According to a 2021 IFOP survey, 9 out of 10 French people hold consumers responsible for waste left in nature. However, behind these instances of illegal dumping, the "litterers" do not always fit a single individual profile.
Ultimately, it matters little whether individual actions are singled out. Some companies, aware that the products scattered in nature came from their factories, have decided to take the lead rather than bury their heads in the sand. 🙈
It is true that theplastics industry, which is often criticized, would at first glance have every reason to contribute to this cause. So, what initiatives is the sector deploying to stem the phenomenon of illegal dumping?
Is plastic waste too often trivialized?
3 concrete actions by the plastic bottle industry to fight against illegal dumping
1. Investment in video surveillance systems
2. The waste mural: a visual awareness-raising tool
3. Participatory collection and recycling programs
Abandoned waste that is more shocking than others
PFAS: a perilously trendy subject
Can the plastic bottle industry do without PFAS?
In short
Although awareness campaigns are multiplying, the visual shock of seeing piles of trash seems to be fading, and paradoxically, this phenomenon tends to disturb public opinion less and less.
According to the same IFOP survey mentioned in the introduction, it is not so much the pollution itself that bothers the French, but rather the act of incivility it represents: 46% of respondents consider it primarily a lack of respect, rather than a real ecological threat.
This perception raises questions: is the public really aware of the extent of the environmental damage caused by these illegal dumps? And if not, who is responsible for the lack of awareness regarding these small daily actions that cause increasing pollution?
Businesses are not the only ones taking action to raise awareness and encourage better consumer habits. The government has obviously taken its share of responsibility in combating illegal dumping by classifying these acts as punishable offenses and passing new laws to make sanctions more stringent.
Beyond these punitive measures, what positive steps can industries take to drive concrete change?
Some companies are taking a proactive approach by investing in surveillance equipment to deter illegal dumping on their premises or in high-risk areas. Installing video surveillance cameras also helps identify perpetrators or repeat offenders.
Another initiative is to raise awareness among employees who, beyond their roles at the company, are also everyday citizens. The waste mural is an innovative tool that helps companies and organizations engage their staff in waste management issues.
Accessible to everyone with no prior knowledge required, it strengthens team cohesion by sparking collective discussions on best practices for sorting and reducing waste. This mural fosters a culture of awareness.
Some companies are making it easier to return used packaging ♻️ by using lockers or collection bins placed in strategic locations. This allows plastic waste to be reintegrated into the recycling loop, ultimately resulting in products made entirely from recycled materials (rPET).
Of course, there are many other solutions companies are implementing to combat illegal dumping, such as:
In its study, the IFOP also highlights a psychological phenomenon: some types of waste are visually more disturbing than others. Volume and size Abandoned objects influence our perception of the seriousness of the act.
For instance, a bulky 100-liter box left on the side of the road is more annoying than a small glass yogurt jar, even though the latter takes much longer to degrade in nature. 😉
The material of the waste also plays a role in how it is perceived.
For example, 91% of French people say they are disturbed by the sight of abandoned plastic packaging. On the other hand, small waste, such as cigarette butts or paper tissues, is more tolerated despite its significant environmental impact.
Faced with the normalization of waste and the threat it poses to both the environment and public health, some companies in the plastics industry are taking steps to reverse the trend.
Whether by investing in video surveillance to deter illegal dumping or by incorporating recycled materials into manufacturing processes, many companies, such as Ozembal, have committed to taking an active stand.
While these actions are commendable, they cannot succeed without collective awareness!
Collaboration between businesses, consumers, and public authorities is essential to sustainably shift mindsets and reduce our waste levels. 🌿
