Belgians are aware of the plastic problem. Plastic pollution (61 percent) and water pollution (61 percent) are most often in their top 3 of most important environmental problems with the greatest impact on our society. Nevertheless, the majority of Belgians (68 pc) underestimate the annual amount of plastics that end up in our oceans, according to research by the NGO River Cleanup into the awareness and attitude of Belgians about the plastic problem and litter behaviour.
No less than 75 percent of Belgians are convinced that microplastics are harmful to their health. Yet only one in three – among young people even 50 percent of Belgians – thinks that there is nothing they can do themselves to combat plastic pollution.
Some 170,000 billion pieces, mostly microplastics, float on the surface of our oceans, according to new research. Microplastics are everywhere. “We consume up to 5 grams of microplastics per week, the equivalent of a bank card. The accumulation of plastic can lead to chronic inflammation, and if the particles are small enough, they can penetrate deep into our tissues.
According to the survey conducted by Ipsos among more than 1,000 Belgians between the ages of 16 and 65, 28 percent of Belgians do not sort PMD at work and 8 percent do not even sort at all, even though strict rules apply to sorting industrial waste. 22 percent also admit to leaving litter behind.
At least 62 percent of Belgians are willing to change their habits and reduce their plastic consumption. But tackling single-use disposable plastics is a shared responsibility, according to the Belgians. Although two out of three Belgians buy water in plastic bottles instead of drinking tap water, 77 percent initially look to producers and supermarkets, and 72 percent to the government when it comes to reducing plastic consumption. About 59 percent believe they can do more themselves.
Belgians are champions in drinking bottled water. No less than two out of three Belgians drink water from plastic bottles, even though the tap water is of excellent quality. “Bottled water is not only three hundred times more expensive, but also causes enormous CO2 emissions from production, bottling and transport. A family of four can save up to €1,200 a year by switching to tap water. In this way, the family saves thirty PMD bags of plastic waste per year,” says the NGO.
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