Greenpeace Philippines calls for strong Global Plastics Treaty on World Environment Day

Greenpeace Philippines urges plastic reduction on World Environment Day 2025. [photo credit: Greenpeace Philippines website]

As the world commemorates World Environment Day with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” Greenpeace Philippines is calling on governments—including the Philippines—to take decisive action in forging a strong and binding Global Plastics Treaty that targets the root of the plastic crisis.

The call comes amid increasing global concern over the health, environmental, and climate impacts of plastic pollution. Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines, emphasized that the issue extends far beyond mere waste management.

Plastic production must be cut at the source

“Plastic is choking our planet and our future,” said Ledesma. “It is not just a waste issue but a full-blown crisis that impacts health, food security, social equity, and the climate. To beat it, we have to cut plastic production.”

She pointed to the everyday consequences of plastic proliferation—particularly single-use plastics such as sachets—which continue to flood the environment, worsening climate and health risks. Ledesma warned that the Philippines, one of the world’s top plastic polluters, cannot continue to “drown in plastic” while climate threats grow more severe.

Greenpeace urges corporate accountability and systemic change

Greenpeace Philippines is pushing for a treaty that doesn’t only tackle waste, but also the entire plastic lifecycle—from extraction and manufacturing to disposal. The group argues that real solutions must include phasing out single-use plastics, scaling up reuse and refill systems, and holding corporations accountable for decades of pollution and harm.

“The treaty must reduce plastic production and support a just transition to reuse systems,” Ledesma added. “Anything less will fail to protect people, the environment, and future generations.”

Greenpeace’s demand is clear: the Philippine government must take a leadership role in the treaty negotiations, prioritize public health and environmental integrity, and stand up to corporate interests that profit from unchecked plastic production.

As World Environment Day 2025 shines a spotlight on plastic pollution, Greenpeace Philippines is calling for bold, global action to finally end the plastic crisis—not just manage it.