The planet is on edge of a global plastic calamity | Erik Solheim

We urgently need consumers, business and governments to cut consumption of single-use, throwaway plastics, writes the UN Environment chief

Plastic pollution has grabbed the world's attention, and with good cause.

More than 100 years after its invention, we're addicted. To pass a day without encountering some form of plastic is nearly impossible. We've always been eager to embrace the promise of a product that could make life cheaper, faster, easier. Now, after a century of unchecked production and consumption, convenience has turned to crisis.