SUP-Directive
Single use plastics, most of which come from packaging, is an ever larger source of the plastic soup. The European Union intends to take action and has thus compiled the SUP-Directive.
Source of Plastic Pollution
It is more efficient to tackle a problem at the source than to combat the harmful effects afterwards. This principle means that combating an environmental problem must be done at the source. Think of cleaning up beaches: we would go on doing that forever if we don’t tackle the source of plastic pollution and stop having plastic washed up at shores. Because this principle can be applied for each type of waste, we can find out which items are most commonly found as litter and make policies for them, such as a single-use plastic ban.
Dolly rope as a source of plastic pollution
Dolly rope is used to protect trawling nets used for bottom fishing in the North Sea. These are long threads of polyethylene; orange, black or blue. Dolly rope is one source of plastic pollution and one of the most common types of marine debris found on Dutch beaches. It is estimated that Dutch fisheries use 40,000 kilograms of dolly rope annually. Northern gannets on the German island of Heligoland use it as nesting material with the horrible consequence that many birds hang themselves. Application of the source principle means that an alternative must be found that protects the nets against wear at least as well as dolly rope does. The fisheries sector has been looking for a solution for years, but so far to no avail.
Single-use plastic ban
In a new directive concerning single-use plastics, the European Union prohibits member states from selling certain plastic products from 2021 onwards. This single-use plastic ban concerns products that are frequently found in the environment and for which alternatives are offered on the market. An example is plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks) that is thrown away after being used once or twice. Dutch supermarket chain PLUS circumvents this source policy. The company advertises that their plastic cutlery can be washed at least 100 times and is, therefore, an environmentally friendly product. Many companies come up with gimmicks to continue selling environmentally-polluting products and thus avoid the single-use plastic ban.
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Precautionary Principle
What measures already exist to prevent ocean pollution, and how can they be reinforced?
Polluter Pays Principle
The polluter pays principle is that someone is financially responsible for the elimination of the pollution they cause.
Extended producer responsibility
The extended producer responsibility applies when it comes to plastic packaging and littering. However, little has been done so far.
