Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a coalition of aquariums and zoos for aquatic conservation, has praised the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ambitious actions throughout the full lifecycle of plastics to end plastic pollution, announced on 19 July.
The White House has released the Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities report and set a goal to phase out single-use plastics from federal procurement for food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and all federal operations by 2035.
Kim McIntyre, executive director, ACP, says: “We are thrilled that the Biden-Harris Administration is taking the plastic pollution crisis seriously and ‘walking the talk’ by committing to eliminate single-use plastic across the federal government.
“Aquarium Conservation Partnership members stand ready to share how we have successfully reduced single-use plastics in our own operations and inspired others to do the same.”
“Ambitious action”
“We thank the Administration for recognizing the significant breadth and scale of the impact of plastic pollution on our communities, ocean and freshwater environments and wildlife, climate, and public health and, in response, catalyzing a whole-of-government strategy and detailed road map for federal action ahead. Today, the United States has seized upon a renewed leadership role in addressing the plastic pollution crisis,” says a statement from ACP.
Cynthia W. Spanoulis, president and CEO of Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, an ACP member, comments: “We deeply appreciate the Administration’s recognition of the widespread impact of plastic pollution on our communities, environments, and health, and we stand ready to support and contribute to this essential effort. We urge continued leadership and ambitious action at both national and global levels to address this urgent crisis.”
According to research, the majority of Americans are worried about plastic pollution and support national and international initiatives to combat it. The US generates more plastic waste than any other country in the world, both per capita and in total mass. The measures identified in this report illustrate the Administration’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle and provide a foundation for federal agencies to take action.
With this report, the US government has formally recognised the severity of the plastic pollution crisis and the scale of response required. It acknowledges the extensive evidence of the harm of plastic pollution and clearly connects environmental justice, human health, and climate change issues with environmental concerns.
John Racanelli, president and CEO, National Aquarium, an ACP member, says: “The environmental and public health impacts of too much plastic production disproportionately harm low-income areas and communities of color, and all levels of government must act to address this issue.
“The National Aquarium is committed to stopping plastic pollution and commends this administration for its leadership in planning to phase out single-use plastics across the federal government, which will benefit people, wildlife and our ocean planet.”
Global challenge
The ACP commends the strategy’s identification of new actions and changes which can be adopted across the federal government. These will address plastic pollution at every stage of the plastic lifecycle, and include restrictions on the production and consumption of virgin single-use plastic. The strategy urges the international community to also commit to bold measures to eradicate plastic pollution and establishes a clear guiding framework for all branches of the federal government.
“Our aquariums take action every day to reduce the sources of plastic pollution that are harming our ocean and freshwater environments and our communities,” continues ACP.
“In addition to educating millions on the impacts of plastic pollution and urging stronger plastic reduction policies and laws at the local, state, federal, and global level, our aquariums and zoos have significantly reduced single-use plastics in our cafés and operations. As such, we also wholeheartedly support the administration’s new goal to phase out single-use plastics.
“We hope today’s call by the Biden-Harris administration for further action by the global community will help drive positive change for wildlife, ecosystems, and people worldwide. We encourage the United States to confirm its leadership in the fight against the global challenge of plastic pollution by advocating for a strong and ambitious Global Plastic Treaty this year.
“Finally, we urge all federal leaders to continue to use all available tools and authorities to continue to develop effective actions to achieve the goals outlined in the report.”
The announcement sets out an approach to tackle plastic pollution and is a positive turning point in how the US government can promote a healthier future for everyone. The ACP’s aquariums and zoos are ready to work with the federal government and others to achieve these ambitious goals to end plastic pollution.
Last month, Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) announced that it is collaborating with the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, which champion the work of individuals committed to excellence in ocean conservation. This collaboration highlights the two organisations’ shared commitment to ocean conservation and will expand the reach and impact of the prestigious awards.
