On May 24th you have the opportunity to participate in an extraordinary event where legislators from the region will meet to share their experiences in the development of plastic reduction laws, including the different components that these include from their local contexts. The event will address the vital role that laws play in the eradication and reduction of plastics, and will be attended by experts in the field to discuss different topics related to the urgent need to eradicate plastic pollution.

During the event, the new Global Plastics Treaty will be presented and will address how collaboration can be the key to effectively responding to this global problem.

It will also go through the role and status of women of different racial and ethnic groups as workers and agents of change to reduce plastic consumption, as well as policies that support women’s participation in the circular economy and reduce the barriers they face in accessing opportunities in this area.

The event will provide an opportunity to bring together legislators from the region to share their experiences and the process they followed to develop plastic reduction laws, as well as the different components they include from their local contexts. In this way, the vital role that laws play in the eradication and reduction of plastics will be addressed.

This event will be held in conjunction with different members and allies of the Circular Economy Coalition for LAC, including ParlAmericas, Ellen Macarthur Foundation, Wrap, and WWF. It will also include the participation of experts and speakers such as Jordi Pon, regional coordinator of the Chemicals and Waste subprogram of UNEP’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean; Andrea Cino, manager of international partnerships at WRAP; and Luisa Santiago, executive director for Latin America of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF).

Context

Regulatory frameworks are fundamental to the eradication and reduction of plastics, as they establish mandatory measures to reduce their use, production, and improper disposal. These legal instruments may include the prohibition of certain single-use plastic products, the imposition of taxes and tariffs to discourage the excessive use of plastics, the promotion of sustainable alternatives, the implementation of plastic collection and recycling systems, and the adoption of education and awareness-raising measures to encourage behavioral change in society, among others. In this regard, it is important to note that several countries in the region already have different laws in this area, such as Chile and Colombia, where laws have been passed that provide for Extended Producer Responsibility, which means that the manufacturer or importer must take responsibility for the product once its useful life is over.

Likewise, laws can establish responsibilities and obligations for the different actors in the plastic production and consumption chain, such as manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, to ensure that plastic reduction and proper management targets are met. They can also establish penalties and fines for those who fail to comply with the established regulations.

For all these reasons, this event is a great opportunity for dialogue and analysis of a key area in the eradication of plastic pollution.

Access the agenda and registration here. The event will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.