Because it’s practical, versatile and inexpensive, plastic is used in a huge number of applications.

Global plastic production has exploded from 200 million tonnes in 2000 to 450 million tonnes in 2020, and is set to reach 950 million tonnes in 2030.

80% of plastic is not recycled and ends up in nature – in the air, soil and water around us. Plastic doesn’t break down through natural chemical processes; it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces and particles until it reaches the size of almost undetectable nanoparticles, which remain in the air we breathe, in the soil we cultivate, in the food we eat and, above all, in the water of lakes, rivers, seas and oceans, where marine animals can ingest them.

It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.

Already today, we ingest 5 grams of plastic a week, the equivalent of the size of a credit card!

Long ignored, the consequences of the presence of plastic in our environment have been highlighted by numerous medical and scientific studies, underlining the risks to our health, such as cancer, fertility problems, heart disease and so on.

It’s high time to act.

Numerous organizations around the world are mobilizing to protect our planet and our health.

Rotary International has made the fight against plastic a global environmental project and, in collaboration with other organizations, has launched the End Plastic Soup project.

Today, over 400 Rotary clubs are already partners in this project, with a short-term target of 1,000 clubs.

Our club, Rotary Atlantico, has become the ambassador for the End Plastic Soup project in our region.

Our aim is to motivate all interested Rotary and Rotaract clubs, as well as other organizations and public authorities, to join us.

Elements of our action include: informing and raising awareness of the problem of reducing plastic consumption (every minute, 1 million plastic bottles are produced worldwide), educating for better and more recycling, supporting scientific projects, carrying out clean-up actions in affected areas and attempting to intervene in the economic and political debate.

Funds raised at our club’s official charter ceremony on April 20, as well as proceeds from future projects, will go towards the End Plastic Soup project.

We hope you too will be passionate about protecting our environment and the health of our children, and generously support our cause. We’re counting on you.