Can plastics in the Pacific be considered waste colonialism?

Yes, according to a group of researchers from the University of Newcastle. Personally, I tend to agree, considering that Pacific island are import-dependent countries and have to deal with a huge amount of plastics although as little as 1.3 percent of it originates there.

In fact, due to their location, pacific islands have been excessively and unfairly impacted by plastic waste. Waste colonialism has had an adverse impact on the spiritual, cultural, social and economic connection the pacific people have with their ocean homeland.

Making the rights and needs of Indigenous people a priority, rather than the interests of settler-colonizers and commercial corporations, is essential to turning the tide of plastic pollution and putting a stop to plastic dumping.

“Pacific peoples have the solution, and they have the science, they have managed and protected their ocean for thousands of years.”

Thank you Brittany King for sharing!