already taken significant policy actions to combat plastic pollution by implementing bans on single-use plastics and styrofoam.

In 2021, CARICOM launched a regional strategy to reduce the generation and impact of plastic waste on the marine environment and human health – Clean Seas Caribbean.

CARPHA stated, “The Caribbean’s involvement in and copious preparation for the UN Global Plastic Pollution Treaty negotiations highlight the commitment of regional leaders to a coordinated global response. While progress is encouraging, accelerating action through stronger policies, finance and investment in green technologies and public engagement will be crucial to achieving a future where plastic production, consumption and waste are sustainably managed.”

CARPHA is encouraging persons to:

·       reduce single-use plastics in daily activities

·       support sustainable policies such as recycling, upcycling and waste-to-value initiatives

·       advocate for global collaboration