A flood of plastic

Plastic is mouldable, light, strong, waterproof and versatile. 

Different forms of plastic can help save energy, reduce food waste and support access to healthcare, safe drinking water and household products.

But after it has been used, this same plastic becomes solid waste. And if it is not managed properly it can pollute the soil, water and air, affecting the health of people, domestic animals, fish and wildlife. 

Globally, about 2 billion people do not have access to solid waste collection or recycling. This means they have little option but to dump or burn it. 

Plastic pollution

Today, half of all the plastic made is designed to be used only once before being thrown away. For example, water sachets. 

These have been both a good and a bad thing in many countries. They provide safe drinking water in small quantities for people who otherwise could not afford it. But the sachets are made from a complicated type of plastic that is almost impossible to recycle in a cost-effective way.

When plastic waste, such as sachets and bottles, ends up in rivers or drains it blocks the flow of water, increasing the risk of flooding. Flood water, often contaminated with human waste from flooded latrines and sewers, pollutes wells and other sources of drinking water. This increases the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera. 

As climate change leads to an increase in the likelihood of extreme weather events, such as heavy rain, the need to keep waterways and drains clear of plastic is becoming more and more critical. 

What needs to happen?

1. Reduce

   We need to substantially reduce the amount of single-use plastic being produced. And at the same time, the management of water resources needs to improve so people can have safe water without having to buy it in plastic sachets or bottles.

2. Recycle

   We need to ensure that plastic waste is collected and recycled or disposed of safely and responsibly. Local churches and other community groups can do a lot to help in this area. For ideas, read the Footsteps editions on ‘Waste’ and ‘Community-led advocacy’.

3. Commit

   We need binding, global commitments that hold governments and companies to account for their actions, such as the United Nations plastics treaty.

United Nations plastics treaty

By the end of 2024, leaders from more than 150 governments around the world are hoping to agree on the contents of a global plastics treaty. Tearfund is calling for this treaty to fully address how plastic pollution impacts people living in poverty.