To the initiatives of citizens, businesses, local governments and the Executive Power, a regulatory framework must be added that establishes restrictions on the excessive consumption of single-use plastics . This was the main conclusion reached by the participants in the Peru Without Pollution Forum, organized by the Commission of Andean, Amazonian and Afro-Peruvian Peoples, Environment and Ecology, chaired by Congressman Wilbert Rozas.
The event was attended by the Minister of the Environment, Fabiola Muñoz, as well as Carmen Heck, Director of Policies of Oceana Peru, entities that lead the campaign I do not want this in my Ceviche , developed by the creative agency McCann.
“The reduction by plastic pollution is not a fad, it is a critical issue for people’s health, the impacts are not only in our sea, but also in our gastronomy. For this reason, we seek a cultural change in the country, since living in a healthy environment must matter to all of us. ”Stated the Minister of the Environment, Fabiola Muñoz.
Participants agreed that the circular economy is essential to reduce plastic pollution in the Peruvian sea and its impacts on fauna and its risks to human health. For this reason, the legal opinions approved so far in Congress have focused on single-use plastics such as straws, bags, technopor and plastic containers, among others, that make up half of the plastic garbage that we dispose of.
They agreed that the circular economy is the answer to the increasing contamination by single-use plastics from the Peruvian sea.
“Recycling as a pore is not the only solution, the main focus should always be on reducing the amount of plastics we consume. We only recycle 0.3% and saying that we are going to emphasize 100% is an illusion ”, indicated Carmen Heck, Director of Policies for Oceana, an organization that has provided technical recommendations throughout the process.
“Reduce, reuse and recycle are key words, they are a great weapon to reduce plastic pollution,” said Congressman Wilbert Rozas, who noted that more than thirty countries in the world have some type of regulation in this regard, for what urges that the discussion to approve a law be scheduled in plenary.
The meeting was also attended by chef Arlette Eurlette from Matria restaurant, who along with 12 other Peruvian chefs are the faces of the campaign “I don’t want to be in my Ceviche, as well as Christian CaldWell, creative vice president of McCann in Peru, creative agency of the campaign. . At the same time, Mariela Peña Vivanco, from the Sustainability Management of the Municipality of San Isidro and Rayda Romero from the Qapac Runa company participated.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.