The theme of World Environment Day which fell on 5 June 2023, was to concentrate on providing action-led efforts to mitigate plastic pollution under the theme of the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign. Sri Lanka as a country is one of the leading polluters of the sea, yet evidently, the country is not featured on the list this year due to the remedial action taken by all stakeholders.
In this context, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) continues its sustainable effort with its stakeholders, especially among the staff to create awareness of plastic pollution and its responsible usage. The Environment Management Department of the BOI organised an awareness programme on World Environment Day. The lecture delivered by Janaka Wijesekara on the topic of “Beating plastic pollution and spotlighting solutions to plastic pollution” shared expert knowledge on plastic usage and impact, further expected behaviours of individuals.
On this occasion, BOI Director General Renuka Weerakone pointed out that the Board of Investment firmly believes that sustainable development and economic growth go hand in hand. With this principle in mind, we have made it our mission to foster investment in environmentally conscious industries. By attracting both local and foreign investments, we encourage the adoption of alternative materials, innovative manufacturing processes, and effective waste management practices to combat plastic pollution.
The world is overwhelmed with plastic. It is mainly human behaviour of irresponsible usage of the past catastrophic disposable habits and it makes the world become an inhabitable place. It is evident that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and with the inhumane motive of only for profit, mind-set plastic manufacturers designed it to be used only once.
According to the UN Environment Programme, of the total usage of plastics, less than 10% is recycled. About 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers, and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, seeps into the ocean, and turns into toxic fumes, making it one of the most serious threats to the planet.
The recycling of plastic also continues its pollution due to the realisation of microplastic into the air, and aquatic population, contaminating fish stock in the sea and ending up in the food chain. The contaminated sea stock and human consumption of it will lead to high-risk health issues in the world masses.
Science will help in managing the risk of plastic contamination with alternative innovations. Further, immediate invention of legislators, and more responsible and mindful consumption behaviours of humans is needed to mitigate the situation. If not, the rest of the ecosystem will be destroyed.