Reducing Plastic Use in Hotels and Restaurants: Brazilian Initiative
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI) is leading a global initiative to combat plastic pollution in the hotel and restaurant sector. The project, “Innovation ecosystem for circularity in the use of plastics: reducing consumption and eliminating single-use plastics in the hotel, restaurant, and café sector (HoReCa),” aims to develop innovative solutions to reduce the production and disposal of single-use plastics.
Focus on the Hotel and Restaurant Sector
The HoReCa sector consumes vast amounts of single-use materials. To combat this, the project promotes a circular economy, proposing alternatives to Disposable Plastics in production and consumption. Moreover, it seeks to eliminate synthetic waste in the supply chain. “The fight against plastic pollution is a top priority,” says Leandro Pedron, director of the MCTI’s Thematic Programs Department, driving efforts towards reducing plastic useage.
Implementation and Pilot Cities
Brazil will implement a US$9 million project in five coastal cities: Belém, Salvador, Santos, Florianópolis, and Rio de Janeiro, as well as São Paulo. Specifically, these cities stand out due to their high incidence of single-use litter and large companies producing synthetic materials. Furthermore, the selection of Belém was influenced by the COP, offering a valuable opportunity to promote the project and extend its impact, notes Rothier Siqueira, science and technology analyst at the General Coordination of Sciences for the Ocean and Antarctica of the MCTI, as part of the effort towards reducing plastic use.
Structure and Methodology
The project will focus on the “upstream” and “midstream” phases of the plastic life cycle, with the aim of eliminating single-use plastic and raising awareness among actors involved in the chain. This includes encouraging the replacement of plastic materials and redesigning products to reduce plastic use. “Eliminating plastic through recycling is not the ideal solution. So, the idea is to ‘turn off the tap’, that is, avoid the production of unnecessary plastic,” explains Siqueira.
Global Impact and International Cooperation
The initiative is part of GEF-8, engaging 14 other countries in the fight against waste. MCTI actively coordinates and executes the project, providing labor, equipment, and infrastructure support. Additionally, the Ministry contributes US$35 million over the project’s duration. This international cooperation tackles the global issue of single-use litter, driving efforts towards Reducing Plastic Use. Furthermore, joint actions will help mitigate the devastating impact of Disposable Plastics on the environment.
The Devastating Effects of Plastic Pollution
UNESCO warns that if no action is taken, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2040. Microplastics ingested by fish enter the human food chain, causing unknown health impacts. The environmental risks of plastic pollution are alarming, and immediate action is necessary to reduce plastic use impacts.
Next Steps
MCTI plans to organize seminars and meetings to track project progress and broaden discussions on synthetic waste. Meanwhile, MCTI remains committed to developing eco-friendly solutions to minimize the environmental harm of Disposable Plastics. By investing in innovative solutions and promoting a circular economy, the hotel and restaurant sector can pioneer Reducing Plastic Use. Additionally, this sector can create a more sustainable future by adopting environmentally responsible practices.
In conclusion, reducing plastic use in hotels and restaurants is a crucial step towards combating plastic pollution. The MCTI’s initiative is a significant step forward in promoting sustainable solutions and encouraging international cooperation. As the project progresses, it is essential to monitor its impact and continue to raise awareness about the devastating effects of plastic pollution.
Source: Government document