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Total plastic production has grown exponentially in recent decades. According to the European Union, world plastic production has gone from 1.5 million tons in 1950 to 322 million tons in 2015.
It's an increase that goes hand-in-hand with the increase in waste, and plastic. Annually the production and incineration of plastic emits around 400 million tons of CO2 on the planet.
It could be reduced with better recycling processes and policies within countries. One is the Vatican, the smallest state in the world aims to be the first plastic-free.
RAFAEL TORNINI
Vatican Garden and Environment Service
“We aim primarily at differentiation of waste. We've reached a level of differentiation of urban waste equal to 55 percent. Our goal is, within three years, to have 70-75 percent differentiation.'
In the small State, in addition to being “Plastic Free,” collecting paper and cardboard is added. In 2018, they collected more than 350,000 pounds, and in until June 30 in 2019, they've collected nearly 310,000 pounds, a considerable increase.
The coordinator is Rafael Tornini. He says that these achievements line up with the pope's messages.
RAFAEL TORNINI
Vatican Garden and Environment Service
'We seek to follow the Holy Father's words in Laudato si' that to rebuild or safeguard the common home, 'we must reuse or recycle waste, maximizing their efficient use.''
In 2016, the Vatican's Ecological Island was created. This space serves as a storage point for recyclable waste. They are currently in a position to manage around 85 European waste codes.
RAFAEL TORNINI
Vatican Garden and Environment Service
“Within the eco-center we are now have two percent of undifferentiated trash. For now, the remaining 98 percent is managed well. All material is reused to produce other products.”
Undoubtedly, one of the ways to implement Pope Francis' message from 'Laudato si'' within the Vatican, is to confirm that human ecology is inseparable from the notion of common good for the common home.
Daniel Diaz Vizzi
Tranlation: Melissa Butz
