It is almost impossible to imagine now, but when founder Maria Westerbos established the Plastic Soup Foundation in 2011, there was virtually no attention paid to plastic pollution. The problem was even openly denied. Fortunately, much has changed in the fourteen years that have followed. Plastic is now recognised as one of the greatest environmental problems of our time and a direct threat to our health.
Humans are the only species on earth that wilfully pollute their own nest. Ever thought about that? During my time at Greenpeace I learned what is being dumped and the impact of plastic waste on nature. Western countries have developed gigantic waste streams that have devastating effects all over the world.
I have taken over the baton from Maria and will continue to fight plastic pollution with full force. We are well aware of the tsunami of disposable plastic packaging, but the threat of micro- and nanoplastics to our health is less well known. We will address this issue with politicians and the business community, with the help of the public.
I want our organisation to be able to provide a permanent answer to the question: What can I do about plastic in my body and that of my children and grandchildren?
We will soon be launching our brand-new app. It can provide many answers. It is a tool to help you make better choices. Impact from your pocket! Because we need to be ready when mobile first, mobile only becomes the norm. The new app is an improved version of the two current apps Beat The Microbead and My Little Plastic Footprint. Ready for the future to give everyone something to work with, to make different decisions immediately.
Alternative, sustainable systems and materials are already widely available. These materials deserve much more attention. Upscaling in the coming years is very possible, especially if investors start looking at the market differently. A major challenge, for which I am willing to make a major effort. Because clean alternatives can and must be given a visible place.
The Plastic Soup Foundation has recently also set up an Interest Group Microplastic & Health. We inform members of the European Parliament directly by bringing them into contact with experts from both science and industry. The Plastic Soup Foundation will make a difference with this.
Much has been achieved in recent years and we want to expand the movement towards less plastic. Maria will remain with the Plastic Soup Foundation. From now on as ‘Chief Changemaker’. A role that suits her perfectly. I thank Maria Westerbos and the Supervisory Board for their trust.
‘One Wave Towards a Plastic Free Future’,
Will you join us? See you soon!
Robbert Meulenveld
Director of the Plastic Soup Foundation
