Policy is about merging best practice plastic management strategies with the needs of our communities and the health of our planet. The Policy component provides support with global decision making for better programs and practices.
The pillar combines a bottom up and top down approach by identifying the needs of civil society and government to target every day choices, decisions and actions: what we buy, what we eat, what we do for work, how we transport ourselves, etc. The Policy Pillar incorporates the evaluation of current policies and regulations, and civil society engagement for reduction and management strategies.
The policy tools and solutions that the OLF utilizes includes:
Marine Debris Solutions program, a pilot project to illustrate how other communities can create change;
Harmonious collaboration and liaison with volunteers, non-government organizations, Indigenous, federal, provincial, regional and local governments, industry and international partners to move towards:
Restrictions (bans) on certain products and packaging (single use) that pose specific threats to the environment (use bans);
Prohibiting the disposal of materials that can be recycled (disposal bans); and
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) standards
The end goal of this pillar is to support the development and implementation of sustainable international policies that will help to end plastic pollution.
Worldwide change begins with dedicated and well-informed individual action. We all need to understand the problem and potential solutions. Knowledge drives innovation.
Policy is about merging best practice plastic management strategies with the needs of our communities and the health of our planet. Advocating for better programs and practices globally.
Plastic pollution is a result of waste mismanagement and the over consumption of plastic. Many countries lack adequate infrastructure to manage wastes, resulting in materials being discarded inappropriately.
The Cleanup component assists communities in removing plastic pollution from ecologically sensitive environments. It also provides opportunities for citizens to witness plastic pollution and to partake in action-based engagement.