By Marinda Imakulata Tagiilima Leiataua
Plastics have been part of our lives before we were even born, and they continue to stay in our lives, creating more and more problems.
While they are used widely due to their versatility and different forms, it is important that we consider the effects they have on the environment , biodiversity and the welfare of our people if they are not managed well and disposed correctly.
Plastic pollution continues to be an issue worldwide, in addition to its many chemicals that leach out of everyday products and onto the food we eat and water we drink. This can impact our young children, our parents, families and friends, as well as the children we are to have.
With the Global Plastics Treaty, we are hopeful for the countries to end plastic pollution and its harms, while we continue to pick them out from our sidewalks, rivers, coastlines, homes, as well as reserves and natural habitats of our animals.
Marinda Imakulata Tagiilima Leiataua, 21-year-old, Samoa
The effects of these toxic chemicals from plastics, as well as plastic pollution, can impact the growth, health, quality of life, the future and environment of upcoming generations.
With the Global Plastics Treaty, we are hopeful for the countries to end plastic pollution and its harms, while we continue to pick them up from our sidewalks, rivers, coastlines and homes, as well as reserves and natural habitats of our animals.
As youth and as young people, this is a concern we should keep reminding our leaders to address. This is a space where our voices should be heard because we are living the reality of the effects of this issue, and so will our children.
At the same time, we should be the ones championing the change.
We should be the ones encouraging the use of reusable items, reducing plastic use, educating our schools and communities about the science behind plastic use and advocating and carrying out awareness campaigns for our communities on how we can work together towards being plastic-free.
