Worldwide, one million plastic bottles are sold every minute - this alone has a huge impact on our planet. The key word: micro plastics, which, over the years, eventually end up on our plates.
Minister for the Environment, Carole Dieschbourg, explained that we can find plastic in fish, birds, and even on Earth's highest mountains and at the deepest depths of the oceans.
A recent study proves that we do ingest plastic. Natural resources, climate protection and pollution are closely linked. Worldwide, only 9% of plastics are recycled. Luxembourg fares slightly better, but still only recycles about a third of our plastic waste.
Of course, plastics that aren't used don't need to be recycled. 56 companies in Luxembourg are trying to make this a reality, by reducing their reliance on plastics drastically. This step could avoid just over 145 tons of plastic waste, and raise awareness among some 33,000 employees.
The director of the network "Inspiring More Sustainability" in Luxembourg, Nancy Thomas, enumerates what plastic products will be phased out in these companies by the end of 2020 at the latest. It ranges from plastic cups, plastic bottles, packaging, plates and cutlery, to plastic straws or bags.
At many of the Grand Duchy's canteens the look of a serving tray will change dramatically. In doing so, Luxembourg shows more commitment than the decisions at the European level.
So called Eco-Boxes or straws made of stainless steel are already available in several locations around the country. This is a good start. The Ministry for the Environment, however, has even more ambitious goals, such as a deposit return scheme for bottles (Pfand), said Carole Dieschbourg.
The long-term aim is clear: a zero waste society in Luxembourg.
Video in Luxembourgish
