The region’s plastic challenge

 

The Caribbean, celebrated for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, stands at the forefront of an escalating environmental crisis.

The islands face a dire plastic challenge, with waste generation at 2.30 kg per person daily, significantly surpassing the global average of 1.55 kg.

The rapid increase in global plastic production, which escalated from 1.5 million tonnes in 1950 to a staggering 348 million tonnes by 2017, has placed the Caribbean in a precarious position, rendering it the second most plastic-contaminated sea after the Mediterranean.

A vast quantity of this plastic bypasses effective waste management systems, ending up in waterways and the sea, tarnishing the region’s picturesque beauty.

A daunting tide

Recognising the urgency of the situation, 14 Caribbean countries have taken decisive action by implementing various bans on Styrofoam, plastic bags or other plastic products as of January 2019. According to the World Bank report titled, Marine Pollution in the Caribbean: Not a Minute to Waste, these bans represent a crucial step towards mitigating marine pollution, showcasing the Caribbean’s commitment to the global fight against plastic waste. Despite these efforts, the challenge persists, highlighting the need for continued action and innovation in tackling plastic pollution. Haiti and Antigua and Barbuda, for example, banned Styrofoam and plastic bags in 2013 and 2016 respectively, as part of their initiatives to combat marine pollution.