S M M Musabbir Uddin

Plastic, once celebrated for its convenience and versatility, has now become a symbol of environmental degradation. Since the 1950s, more than 9 billion tons of plastic have been produced, but only 9% has been recycled. The rest has either been incinerated, sent to landfills, or worse, dumped into our natural ecosystems — especially our oceans. Over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, entangling marine life, poisoning food chains, and creating vast floating garbage patches. On land, microplastics have been found in soil, drinking water and even in the human bloodstream.

Therefore, in 2025, the urgency to tackle plastic pollution is greater than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in single-use plastic items such as masks, gloves and packaging. Although these items were essential for health and safety, their environmental impact has been precarious. This year’s theme reinforces the idea that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but a socio-economic one as well. It affects livelihoods, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and public health. Low-income communities often suffer the most from plastic-related pollution due to poor waste management systems.

However, to “Beat Plastic Pollution”, a multifaceted approach is required. Thankfully, several innovations and policy measures are making waves:

Circular Economy Models: Instead of the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model, the circular economy promotes reuse, recycling and redesign. Companies and startups are creating biodegradable alternatives to plastic, such as packaging made from seaweed, mushroom roots or banana peels.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Governments are increasingly implementing EPR policies that make manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products. This includes collection, recycling and final disposal.

Community-led Initiatives: Grassroots movements around the world are leading clean-up drives, zero-waste campaigns and plastic-free community programmes. These efforts prove that individual and local actions can collectively lead to massive change.

While policies and innovation are critical, public participation is equally important. In Bangladesh, plastic pollution has become a growing concern, especially in urban areas like Dhaka and Chattogram. The country generates over 800,000 tons of plastic waste annually, with only 36% being recycled. The rest ends up in rivers, drains and landfills, often leading to waterlogging and environmental hazards. However, Bangladesh has also been a pioneer in some respects. In 2002, it became the first country in the world to ban plastic shopping bags. In recent years, several initiatives — from plastic road-building projects to community recycling centres — have emerged to tackle the problem. But much more needs to be done.

World Environment Day 2025 is not just about highlighting the problem — it is about driving change. The theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” encourages us to rethink our relationship with plastic and to embrace sustainable living. We must view this as an opportunity to innovate, collaborate and act. From policymakers and industry leaders to schoolchildren and local communities, everyone has a role in this fight. The choices we make today — what we consume, how we dispose of waste, and how we advocate for change — will shape the world of tomorrow. As we observe this important day, let us remember that the earth does not belong to us alone. It is a shared home — for humans, animals, and future generations. The time to beat plastic pollution is now.

_____________________________________

The writer is a student of Universal Medical College