often ends up in our planet s oceans. In the form of macro or micro-waste, this pollution is disastrous for marine ecosystems, and, as a consequence, for mankind. A global scourge, which requires the mobilisation of stakeholders, political, scientific, associative or economic.

If nothing is done, by 2050, the world s oceans will contain more plastic than fish. This alarming forecast, from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, highlights the urgency in acting to stop the pollution of our oceans by plastic. Marine animals ingesting macro-waste can be injured or suffocate a recent study revealed the presence of this marine waste in 100% of sea turtle and 40% of sea birds1. Due to the waves and sunlight, the waste breaks up into micro-waste invisible to the naked eye. Transported by ocean currents, they build up in the major oceanic gyres, forming plastic soup . The dissemination process also helps the proliferation of invasive species, which cause untold damage to sensitive eco-systems. During their breakdown, they give off a number of toxic chemical substances, with a direct impact on marine life. Finally, when mixed in with plankton, they are ingested by fish, which in turn are eaten by larger species, and-so-on up the food chain.

We are aware than 80% of marine plastic waste has a terrestrial source, drained by water courses or thrown away on the coasts. Faced with these problems, solutions exist, and must be implemented at all levels. Upstream through a reduction in the consumption, and thus the production, of plastics. In this field a key role is played by public awareness campaigns, supported by regulations. The banning of single-use plastic bags in a number of countries is a perfect example of progress in the field. In France, this has been the case since the 1st July 2016.

Those parties, like SUEZ, active in the circular economy, propose solutions covering the full length of the water and waste cycles. By improving collection and treatment systems for waste, preventing plastic reaching the natural environment. By working towards promoting the expansion of plastics recovery systems, creating energy, biogas, and recycling it into secondary raw materials. By regarding plastic waste as a resource, helping create the conditions required for a circular economy of plastic. More than ever before, this direction appears imperative, when we see that just 30% of plastic waste is currently being recycled in Europe, compared with 9% in the United States and 25% in Japan2. Throughout the world, initiatives are springing up in favour of this new economy, led by industrials, small & medium-sized enterprises, non- governmental organisations or even private individuals. Manufacturing new objects from plastic waste collected in the oceans; developing R&D programmes aimed at improving plastic recovery, or even integrating the issue of recycling into the initial product design; imagining financial incentives for recycling, including deposit-based systems...

Measures can also be implemented further upstream in the water cycle to prevent marine pollution: through optimised management of storm waters, which can

If nothing is done, by 2050, the world s oceans will contain more plastic than fish.

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