It is important to listen and take heed of what is happening to our oceans - Photo:canva.com
Plastic Free July shines a spotlight on possibilities that anyone can make to reduce the use of single-use plastic disposables. The global initiative aims to raise awareness about the harms of plastic pollution, reduce its occurrence and push for lasting solutions to this waste crisis. Plastic Free July says people can get involved by taking stock of plastics in their lives and choosing one or more items to avoid. The momentum grows from there.
Columban missionaries are at the forefront of collaborative work to influence policy at key local and international events for the protection and regeneration of Earth’s living systems, and to support the engagement of people of faith in caring for God’s creation. Marine pollution was one of the areas of action that was highlighted at the recent United Nations Ocean Conference held in Lisbon, Portugal from June 27th until July 1st. Columban missionaries partnered with a number of Church agencies in side-events at the conference, to share experience and insights which were broadcast around the world.
The world’s oceans cover seventy percent of Earth’s surface and are home to eighty percent of life on the planet. Oceans have been described as the blue heart of our planet. Plastic waste is an example of marine pollution that is a serious problem for the world’s oceans and the living beings that call them home. Plastic waste kills millions of sea birds, mammals and fish each year by entanglement and ingestion. Micro-pieces of plastic are also passed along the food chain, including to human beings, posing risks to millions of coastal people including many who rely on their local environment for survival. Most of the plastic waste in the oceans originates from the land through littering, illegal dumping and inadequate waste management processes. Plastic waste is carried by waterways and urban stormwater into oceans and is transported by currents to wreak havoc worldwide.
Tevita Naikasowalu, Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation coordinator in Fiji said the ocean is a primary place of belonging for Fijians, it is an essential source of people’s food, is a means of travel and features strongly in traditional song and dance. Tevita said the ocean “is like a mother who continues to hold us no matter what.” He said it is important to listen and take heed of what is happening to our oceans.
In many ways Columban missionaries contribute to the Church’s mission in urging for the protection of God’s creation. In an address to the United Nations in 2017, the former Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter Turkson stated: “we cannot pretend to ignore the problems of ocean pollution resulting, for example, from plastic and micro-plastics in the oceans.” The Cardinal said: “to care for this common inheritance necessarily involves rejecting cynical or indifferent ways of acting.”
In February 2023, Victoria will join other states in Australia to begin the ban of single use plastic items in sales and supply chains, through new legislation. Single use plastics are used for a short period of time and then become waste. Many single use plastics are difficult to recycle and often contaminate recycling collections and processing. In addition, plastic products that are marketed as compostable need to be treated in designated facilities in order to break down, otherwise they remain in the environment after use just like other plastics.
Plastic Free July is an opportunity to raise awareness about the plastic pollution that impacts everyone. Catholic Earthcare Australia and Plastic Free July have produced ideas to help people make choices to reduce the use of plastic in their lives.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
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