For 14 years, artist Ben Von Wong has transformed plastic pollution into inspiring works of art, raising awareness about the burgeoning global plastics crisis and climate change with unmatched style.
Now our Plastic Pollution Coalition youth activists are joining Ben Von Wong and turning their attention towards the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), where government and industry leaders will discuss measures to accelerate action on climate change.
Plastic is pollution by design which contributes to climate change at every stage of its life cycle. From the extraction of raw petroleum or natural gas materials to eventual disposal, the toxic impacts of plastic cannot be ignored. Clean-up efforts and false solutions like recycling are not enough. The message from Ben Von Wong and the Plastic Pollution Coalition Youth Ambassadors is clear: To tackle climate change, world leaders must also address plastic pollution at the source and TURN OFF THE PLASTIC TAP!
The world’s youth may only be 18% of the population today, but they are 100% of the future. That is why the Plastic Pollution Coalition Youth Ambassadors have created a list of 10 CALLS TO ACTION for world leaders attending COP26 to end single-use plastic pollution, as well as a list of other goals pertaining to environmental health and justice. They are asking that world leaders:
1. ELIMINATE NON-ESSENTIAL SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
2. INVEST IN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
3. FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
4. ALLOCATE RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
5. ADDRESS HUMAN EXPOSURE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS
6. EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE IMPACTS OF PLASTIC – FROM PRODUCTION TO DISPOSAL
7. ADDRESS THE POLLUTION OF WATER SOURCES BY FOSSIL FUEL AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPANIES
8. ADDRESS THE POLLUTION OF AIR BY FOSSIL FUEL AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPANIES
9. PROVIDE EQUITABLE, DEMOCRATIC RECOURSE FOR COMMUNITIES MOST AFFECTED
BY PLASTIC POLLUTION
10. TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO END THE CLIMATE CRISIS
TAKE ACTION TO TURN OFF THE PLASTIC TAP
- If you are an artist, find out how to get involved with Ben Von Wong’s campaign here.
- Sign on to support our Plastic Pollution Coalition Youth Ambassador 10 CALLS TO ACTION here.
