Community-based awareness-raising efforts, advocacy and innovations were showcased throughout this session - as well as the application of science and grass-roots knowledge. There was broad consensus on how education and awareness-raising is a vital component of the solution. It is crucial for citizens and civil society to lead from the local level and to upscale impact, whilst increasing pressure on governments and businesses, to implement change together. Effective communication of downscaled science and data can also support targeted interventions and solutions-thinking at the local level.

From youth engagement with major corporations and policy-influencing, to community building around the issue of waste reduction – the session focussed on eco-education, local level opportunities for intervention and scaling up impact. Ambitious and inspiring initiatives at the local and community level are focussing on solutions through strengthening policy, waste prevention, segregation, collection, organic waste treatment and education. Finding creative ways to convey vital messages through engagement and emersion was also discussed. Creative technology is being utilised by UNEP and others for conveying transformative messages on plastic waste reduction. Schools and universities play a vital role in changing perceptions and actions, with a reach way beyond the campus.

The session shed light on business solutions to increasing the value of post-consumer plastics. In the face of flawed collection systems and underdeveloped waste infrastructure, partnerships between businesses, communities and local governments can transform plastic waste into a valued resource. Tried and tested local solutions driven by the private sector include establishing take-back systems to recover high value plastic feedstock, such as waste collection centres and waste banks. By educating and training local communities, youth and waste pickers on separation and collection of plastics, and partnering with high-end consumer brands for upcycling, these initiatives can cost-effectively divert plastic from landfills and the environment and provide income opportunities. Examples of innovative tools to develop a social plastic ecosystem in partnership with businesses include the use of applications and blockchain technology to facilitate the recovery of plastic waste, create transparency and a lucrative and safe reward system.

Speakers demonstrated that retailers can lead the way by removing, reducing, and redesigning products and packaging at the consumer and production. Key mechanisms for change include establishing localized collection systems for recycling and upcycling that actively engage consumers and investing associated cost savings from the phase-out of plastic bags in a shift toward recyclable and recycled products. Developing long-term commitments for sustainability with suppliers can incentivize and de-risk change to transform supply chains. Consumer reward schemes are a simple vehicle to promote the use of reusable packaging and bags and participatory activities to upcycle hard-to-recycle products for socially responsible causes can effectively change consumer mindsets. The speakers called for local government action to develop effective waste management systems and consumer demand to drive system change, and emphasized the willingness of businesses to join hands and be part of the solution.

The session also launched the 2020 call for applications of the Asia Pacific Low Carbon Lifestyles Challenge. Calling all entrepreneurs, citizens, community leaders, activists, chefs, scientists and students - we invite you to apply for the Asia Pacific Low Carbon Lifestyles Challenge! We are looking for early stage start-ups that make sustainable goods and services more readily available. From low carbon mobility options, to products that reduce plastic waste, to solutions that reduce the carbon footprints of our lifestyles – pitch your solution to us for the chance to win US$10,000, training, production of your very own video, business mentorship from industry experts, and lots more.

This session looked at the requirements and opportunities to scale up current efforts at the community level to prevent plastic becoming waste. On the flip side, national policy-level interventions can incentivise businesses and community enterprises seek substitutes for plastics. National and local government working together on solutions is the key. National and local governments can partner by working together on multilevel partnerships on waste management, to ensure efforts can be replicated and are complementary. Examples were given of how local and national governments are already implementing successful and replicable initiatives, such as innovation in the recycling sector. Organizations such as Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) are bridging the national / local gap through working with both government partners and learning centres in East Asia to push for transformation. This effective partnership has led to the scaling up of local government marine debris initiatives, community-based garbage clean ups, waste collection and classification, and support for livelihood and social enterprise around marine plastics.

Other examples of successful and scalable locally/municipally focussed initiatives include World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) ‘No Plastics in Nature’ initiative and the ‘Plastic Smart Cities’ initiative – where cities make pledges to reduce plastic leakages and waste in their cities. There are even examples of ‘EcoTowns’ such as Kitakyushu in Japan. Various companies in Kitakyushu are developing and commercializing advanced technologies for waste plastic. This has national endorsement through the Japanese government ‘3R’s’ principles, and through support for renewable resource alternatives in the government’s plastic resource recycling strategies.