Hello,

In this report, I am going to write about the changes which I would like to introduce in the policies – both in my region, but actually all around the world. It is good to start from yourself, but my dream is to spread the change all around me.

The first thing which I would like to mention is plastic pollution. We overuse plastic bottles, straws, bags or other packages. Plastic is prevalent, but we actually don't notice it. However, in many countries changes started happening and it should be also considered to introduce them in a wider sense. For example, many restaurants withdraw straws at all or replace them with biodegradable substitutes in my region[i]. And it is all done from environmental consciousness. A great campaign has been started to promote resigning from this application of plastic[ii]. Plastic straws are made of material which belong to one that is most difficult to recycle, and therefore pollutes sea waters and contributes to the decrease in population of sea animals. While banning straws might seem like a small change, it can be a symbol of the revolution in the use of plastic. In the same time, I am not talking about resigning from straws at all. Many people need to use them, for example due to health conditions. However, if it is not a necessity, they should be withdrawn.

Also, supermarkets and shops are starting to introduce plastic bags for which you have to pay. I think shops should be encouraged to introduce more alternatives to plastic bags, such as paper bags. I think the rules should be set how much plastic bags in comparison with paper bags is sold monthly in each tore. If such rules are clear, it would be easier to follow them and our goals to minimise the consumption of plastic will be reached. It is a rule of a thumb that if our targets are measureable, it is easier to achieve them. As a result, clear numbers when it comes to the reduction of plastic use should be included in year plans of companies and countries development.

 Even though, at the check-out, more and more stores resign from plastic bags, that is not always true for the "fruit and veg" section, according to my observation. Usually, customers are encouraged to pack the vegetables in plastic bags, if they are not already packed. Such habits significantly increase the plastic pollution, but can be actually resolved quite easily. In addition, I have observed that many fruits are already packed in plastic boxes, in set portions. In my opinion, such methods of packaging should be withdrawn – it significantly increases the amount of used plastic. Firstly, it has a detrimental effect on the environment. Secondly, if a customer wants to take more fruit, he or she needs to take two times more boxes instead of packing the fruit into a one bag, which significantly increase plastic consumption.

Moreover, I believe a rule should be introduced that each customer should be able to ask for the possibility to pour a drink in its own reusable cup, if only disposable ones are provided by the restaurant. It would significantly decrease the use of raw materials, be financially beneficial both for the restaurants and customers, as it should be considered that resignation from disposable cups should be accompanied by the reduction of a prize of the bought product.

To round up the array of policies which I would introduce in terms of plastic consumptions, I would like to introduce the obligation to separate different types of waste to allow effective recycling process. It should be made compulsory, so that each personal contributes to the improvement of the state of the environment.  At the moment, these rules vary from place to place, but I think they should be uniform. Although many opponents might raise the issue that it might cause inconvenience, I know from my own experience that it is a matter of practice. After just a couple of days, throwing a plastic bottle into a concrete bin turns into a habit. After a couple of weeks, you cannot imagine doing it in any other way.

In conclusion, I think minimizing the plastic consumption should become a goal both for the companies and the governments not only in my region, but all around the world. While there are areas where plastic cannot be replaced, such as in medicine or research in order to provide high hygiene, restaurants and grocery stores should be encouraged to reduce the use of that material. The aim should be to set clear targets with the aim to minimise plastic consumption. Straight-forward goals in the form of numbers to meet will encourage people, companies and restaurants to shift the pro-ecological solutions.