The European Commission has launched its public consultation on measures to be taken in the EU to combat microplastic and nanoplastic pollution.
It is increasingly clear how the environmental crisis can drag with it a problem of animal health and food safety. And it is time to take action with effective solutions.
The consultation is open to all European citizens, from 22.2 to 17.5.22. (1)
Microplastic pollution, measures under consideration
First and foremost, the European Commission’s initiative aims to expand knowledge about the causes and impacts of microplastic pollution on the environment and public health.
Measures under consideration include labeling, standardization, certification and rules on major sources of microplastics, i.e., fragments with diameter <5 mm. The problem must be addressed at the source.
Microplastics and nanoplastics, the sources
Agro-plastics – mulching sheets, silage films, greenhouses and tunnels, irrigation pipes, nets and ropes, containers of agrochemicals – is one of the most widespread and still underestimated problems, as highlighted by the European Court of Auditors (2021). Fishing gear is another serious problem with no solution to date, which is in fact also being sought in EU research projects such as #EcoeFISHent.
Plastic packaging is the other cause highlighted by the ECA. The commitments made by Big Food have proven to be inconsistent, greenwashing according to recent scientific research(Phalan et al., 2022). The imperative is to reduce the use of plastics, promote bulk sales and reuse of containers for food and beverages, cosmetics, detergents, etc. Not to mention synthetic fibers in garments and fabrics.
Environment and health
From fresh and saltwaters, soils, and the atmosphere, microplastics, as seen, migrate into aquatic organisms, drinking water, fruits and vegetables, and other foods.
The inexorable fate is the human body’s exposure to microplastics and especially nanoplastics, which enter tissues as early as the placenta, and environmental and dietary exposure in the early years of life.
Stimuli and initiatives
The public consultation follows the input collection phase, which ended on 18.1.22. A useful opportunity to share initiatives already undertaken-such as deposit with deposit systems and various others-and possible solutions to mitigate microplastic pollution.
The web page dedicated to the initiative collects the notes so far submitted by businesses, nonprofit and environmental organizations, and citizens. A collection of information that is also useful for local governments and operators who wish to explore new perspectives on the circular economy.
Marta Strinati and Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) European Commission. Microplastic pollution – measures to reduce its impact on the environment. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12823-Inquinamento-da-microplastiche-misure-per-ridurne-limpatto-sullambiente_it
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
