In the coastal city of Taizhou, in China’s eastern Zhejiang Province, 74-year-old fisherman Chen Xiafang has found a new way to supplement his income while contributing to environmental preservation. “Every day, I spend my spare time picking up plastic waste along the coastline and sending it to the Little Blue House,” said Chen, referring to a marine garbage treatment site responsible for recycling and sorting marine plastic waste. His efforts earn him a monthly payment of around 700 yuan.
This grassroots initiative is part of a larger program in Zhejiang Province aimed at tackling marine plastic pollution. In 2023, this program, which brings together over 6,000 individuals and more than 200 enterprises, received the United Nations’ most prestigious environmental recognition. The program visually traces the recycling and remanufacturing process of marine plastics, benefiting participating fishermen like Chen while effectively reducing pollution in coastal waters.
Since its inception, more than 61,600 people have participated in the project, collecting approximately 10,936 tons of marine debris, including about 2,254 tons of plastic waste, according to Lang Wenrong, director of the Ecological Environment Department of Zhejiang Province.
China’s commitment to improving waste management extends beyond marine environments. Today, on International Zero Waste Day—a day highlighting the global need for better waste management and sustainable consumption—the country’s efforts are particularly noteworthy. The United Nations General Assembly declared March 30 as International Day of Zero Waste to promote responsible production and consumption patterns worldwide.
China has been investing heavily in infrastructure and technology to enhance waste management practices. Innovative solutions such as waste-to-energy plants and advanced recycling facilities are being explored to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills.
Recently, the government in Zhejiang Province issued the “Zhejiang Food Delivery Plastic Zero Waste Program” to promote the reduction and recycling of plastics used in food delivery services. The plan outlines the establishment of a “zero waste” operational model for food delivery plastics in key areas such as universities by the end of 2023. By the end of 2025, this model is expected to be promoted in various settings, including schools, commercial buildings, and communities.
According to the plan, Zhejiang will collaborate with food delivery platforms, merchants, university representatives, disposal enterprises, restaurant associations, and recycling associations to establish a province-wide alliance focused on reducing plastic in food delivery. Waste collection facilities will be set up in areas with significant amounts of plastic waste from food delivery. For example, food delivery platform companies will be responsible for installing collection facilities in university dormitories and cafeterias, with universities managing the ongoing operation and maintenance of these facilities.
These initiatives reflect China’s broader approach to sustainable development and environmental protection. By engaging communities, leveraging technology, and fostering partnerships among various stakeholders, China aims to create effective solutions to waste management challenges and promote a more sustainable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
