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In the Circular economy system, products and materials in most cases, go through six processes.
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The processes are; maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.
Image: HANDOUT
The escalating annual discharge of microplastics into the ocean, coupled with the millions of tonnes of plastic waste, poses a severe threat to marine life.
The Clean Oceans Project Identification and Preparation (COPIP) is pushing for the adaptation of the circular economy system to save thousands of sea birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles among others.
They are advocating for a shift from a linear to a circular model of plastic life cycle management.
"Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade, as it can take up to 500 years to break down. When not properly disposed of, it leads to crisis," COPIP said in a statement.
"Much of plastic in the ocean comes from waste discharged on land from urban areas."
The circular economy is a system where materials don't become waste, it focuses on reducing waste to a minimum in tackling climate change.
In the system, products and materials in most cases, go through six processes.
The processes are; maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.
However, a linear economy is a system in which resources are extracted to make products that eventually end up as waste and are thrown away.
COPIP states that as much as there are no adequate instruments to comprehensively tackle plastic pollution using a circular economy, the system would create jobs in value chains including plastic waste collection, waste reuse, and recycling.
To fully work towards ensuring the oceans are not polluted, COPIP works with the European International Bank (EIB) in identifying, assessing and preparing for the implementation of solid waste, wastewater, and stormwater among other projects that contribute to reducing plastics to the ocean.
"Preserving the health of our oceans is key to tackling climate change and preserving our economic prosperity. Applying circular business models is the key to reducing plastic waste and winning the fight against ocean plastic pollution."
President William Ruto during the official opening of the Third Session of the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on ending plastic pollution, at the United Nations Office, Nairobi, said no one should be left behind in the shift from a linear to a circular model of plastic life cycle management.
"To deal with plastic pollution, humanity must change," he said.
"Innovation has moved humanity forward for centuries, helping people overcome numerous threats and challenges. The elimination of plastic pollution is a threat that demands innovation. This is the reality and challenges that industry and the private sector must accept and look for opportunities in other alternatives," Ruto noted.